Brand of kilt for a beginner?

[braunidude]

I'm new to the kilt business and have just started researching what brand of kilt to buy. Obviously price is an issue. So what are your opinions on the best value for a first kilt?
I've looked at lots of web sites and still am not sure. Could you list the brands in order of preference?
Thanks in advance.

[Vince]

Welcome Braunidude!

A very good but wide open question. You may have to narrow it down a bit. Are you looking for a traditional kilt, a modern kilt, tartan or solid color, a particular material, do you have a price range to consider, etc?

Again, welcome to the forum; let us know a little bit about you and your kilt interests.

[Raphael]

You have to ask yourself:

How much do you want to spend?

Do you want Tartan or Plain?

WIll you be Buying Accessories, say Sporrans, Belts, Hose?

Can you wear Off the Rack or do you want your kilt Tailored?

[Rigged]

I'd start with asking myself, "When would I wear it?" That will give a good indication of whether you want something for partying, everyday wear, business dress, or something more formal.

That should narrow your search down to kiltmakers who make the type of kilt you want to wear.

After that you can think about features (pockets or no, plain or tartan, wash & wear or dryclean).

Keep in mind that your choice of features might affect the accessories you'll want (you'll probably want a sporran if you get a kilt without pockets, for instance).

That narrows your search even more.

Then, consider price.

It also helps to look at lots of pictures of guys in kilts and look for the styles that look good on your body type.

[TheFly]

Having just recieved my very first kilt, I'm probably not the most qualified person to answer this. But I can say this, regardless of what you choose, you will more than likely start thinking about your next kilt immediately.

Read the various forums dedicated to he suppliers on this forum and you'll get an idea of their kind of kilts. Whether they're traditional, modern and more utilitatian, or what.

That's what I did and I ended up getting my kilt just a few weeks later. Won't tell you from who, but searching will get you that answer.

[braunidude]

Welcome Braunidude!

A very good but wide open question. You may have to narrow it down a bit. Are you looking for a traditional kilt, a modern kilt, tartan or solid color, a particular material, do you have a price range to consider, etc?

Again, welcome to the forum; let us know a little bit about you and your kilt interests.

I tend to lean more towards the traditional kilt, although a more modern one isn't out of the question. I feel like the traditional kilts are more easily recognized as a kilt, some of the modern ones have a slight appearance of a skirt, IMHO. And unfortunately, my price range is as cheap as I can go.

[braunidude]

You have to ask yourself:

How much do you want to spend?

Do you want Tartan or Plain?

WIll you be Buying Accessories, say Sporrans, Belts, Hose?

Can you wear Off the Rack or do you want your kilt Tailored?

As I said, I'd like to spend as little as possibe.
I prefer tartan, although I'm not aware of any Scottish blood in my family.
I was thinking of wearing the kilt casually, no sporrans or hose. Although those could certainly be added.
Absolutely "off the rack", I think it's a bit early to be considering something tailored.

[braunidude]

I'd start with asking myself, "When would I wear it?" That will give a good indication of whether you want something for partying, everyday wear, business dress, or something more formal.

That should narrow your search down to kiltmakers who make the type of kilt you want to wear.

After that you can think about features (pockets or no, plain or tartan, wash & wear or dryclean).

Keep in mind that your choice of features might affect the accessories you'll want (you'll probably want a sporran if you get a kilt without pockets, for instance).

That narrows your search even more.

Then, consider price.

It also helps to look at lots of pictures of guys in kilts and look for the styles that look good on your body type.

Again, I would be wearing the kilt casually, probably every day wear. Nothing too formal I suppose.
I think the easiest wearing and easiest cared for would be best, no dry cleaning or special cleaning would be best.
Accessories aren't that important. I suppose it could be accessorized at any time.
And for price.... I'd like to keep it under $100, just plain budget reasons

[awoodfellow]

ahh. bang for your buck.

seriously..... want inexpensive and tartan? may i suggest a Stillwater Kilt in the Black Watch flavor. nicely conservative and tartan enough to satisfy most appetites. you can order directly from jerry at stillwaterkilts.com. in the neighborhood of $85.00 including shipping.

plus, but all means, get a pair or two of hose. you can find them for around 12.00 US. oh, and flashes!

you can forgo the sporran for now, but you'll soon want one. and a belt ... and a buckle and another kilt and another kilt .....

listen. once you get it, there is no cure!

ambrose

ps ... don't hesitate .. like i did for years. whether you go for a Stillwater or not, don't sit and fret and worry, just do it. we're all here to support you. whatever you get it will be an experience you won't soon forget.

[macwilkin]

Some "food for thought": I know that you would like an inexpensive kilt, but let me caution you with a tale from my own past:

Many years ago when I joined a Civil War reenactment group, I rushed out and bought what I considered to be the "best" uniform and other pieces of "kit" I could find, and at the "cheapest" price. I soon discovered that I had made a big mistake. Instead of researching and spending a little more money to get the most accurate reproductions possible, which would allow me to do living history with the National Park Service and reenact with "hardcore" authentic reenactor types, I had just wasted a large amount of money on "farby" items (reenactor slang for inaccurate and incorrect), and consequently, I had to buy everything over again.

Now, I realise there is a difference between CW reenacting and kilt wearing. It is tempting to rush out and buy the cheapest thing available, but if I could do it all over again, waiting and buying the best (and spending as much money as you can afford to do so) will produce quality kit that will last a lifetime.

Just my two bob's worth...

Cheers,

T.