Help me spend 250 USD

**Tattoo Bradley** · 15th November 07, 12:54 PM

Well, this is certainly all opinion. Sorry, but I think a tartan kilt without a sporran looks funny. It's not all about storage capacity... it just "looks" the part. Same goes for regular athletic socks in my eyes.

**Coinneach** · 15th November 07, 01:50 PM

I think I agree with McMurdo mostly. I'd go to Stillwater first. I'll offer that since you live in Texas, you might want to go with the Standard, acryllic rather than heavyweight wool. You may be able to afford two different tartans that way.

You definitely still need the belt and the sporran and sporrant strap. I've been happy so far with my nylon nightstalker.

At least one pair of hose might make you feel more comfortable for the cooler Texas nights.

If you get a lot of wind in your area, you might want to think about a kilt pin, too.

**Kent Frazier** · 15th November 07, 01:52 PM

Thanks for everyone's opinions so far. I'll try to answer the questions thus far:

Tartan: Fraser is my clan tartan. Since this is my first kilt, I'm thinking I would like one in a Fraser tartan. I am also open to the pros and cons of doing so.

Hose: There are no Highland games, or other activities (casual, formal, etc.) in my area. I envision this kilt being worn mostly in a casual setting with some mid rise hiking boots (my usual casual shoe). Would the socks sold a "boot socks" or "hiking socks" work for the time being? Being aware of the "kilt police" comments in another thread of mine.

Obviously, I would like the best kilt I can afford, given my limited funds, but I also don't want to be caught without the proper "outfit".

**Kent Frazier** · 15th November 07, 02:01 PM

Originally Posted by Coinneach

I think I agree with McMurdo mostly. I'd go to Stillwater first. I'll offer that since you live in Texas, you might want to go with the Standard, acryllic rather than heavyweight wool. You may be able to afford two different tartans that way.

How does the acryllic compare to the PV? I would like to get a wool kilt at some point in time.

**Monkey@Arms** · 15th November 07, 02:02 PM

Originally Posted by Kent Frazier

Hose: There are no Highland games, or other activities (casual, formal, etc.) in my area. I envision this kilt being worn mostly in a casual setting with some mid rise hiking boots (my usual casual shoe). Would the socks sold a "boot socks" or "hiking socks" work for the time being? Being aware of the "kilt police" comments in another thread of mine.

I wear hiking/boot socks with casual kilt outfits all the time (soccer socks too). The main idea is a bulky looking sock in a complementary color worn scrunched down.

Best regards,

Jake

**ccga3359** · 15th November 07, 02:05 PM

Everything TattooBrad said. Seriously look at USAKilts casual package. You budgeted a decent amount, you could go Stillwater and save some money or you can upgrade to Poly-Viscous with USAKilt. And Hey if you talk to Rocky real nice he'll bring the cost up to that $250 threshold (just don't go spreading that around). That being said if you were to go with SWK I'm sure you'd still be more than happy with the kilt.

**ccga3359** · 15th November 07, 02:08 PM

Originally Posted by Kent Frazier

How does the acryllic compare to the PV? I would like to get a wool kilt at some point in time.

PV is the closest thing to wool except for wool. USAKilts uses Marton Mills a high quality PV. It is teflon coated, machine washable (with care) hang to dry. DO NOT DRY CLEAN.

**Monkey@Arms** · 15th November 07, 02:10 PM

Originally Posted by Kent Frazier

How does the acryllic compare to the PV? I would like to get a wool kilt at some point in time.

The search feature is your friend:

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/p...x.html?t=28090

Best regards,

Jake

**TheKiltedWonder** · 15th November 07, 02:12 PM

I'd say that as long as the hiking/boot socks weren't bright/bleached white they'll look fine. Isn't there a picture of Ewan MacGregor sporting the kilt + boots and normal boot socks scrunched down?

I agree that a sporran looks nice with the kilt, so maybe you would like to use some of your money on the sporran. But to me it's not necessary. It really is a bit of opinion. Maybe try and find pictures of people with and without the sporran and see how you feel about it.

What downside could there be to wearing a tartan that has personal meaning to you? Doesn't mean you have to restrict yourself to one tartan but it sounds like a good first kilt choice.

Anyway, since you'll be wearing this mainly for you and not for an event, so don't worry too much about the kilt police. You'll never silence all of them anyway...

**fluter** · 15th November 07, 03:10 PM

Originally Posted by Kent Frazier

I envision this kilt being worn mostly in a casual setting with some mid rise hiking boots (my usual casual shoe). Would the socks sold a "boot socks" or "hiking socks" work for the time being?

Sure, ditto ski socks or over-the-calf dress socks, depending on your shoes. A fanny pack can double as a sporran until you get the kit assembled. It's your look: you choose!

My first kilt arrived ahead of sporran and hose. I had a fanny pack and some tall ski socks, so I wore it.

While some prefer the look of an inexpensive leather sporran, the SWK nylon cargo sporran ("Night Stalker") wins in my estimation for sheer utility.