Kilted? In WI. Need Some Advice.

GG · 3rd March 10, 10:20 PM

Hi Artificer,

Being a Dane (with an around 150 years back German background), I’m almost in the same situation as are you; no Scottish gatherings to go to, and no wish to “play” a Scot, but just wear the kilt as a most comfortable, different, versatile and good looking manly garment.

I have no experiences with the suppliers you mention, but like you, I was to be seen in shorts, whenever possible - until I started wearing kilts. To me the kilt is 95 % casual wear and 5 % for not very formal dress up functions, like going to the concert hall, opera house and the like.

One of my favorite kilts is in the Holyrood tartan. I very like the blue, rather subtle colors and it is very easy to accessorize. I can recommend it.

Most of my kilts are woolen but I do have some acrylic ones, too. And I don’t have any problems with them, not even on very hot days, but perhaps you might better avoid 8 yarders.

About you getting hooked? I used to have a closet full of shorts. Now I haven’t bought any new ones for several years.
But I do have a closet full of kilts and I’m receiving a new one today, a “5 Yard Kilt by John Morrison (22.5, 42, 35, Pleat to the set, Colquhoun Ancient, N. Batley 16 oz (heavy)”.

I got an email yesterday from Heritage of Scotland that it had been shipped by Fedex and I have just tracked it.

Yesterday at 9.04 AM Fedex had received the papers from Heritage of Scotland; at 2:32 PM they had picked up the kilt; at 5:28 PM it was in transit; today at 1:10 AM it arrived in Paris and left at 1:57. About one hour ago, at 5:27 AM, it arrived at the sorting facilities at Copenhagen Airport. So in a few hours I’ll have a new kilt, which I couldn’t live without.

I warn you, once started, it never stops. You still have time to reconsider the whole thing.

Good luck!

Greg
www.dress2kilt.eu

**Chas** · 4th March 10, 03:43 AM

Hello Artificer,

Welcome to XMarks from the other side of the Atlantic in Norfolk, England.

Advice - you've come to the right place. We've got so much advice here, we give it away for free! And some of it won't be conflicting. Good luck with the weight loss.

Regards

Chas

**beloitpiper** · 4th March 10, 08:05 AM

Welcome, from Madison! I'd say get the German Heritage from USAK. That way you can have a real kilt with a tartan that means something to you. Plus, Rocky makes a fine kilt that'll hold up to beer and other rowdy behavior.

**McMathTX** · 4th March 10, 08:38 AM

Welcome from Fort Worth! I'm partial to the Nightstalker, but the German Heritage may also have special meaning for you, and that counts for a lot.
Dean

**Scotcop** · 4th March 10, 08:44 AM

Welcome from south of Madison!! good job on the weight loss BTW

**Dr Mac** · 4th March 10, 09:04 AM

, from Bryan/College Station!

**BoldHighlander** · 5th March 10, 02:59 AM

...from the far nw corner of Washington state!

**McClef** · 5th March 10, 05:02 AM

from South Wales UK!

**Sammac** · 5th March 10, 08:03 AM

Welcome from Michigan

**artificer** · 5th March 10, 06:12 PM

Firstly, thanks for the warm welcome and all the advice.

Secondly, Does anyone know if USAK does their casual with belted sides? even as an upcharge? I really like the look of a buckled right hip. I think it really helps the kilt look 'more like a kilt'.

After reading a bit more, it seems like the general opinion of the Sportkilt is to 'save it for highland games', would that be correct?

Lastly, does anyone have experience with The Scotland Kilt Co.? I know there was a bit of controversy and confusion regarding the Isle of Skye Tartan... but barring that, what's the opinion of their 8yd PV off-the-rack kilts?

Also, thanks for the congratulation on the weight loss, it's been a real b++ch, at least for the first two weeks, but well worth it. Hopefully, being able to fit a kilt and not 'outgrow' it will be incentive enough to keep the fat off.

Again,
thanks for all the help and the warm welcome.