1st Thread, First Kilt, Need help within

**Ozymandias** · 18th August 10, 11:39 AM

so the new rig should look something like this: Tartan is called "Scottish National". Wasnt my first pick... but the price was right.

**Downix** · 18th August 10, 11:59 AM

I'm in the middle of making a scottish national, beautiful tartan to work with.

**SmokinScotsman** · 18th August 10, 12:14 PM

I would say that the larger belt is what to go with. I used a "regular" belt for probably 3 yrs, until I had the 2.5 inch custom made.

I too am of slight build 5'10", 155lbs, 32-34 waist, 36-37 rump. For me thats why I don't like the 3rd buckle alot of people are putting on kilts nowadays, my tartan I had made with only the 2 waist buckles. I would definetly go for a material other than wool for the first one, just because of cost. If you really want the plaid pattern then I would say the PV option is best. As far as wool in Houston, just get an 11 or 13 oz. I live in Phooenix, I can wear my 13oz year round, hell I sweat in jeans. Just wear boxers in the summer, for sweat purposes. Check out Freedom kilts, he does both tartan and American kilts. Also for the PV, Skye Highland Outfitters.

**MacLowlife** · 19th August 10, 12:26 PM

Welcome, O,

One thing I have noticed is that different people have different ideas. As you point out, one set to keep in mind is what looks good to those you want to attract. There is a sort of all-chunky kilt aesthetic that favors boots and Doc Martens, but there are other ideals you will encounter that might work better with your lanky frame. If you look at the older drawings and illustrations from highland outfitters, you will notice plenty of slender gents looking very good in the kilt.

As a practical matter, I would advise getting the thickest socks you can afford and can wear in your locale. They will add welcome bulk to the silhouette of your legs.If you are going casual, you might look into a bulky sweater made from something other than wool- like cotton or a cotton blend. You get a slightly dressier version of what the rugby shirt does. A fleece pullover is not bad, either.

Please bear two things in mind- the market is full of good quality used gear at low prices and much of that is being offered by gentlemen who can't wear a 32 any more. You stand to gain from that.

Not everyone is crazy about the folks you ordered your kilt from. Their commitment to price sometimes seems to outweigh quality and other concerns, and customer service may be less than perfect. Having said that, many people keep going back to them because of price. I hope your experience is a good one.

As you wander around the X, I hope you will notice all of the options available to you- retrofitting your own jackets, wearing belts and shoes bought for other pursuits, making your own sporran or flashes, etc. Whether you become Mr Kilt or just one more guy who likes to wear it on occasion, your Kilted Life should be better now that you are here.

Welcome

**Ozymandias** · 19th August 10, 12:42 PM

MacLowlife.... et al,

The level of knowledge and willingness to help around here is second to none. I thank you all for your comments, and MacLowlife, I appreciate your words of wisdom on the company I ordered from, but that is exactly the kind of things I can learn about from you gents.

The price was what attracted me to get that kilt... and yeah, I do hope for the best as well. Being a little bit of an adult with ADD doesnt me make well thought out calculations, so sometimes I just have to roll with what I have.

There was another gent in my local area who offered to help as well, and may have some used gear. I never really thought about the secondary market, but at the price point of the "good stuff" it would make sense that it would be a strong market for someone to recoup some of their investment for quality goods that no longer fit.

I have some Hose on order, premium (described as being fairly thick 70% / 30%), and am shopping for some shoes already. I wound up getting the wife the mini-sports kilt from SK.com (wink wink) She doesn't know it yet, but I'm full of surprises.

On the nature of looks, and attire:
I am struggling with this one, but I am now leaning away from the whole Doc Marten thing now, and am prolly going to be wearing at least black wingtips with a nicer shirt in order to maximize the tradition of why I am getting this thing in the first place. I have some other stuff ordered as well, the Pin, Hose, flashes as stated, and another shirt. Now, I just need to wait and get it all in and hope I didn't make too many hasty decisions that I regret.

But I do thank all of you for helping me so much. This is not an inexpensive endeavor.

**jilly** · 30th August 10, 06:01 AM

I personally think tall skinny guys look lovely, in Kilts or otherwise!

Myself personally being tall and skinny (even though i'm a girl) I understand being self conscious about it.

I think any kiltmakers worth there salt will be able to advise you properly when you go in and steer you in the right direction. I am no expert but my dad is very kilt-friendly and he used to go to one round the corner from us in Pailsey and they would never let you look a fool and would talk you through the best options. I assume it would be the same for any reputable place!

Best of luck- don't forget to show pictures of the results!

Jill

**BatlRatl** · 30th August 10, 06:42 AM

Originally Posted by jilly

I personally think tall skinny guys look lovely, in Kilts or otherwise!

Myself personally being tall and skinny (even though i'm a girl) I understand being self conscious about it.

I think any kiltmakers worth there salt will be able to advise you properly when you go in and steer you in the right direction. I am no expert but my dad is very kilt-friendly and he used to go to one round the corner from us in Pailsey and they would never let you look a fool and would talk you through the best options. I assume it would be the same for any reputable place!

Best of luck- don't forget to show pictures of the results!

Jill

Indeed, Jilly is right on the mark. Still kinda skinny, boney (not bonnie) kneed me, think I look great in a kilt. Just because youre taller than the average, does'nt mean you can't look good. You have to try different styles of shirts, jackets, etc. and take pictures to see for yourself what works for you. But most of all, with whatever you wear with your kilt, wear confidence.
WELCOME TO THE RABBLE!

ith:

**jilly** · 3rd September 10, 07:29 AM

How did you get on then?

**James Byous** · 3rd September 10, 09:37 AM

Originally Posted by Ozymandias

so the new rig should look something like this: Tartan is called "Scottish National". Wasnt my first pick... but the price was right.

Personally, I think it looks great.

**biblemonkey** · 25th October 10, 08:13 AM

I understand exactly what you mean about skinny guys and kilts, I'm 6'-1" 170 lbs and athletic but my calves are very thin and I have no hips at all. I wear 8" high steel toe black work boots by wrangler in casual situations. Manly, tough, just worn enough to look rustic (yes they are clean, guys, I wear the kilt with respect) and they thicken up the look of my calves. I usually wear a good pair of high-topped Smartwool hiking socks that come to just above the boot by 2-3" to finish out the foot wear. I'm working on a sporran but my "kilt" belt is a 3" black belt with a large oval belt buckle with a Christian cross over embossed black leather I bought at a department store. Didn't want to go traditional on belts and sporrans yet. In casual wear (the bar) that sporran may be a bit much if you don't need the storage space for wallet, etc.