I have a modern kilt and want a great kilt.

[Fit2BKilted]

As far as the sporran goes, I definately am looking to spend 50-65 bucks, but I would like to get a pretty casual one, I am not too fancy. Haha.

-Zach

Given your budget on this item, I highly recommend this seller's product! I wear it almost everyday, and I have also given a full review of it on this site... You can buy one at Oh Susanna's Leather here.

Also, on the matter of going sans-sporran: as I understand it, Scottish Regiments did not consider sporrans part of the un-dress uniform, e.g., while private soldiers were engaged in fatigues or construction et al. And it is my opinion that this stands to reason, given that you needn't carry your purse with you at all times, especially when it may present a safety risk... Of course that [safety] is also the principal reason behind the development of the modern 'little kilt' if legend is to be believed (mechanized woollen mills and such). Personally, I often take my sporran off when I about my own house, for comfort (I pack a lot of sundries into my sporran), and I'm confident that that has not been an uncommon practice throughout the history of sporrans/purses in general, as one's belongings are presumably safe within one's own dwelling. However, that being said, the sporran is an integral part of 'modern' highland dress, and as such, I would not go without one of appropriate formality in settings where a dress-suit (or more formal attire) might otherwise be called for.

Just my tuppence.

[Nighthawk]

Given your budget on this item, I highly recommend this seller's product! I wear it almost everyday, and I have also given a full review of it on this site... You can buy one at Oh Susanna's Leather here.

Just my tuppence.

You know what? I just made one like that for myself! They're so incredibly useful!! And that's a great price! So with that being said, I personally don't like going without a sporran. I think they can either make or break a kilted outfit, as can your use of a belt. I think kilts need sporrans to look right. As Fit2B said, though...

Just my tuppence.

[Chas]

My issue is I dont want to ruffle any feathers, is that an issue for most?

The thing is Zach - if you don't tell them, they will never know. If you don't want it to be an issue, don't make it one and it won't be. Wear your kilt boldly - like you were born to it and no one will ever question you.

Regards

Chas

[Burly Brute]

Thanks so much all, great, great advice! And I am really digging:

http://ohsusannasleather.com/?202002009038

Although, the festival is tomorrow so I may take a walk and browse the goods. But thanks again to you all! Awesomeness!!

Best,

Zach

P.S. Oh, I am already addicted...just...one..more...2 more...3? ...make it even with 4...5? haha

[dutchy kilted]

Welcome to our shared addiction from Lancaster County, Pennsylvania!

Do you really need a great kilt? I have a fantastic wool great kilt that I can't even think of wearing unless it is below 20 degrees because it just too stinking warm! (Accent on the "stinking.") I can't imagine you would get much use out of it in Phoenix. Use the money you would spend and instead buy a high-quality kilt belt, some sporrans to switch off, and a nice collection of functional kilts to fill your closet!

[Burly Brute]

Welcome to our shared addiction from Lancaster County, Pennsylvania!

Do you really need a great kilt? I have a fantastic wool great kilt that I can't even think of wearing unless it is below 20 degrees because it just too stinking warm! (Accent on the "stinking.") I can't imagine you would get much use out of it in Phoenix. Use the money you would spend and instead buy a high-quality kilt belt, some sporrans to switch off, and a nice collection of functional kilts to fill your closet!

Well I would use it mostly for hiking the mountains up north, and to just look bad arce!

[LadyoftheLake]

A great kilt is about the easiest thing to get. It doesn't need to be a specific clan tartan, unless you desire such. All you really need is to do is buy 4(ish) yards of fabric and hem the ends. For your height, you should probably look for something 60" wide, as Pleater said before. You can get plaid wool and wool blends from almost any fabric site, though I find fabric.com has some of the best deals. The easiest way to make sure you belt it at your waist is, once you have pleated it, lay down with the selvage at the backs of your knees, then run the belt beneath you and buckle it around you waist. Make sure you have left enough unpleated on both ends for the aprons so as to preserve your modesty.

As to the sporan, I am in agreement with MacMillan's Son. Don't worry about it, as long as you get one as soon as possible. Bear in mind you will need a second, thin belt for the sporan.

The following website gives very good instructions on how to pleat the kilt, and several different styles of wearing the upper half.

It's great to see someone in a great kilt. It may seem daunting at first, but I'm sure you will love it.
http://www.theweebsite.com/greatkilt/index.html

[piperdbh]

Here's a wrench thrown into the works.

What if, instead of a 4-yard great kilt, you instead buy 2 yards of tartan to match your kilt, sew a 3" wide hem along one end, run your belt through it, fasten the belt about you, and bring the length of the fabric up over your shoulder a la great kilt, and go about your merry way?
Regardez:


Here are better-written directions.

[thescot]

A great kilt is a fine thing to wear, and I enjoy mine on the rare occassions that I wear it. Usually, it is for very dressy occassions, although I have been known to don it with a blue-painted face for Halloween. The kids loved it.

It's easy to do, but I reccomedn that you get 5 yards of cloth. You and I are about the same size, and try to find 60" although 58" will do. You can shop the remnant sales of Burnett's and Struth or some other supplier to find a better price. 5 yards is pretty short, so if you find a remnant, it ought to be very attractivey priced.

If you want to go all out, you could even have a competent tailor sew in some belt loops at the right place to facilitate donning the thing. I wish I had done that when I ordered my, but I was unwisely frugal. Also, the ends (the 60" side, not the selvage side) should be frayed a bit, but yoy can do that sitting on the couch while watching the news. I recommend So You're Going to Wear . . . for some good advice on setting the whole thing up.

Good luck

[wildrover]

Well I would use it mostly for hiking the mountains up north, and to just look bad arce!

You got it!

Don't sweat the kilt police (we all have our deputized moments)...and don't sweat the sporran so much. Throw on a t-shirt, ditch the sporran, very comfortable. It's a level of formality akin to sweats, or your favorite pair of thrashed but comfortable jeans. Maybe think twice about dressing like that and going to the mall in your flops...you're almost certainly gonna get the "skirt" comments...but around other guys who wear kilts, nobody is gonna care.

...Although we might care if you wear white socks.