Which Kilt For a First Time Wearer?

[Dreadbelly]

I have been looking at Amerikilts and Utilikilts. And a few Bear Kilts.

Any advice on a kilt for a first timer? Which kilt and why? Price is a major consideration here.

Not to rag on Utilikilts or anything, but, the Amerikilt looks more "kiltlike". I guess because the sporran. I do like some of the UKs though.

Any advice or opinions would be welcome.

[bubba]

A Bear kilt, USAkilts or any in an easy care fabric I suppose. Poly/V would probably be the best fabric for a first kilt. Throw it in the washer and dryer, no fuss.

[GMan]

Shanty,

Bear's sight does have a kilt comparison section which is very helpful. Another source of information is reading the comments here on this forum of the various kilt makers in the various styles of kilts.

Another question you may want to ask yourself is do you want the more traditional look or are you comfortable with the plain color? As you may notice from the posts here, you cannot have just one kilt! I have both plain and tartan, and it just depends on where I am going as to what kilt I wear. The comments are about the same so the first kilt will have to be from within you, and how you feel about it.


I do hope that I have given you more insight. (or maybe confused you more )

[Rhino]

My advice is first to ask yourself what you want it for. Is it to show clan connections, for formal occassions, for everyday wear etc. That will narrow the options. Then pick the one that appeals most and the one you will wear the most.
Hope that helps
Cheers Rhino

[Raphael]

It depends on how much you want to spend. Utilikits and Amerikilts come with pockets and you don't need to pay extra for a sporran.

[Dreadbelly]

BTW, it's Shandy. As in Shandy Gaff Beer. I am told the name it self is Scottish. A Shanty is a shack.

I like Bear Kilts but don't want the trouble of trying to figure out which tartan I like the first time around. I am going to stick with basic black. At least I think. Unless there is a compelling reason not to.

Where I live, we have a lot of 100 degree days with 100% humidity. So light and airy is a factor.

Hmm. How do I put this?

I feel a sporran is important. It is what makes a kilt a kilt. It identifies it as a male garmet. It identifies it as a kilt, in a broad sense. We must remember, a sporran is where we get the term "kicked in the family jewels" from. Does not matter if you carry your wealth or your pipe tobacco, a sporran of some sort is just as important for us kilt wearers as the kilt it self. It is, IMHO, just another part of the garmet as a whole.

Perhaps a better question to add to the first was, what was your first kilt and why? What made you buy it?

[Graham]

Hi Shandy, welcome to the board, glad you found us.

Another comparison have been done by one of our members - elijah, you can see this here
http://www.adamsweb.us/elijah/casualkilts.html

I have 6 kilts, by 'best' kilt (for best I mean) is from Southerncelt.com, he does excellent work. My last two and my next kilt are from USA Kilts, Rocky and his staff do a great job at a good price and are very quick to supply.

I agree with Bubba, poly viscose is a great material for a kilt that is tough, easy to manage low cost and comfy to wear.

[David Woodington]

Like many have said it depends what you are going to be doing in it. If you were going to use it for hard dirty work I would stick with the Utilikilt or another such kilt.They are usually very sturdy and can be washed with ease.The only drawback to this kilt is that it is not as easily recognised as a kilt( to the uninitiated),and if you are just starting out and are really self-conscience this can be a problem for you if you get too many negative comments(note in reality the positive reactions you get will grossly outweigh the negative ones) .now on the other hand if your intention is to be able to go out to dressy social occasions ie dinner,semi formal party or out and about etc than a tartan kilt is in order.And you will have many different types,and materials to choose from (bear kilts for example) you can get wool tartan (expensive ) or a poly fiber mix (easier on the wallet ).perks for tartan are that it is easilly identified as a kilt
usually leading to more compliments(from women )and others.The heavier tartans usually hang well and have a good swing (ie you look great in it). If you have no clan affiliation and are worried about offending someone there are many tartans that anyone can wear.I have Hunting Stewart,and it is a beautifull tartan and there are many others or you can skip the tartan and go with a solid color.You are in luck as we have several kilt makers on this site who will be able to provide you with assistance.I have three kilts right now, one traditional tartan wool kilt and two Utilikilts.
good luck with your quest and hope to hear you are in your kilt soon.

Dave

[GMan]

Shandy,

OOPS Sorry about the misspelling, should have turned on my light or washed my glasses. I apologize.

My first kilt was a traditional wool Co Fermanagh from the House of Edgar, I felt that going traditional was the way to go. Once I started wearing it I realized the comfort level was well worth the expense of getting more. Bought a Utilikilt and really enjoy that, but then again it depends on where I go as to what kilt I wear. I have a mix of plain and tartan, but seem to really enjoy the tartan.

As far as the sporran is concerned I find that really is a neat aspect of the kilt, and some others wear a sporran with a plain color kilt, whether it came with the kilt (like Amerikilt) or not. It all boils down to your choice.

Good luck on your search.

[Raphael]

Have you looked at Stillwaters Kilt? I have one and they are not that expensive.