Hail and well met

[donursus]

Hello hello, my name is Donovan, I am from South Dakota, a state that is massive in size, but not in people.
As of yet, every kilt I own is from Sport Kilt, one of a clan I had thought I had blood with (but turned out to be wrong), and their Irish Revenge. Love em both, and am planning to expand the wardrobe soon with a 3rd, though I haven't decided what style, or even company, I am getting it from. The first kilt I have is kinda borderline fancy, while the second is way more casual in how I wear it. This third one I am wanting to be the one I wear EVERYWHERE.
At this time I have two major questions: do I probably need to explain to the dry cleaner what to do when I take it in, and what do I tell the guy?
Also, I am a massive fan of vests, and even without a jacket I think they look boss paired with a kilt, but do any of you have some good advice on what cuts to avoid, or maybe have links to some good vests to pair with a kilt?

[Liam]

Welcome from Calgary!

[MacEanruig]

Welcome to XMarks, Donovan! By the way, we all refer to vests as waistcoats here. As for cleaners, somebody else may provide better advice than me.

[McClef]

from South Wales UK!

[Spartan Tartan]

from Rhode Island.

I like vests as well. I like them when not wearing my kilt too. As to styles, I find those with the flat bottom work well. The flat bottom avoids interference with your sporran.

There are several wonderful kilt makers here as well. Take your time to find one that you feel you can work with. You will be amazed how much difference there is when wearing a kilt make mamad to your measurements.

[Kiltedjohn]

Welcome from the West Midlands of England.

[cck]

from the highland lochs of Texas.
I like vests too, but you can run into a problem caused by the kilt being worn higher than trousers. The bottom of the vest/waistcoat can interfere with the sporran. If you have a long upper body or a kilt that you wear lower, a conventional vest may work. Recently I found a couple of vests that were super-sale priced. Not wanting to pass up a bargain, I was able to easily modify the bottoms to work well with my kilts.

[Stitchwiz]

Hi Donovan!

Before taking your kilt to the cleaners, take the time to baste down your pleats. You will need to put in about three rows of basting stitches to make sure the pleats will stay straight during the cleaning process. This is cheap insurance. This will prevent them from being pressed incorrectly. You don't want splayed pleats. Some cleaners know how to press properly. Some will say they do - but they don't. Better safe than sorry.

from Owen Sound, ON

[Father Bill]

Welcome to the "Great Rabble!"

[Tarheel]

Well met Donovan. Another vest (waistcoat) guy here. Heat and humidity dictate my decision with that mostly. Here are the things that I (and I believe you) will consider and get good info about from this site.
Dry cleaning compared to hand washing. Finding that one particular cleaner that knows how to do your kilt with care, honor, thoroughness, etc. Speed, time and efficiently washing your own kilts.
Wearing of sporrans or not (related to your vests) Kilts with pockets or not (also with vests.)
Vests with jackets, coats and/or sweaters (S. Dakota is chillier than Mississippi)
The list gains size and momentum after that but don't freak out, that 's what we and before you realize it, you are here for. Welcome from Oxford, MS..