Advice for high school prom

[Father Bill]

That's a great idea! I just looked up ex rentals on Kilt Rental USA, they seem to be a good choice for either a PC or Argyle jacket. As for the time frame, I've got a long while, as our prom is in March, me and my girl are just a couple of eager beavers I suppose, plus it's good to have everything I need sooner than later.

I've never actually taken the time to measure my jacket size, I'm guessing small? At 6'1 I'm a pretty slender dude.

Jackets don't come in S / M / L. They come in exact sizes. Go to any men's wear store and try on several jackets. Then go to another store and try on jackets by a different manufacturer. You'll then find your size and be able to tell the rental place. I wear anything from a 44 to a 48 depending on who made it. Telling that to a reputable rental place, they'll know which manufacturers make things larger or smaller than others.

Best of all, if you find somebody willing to sell ex-hires and can get to the rental place, try them on! In my case they had a tailor on site who changed some of the darts and tucks for no charge to make an ex-hire jacket fit me as if it were made just for me while I waited. Twenty-five minutes and I was out the door. (Fascinating lady - a tiny Vietnamese kilt-maker named "Lucy" and a darned fine seamstress at that. I'm delighted to have met her!)

Time is clearly on your side.

Next question: would your lady-love wear a sash matched in tartan to your kilt?????

[Lady Grey]

A boring word of advice from a mother.
Rent, borrow or buy cheap your jacket.
You are still growing and will continue into your early 20's. Investing in a good quality jacket Now would be false economy at your age.
My 22yr old is still growing up & out (I'm gobsmacked I produced such a tall broad shouldered specimen. He's heading over to Japan in 2 days to climb some mountains.... I fully expect to see even more breadth & muscles when he returns in a month)

I'm still voting for funky black hose!!

[Martin Septim]

Next question: would your lady-love wear a sash matched in tartan to your kilt?????

She's decided to wear jewelry that matches my tartan. She was really excited about the idea of me going all dressed up for it. Though it may be a ways off, I think we're both very excited for it

[Father Bill]

She's decided to wear jewelry that matches my tartan. She was really excited about the idea of me going all dressed up for it. Though it may be a ways off, I think we're both very excited for it

Hmm! A girl who's that excited about a date with you that far in advance may be a keeper.

I work cheap if she is!

[Pat Stephens]

This was very interesting thread to read! I hope you will tell us how the prom goes! By the way, I am also in Florida and my wife teaches K-12, and I would LOVE IT if I heard someone went to prom in a kilt!

She's decided to wear jewelry that matches my tartan. She was really excited about the idea of me going all dressed up for it. Though it may be a ways off, I think we're both very excited for it

This is wonderful for her to do and I am glad you appreciate her for the kindness and inclusion she has shown you!

[McMurdo]

A few years ago I befriended a young man named William who was planning on wearing his kilt to prom. When he asked for permission he was told no by his principal and school board. The first thing I would do is ask permission, you would not want to be turned away at the door. After that I would take a look at the 1 kilt 10 looks thread paying attention to the last part of the thread.

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...-attire-46888/

[Sir Didymous]

For my bit, all I want to say is no blades. Schools typically don't take tradition into account on such matters. I wouldn't even do the bladeless type of sgian as they are too expensive for a toy knife. Also, a good pair of solid hose are just as acceptable for black tie as diced.

Whatever you wear, wear it with confidence. The kilt will already give you the advantage over all of those rented tuxedos.

[WillowEstate]

Hi Martin,
you seem to be making good progress in assembling your outfit and you are extremely lucky to have your young lady take an active part in ensuring you both look stunning.

To re-iterate what other member have already said, do be absolutely sure to get approval from your Principal, preferably in writing, in case the present incumbent moves on. Nothing in the world would be worse than to be refused entry on your night of nights.

Alan H.'s advice is excellent. Plain hose would be very suitable, perhaps a subdued colour like the dark green that House of Cheviot calls "Ancient Green" or a similarly subdued dark blue (I'm assuming you are going with the Strachan Modern but if you are going with one of the other lighter setts, maybe a lighter Lovatt Green or Blue?). Flashes, perhaps the same red as the line in the tartan wouldn't be too matchy?

For your Jacket, ex-hire is a great suggestion and you have the time to research. But do bear in mind Lady Grey's caution that you are still "filling out" - possibly rent the jacket for the evening?

I agree with earlier comments, no weaponry and no fly Plaid, especially in Florida! A white shirt (personal preference is plain, rather than dress) and bow tie (tied, not clip on and you are good to go.

Good luck!

[Deirachel]

Martin,

For your jacket and shirt SIZE (your dress shirts should also be by the measure, not S, M, L... they should be something like 15/32 which is neck/sleeve measure) just go to your local JC Penneys, Jos A Banks, Men's Wearhouse, or similar large department store. The men's department at the large stores, or the sales people at the speciality shops will know how to measure you. (You might want to bring the money for a tie or something small like cufflinks/studs if you hit the specialty shops, they work on commission.)

Remember European sizing is a bit less loose as the American sizing, so don't be surprised if your jacket seems on the tight side (but not constricting).