Advice for first time Kilt buyer

**A-Andersen** · 19th March 05, 01:47 PM

I am about to purchase my first kilt so I was pleased to learn about this forum as the more research I seem to do about kilts, the more factors and choices seem to appear

I am looking for a casual wear kilt that I can use once in a while for everyday use or (not-formal) parties.
My measures are waist: 92 cms (about 36" I think), hip: 102 cms (about 40") and length 55-60 cms (where on the knee should the kilt end?)

I'd like a traditional look though I haven't got a specific tartan in mind.

I have been looking at Stillwater and BearKilts. I think I would prefer poly-viscose fabric (Bear Kilts) but the price difference is also bigger. I was planning on a budget of $100 but on the other hand I don't want discount that I end up being disappointed with.

I would like to add a sporran later but for now I'm just after the kilt.

I like dark blue colours and from Bear Kilts I like Oakleigh, Ramsay Blue or Royal Stewart.
However I think it's difficult to picture the overall look of the kilt from those small pictures featured on the website. Does anyone have pictures of (any) tartans from Bear Kilts?

I am also open about suggestions about different shops. There is a 30% import fee when buying items outside the EU in Denmark, so perhaps I would be better off finding a EU seller?

Thanks you in advance for any advice

**Jewddha** · 19th March 05, 02:51 PM

Just a note that Bears prices are in Candadian, I'm not sure if that makes a difference, but it might.

**Jimmy Carbomb** · 19th March 05, 02:57 PM

You would be WELL advised to buy from BearKilts, if you're looking for a REAL NICELY sewn kilt at a GREAT price. The quality that he's putting out these days is unbelievable! For the price... you just can't beat them.

Yes, there are less expensive kilts on the market, and some are actually quite nice. You just can't go wrong with Bear.

On the other spectrum... if you have the time to iron and care for your kilt, the StillWater STANDARD kilts are well worth the $75.00. Three buckles, tight pleats, tapered apron and a few nice tartans make them a real smart buy. There are a LOAD of guys on this board that will attest to the STANDARD model's quality and look.

For the sporran... you just can't go wrong with "Freelander's" sporrans, or the ones available through Buzz Kidder at buzzkidder.com.

**A-Andersen** · 19th March 05, 03:32 PM

It is also my impression that Bear Kilts are great worth for the money.
However I think it might be better to find a seller in the EU since the final price will be too high.

For example.
A 4yd kilt is 130 USD.
Shipping is 15 USD.
Then I have to add Danish clothes tax (12,5% of 145 USD) which is 18 USD.
After that I have to add VAT (25% of 163 USD) which is 41 USD.
The total cost then is 204 USD of which 59 is tax

If I order from inside the EU there will be no such additional taxes.
I am considering buying from tartanwear-direct instead.
Then a kilt will be £42 plus shipping, which is about 106 USD in total.

From what I read Tartanwear-direct is a bit more 'discount' than Bear Kilts but is a Bear Kilt worth the extra 100 USD?

**Doc Hudson** · 19th March 05, 03:53 PM

I'm an amature myself, so you can take my opinions with a huge grain of salt, i.e. skepticism.

From what I've seen and learned form highly informed folks here at XMarks, those kilts marketed for under a hundred quid are generally not worth a hundred pence.

You'd do better to save you money and buy better quality than to waste good money on poor quality kilts.

I strongly urge you to give serious consideration to outfits like BearKilts, or USAKilts and forget junk like the MacKilts, and budget kilts that go for around 50 Pounds Sterling. Stillwater is a possibility, IF nothing else is available.

Just my opinion, take it for what it's worth.

**GMan** · 19th March 05, 05:16 PM

I can only speak of the kilts on this side of the Atlantic (North America). You cannot go wrong with a Bear Kilt really great workmanship.

Many of our European members could give you better advice as far as the total cost and advantages of the kilts to get without doing major harm to your wallet.

After saying all that, I want to welcome you to this board. It truly is a learning experience, because I learn something daily.

**elijah** · 19th March 05, 05:45 PM

The European sellers tend to be so much higher. I can't think of a European seller who would be cheaper than Bear (even with the mark), Campbell Kilts would probably be the cheapest.

**Kilted Kit** · 21st March 05, 12:52 PM

For the first time kilt buyer in the E U , I would recommend a budget kilt from
Scotwebstore.
I have one of their 'Dark Island'casual kilts which is beautifully made by
Edgar of Scotland. It was only 4 yards (instead of 6 yards as advertised) so they arranged for a part refund. They also offer a discount for Xmarks subscribers.
If you go for it ,check the length.