Advice for first time Kilt buyer

[M. A. C. Newsome]

If you are looking for a second hand traditional kilt, you don't have to live near somewhere that might have an old rental stock for sale. This is the age of the internet!

You can begin with this very site. Check out the "For Sale" section. I have not a few kilts listed there myself, as do others.
http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=23

I should also say that we, at the museum gift shop, keep a "specials" page with second hand, consignment, and overstock items, including kilts. I think I have all of our kilts listed on this site, but just in case I don't here's the link.
http://giftshop.scottishtartans.org/specials.htm

A lot of other kilt retailers will have similar pages on their web sites.

Then let's not forget about Ebay. Do a search for "kilts" and you'll find a hodgepodge of lady's skirts, non-traditional kilts, casual kilts, etc. But in and among those, you will find some actual traditional kilts for sale, sometimes at a very reasonable price. You just have to know what you are looking for. Again, you can do an Ebay search from this very site:
http://www.xmarksthescot.com/xbay.php

Lastly, you can just do a Google search for "second hand kilts" and see what comes up.

When looking to buy a pre-owned kilt, I always tell people to not be too fussy about the tartan. Yes, get a tartan you like, but don't feel that you need to wait around until you find your particular family tartan. When looking for a used kilt, you need to first worry about finding one in your size. The odds of finding a second hand kilt in your size, in your tartan, are slim. So if you find one in your size (and budget), so long as you like the tartan, don't worry about wearing "someone else's" tartan.

If you really need to have a kilt in a particular tartan, well, bite the bullet and have one made for you. But if you are willing to be flexible on the tartan choice, you can find some really great deals.
Aye,
Matt

[Jimmy Carbomb]

I was actually surprised recently when I did a Rental Kilt search, and found that there are a LOAD of Formalwear shops that have access to them. You really don't need to find a shop that stocks them... just one with access to them. I asked every one of them about the "purchase" option, and absolutely every one was positive. The prices ranged from $240 to $320 USD.

True... the tartan selections were minimal, but the quality and cost were worth a little fudging.

[GMan]

I was at an antique shop yesterday and found a "tank" for a decent price ($125 US). It was a Black Watch, unfortunately it was the wrong size I would have had to lose about 25% of my body in order for it to fit me. Yes deals are out there, you just have to look for them at some of the strangest places too.

[bear]

I was at an antique shop yesterday and found a "tank" for a decent price ($125 US). It was a Black Watch, unfortunately it was the wrong size I would have had to lose about 25% of my body in order for it to fit me. Yes deals are out there, you just have to look for them at some of the strangest places too.

I bet that kilt would fit someone on this board!

[Donnie]

Go with a Bearkilt or a USAKilt. They are GREAT!
Poly viscose is the only way to go!

[A-Andersen]

Thank you all for your advice.
I received my kilt today and it looks great.

Anyways, I have a stupid question, just to be sure and not ruining a new kilt; I am supposed to remove the stitching that holds the pleats together at the bottom, right?

I'll see if I can get a few photos in the weekend.

Thanks guys!

[GMan]

CONGRATULATIONS on your kilt arrival!

Yes removal of the stitching is OK.

Wear it with pride my friend!

[Manu]

Congrats on your new kilt. Now you are probably planning on your second one and third one, amI right? Same thing happened to me...

[Avonlea22]

Thank you all for your advice.
I received my kilt today and it looks great.

Congrats on the new kilt! Where did you end up buying it?

[macgreggor]

My condol...congratulations!
I just bought my first and it is somewhere between here and there. how about some pics?
macG
ps get ready for the need for "just one more"