Hi everyone

[Flutterby]

RJI, thanks for the welcome.

As for the different factors... well, just keep in mind that you're starting from the ground up with me since I am clueless about a lot of this. I know that they are pretty pricey (compared to pants anyway), but since I am making a gift of this I think I could spend between $200-250 on one. I imagine he'd use it mainly for special occasions, although he did mention wearing it to his classes and as every day wear. I think it would be nice to have it as traditional as possible, but I don't know the pros and cons of that.

I'd love to hear any opinions on what you all prefer and why. If someone were making a gift of it for you, what would you want?

[bubba]

RJI, thanks for the welcome.

but since I am making a gift of this I think I could spend between $200-250 on one.

In that price range look at USAKilts semitraditional in poly viscose. Excellent kilt at a good price. www.usakilts.com

[flyv65]

What is the price range on the Alexis Malcolm walking kilts? In Flutterby's price range I think?? I think some of the twill traditional look contempory kilts are pretty sharp too (Freedom, Pittsburgh, etc.).

Bryan...if Tracy was doing something like this for me, I'd *definitely* want to be in on the selection-this is a sizeable chunk of change you're spending...

[GMan]

Ellie welcome. You have already been given some really sound advice. I would suggest that you read all the kiltmaker forums and get a feel for what we all have done with our kilt purchases. Regardless of what you decide, I am sure that your husband will enjoy kilt wearing, as they are so comfortable.

[Prester John]

Ellie

Welcome!

I really think the best place to start would be a semi-traditional from USAKilts.

Rocky and Kelly are some of the best when it comes to making kilts in the US, and their semi-traditional will give you all the benefits of a traditional kilt, with all the benefits of a casual kilt, including washability and price.

It would be very hard to go wrong that way, for a first kilt.

When your husband wants 4 or 5 more kilts, THEN you can take things to the next level.

Just my two cents. Good luck. It should be a fun experience for you!

[Flutterby]

You guys have been a great help! Thank you for the nice welcome and the input.

I really think the best place to start would be a semi-traditional from USAKilts.

Rocky and Kelly are some of the best when it comes to making kilts in the US, and their semi-traditional will give you all the benefits of a traditional kilt, with all the benefits of a casual kilt, including washability and price.

I really appreciate you pointing out washability. I hadn't thought about that, but it IS an important factor. I checked out USAKilts and was totally impressed. I'm beginning to think that no matter what I end up getting him I can't go wrong.

I will have to second the opinion that your husband will like any kilt you get for him. Many men have to overcome the reluctance of their wife/girlfriend/SO when buying a kilt, but you are already past that. Bravo for you in being forward thinking and open minded!

Thanks! I'd love to see more women supporting their man's decision to wear a kilt. I can't think of anything finer than a man in a kilt, so I'll certainly do my part to get my husband into one!

[Graham]

Welcome Ellie, it's wonderful to see a wife caring so much for her husband as to want to buy him a kilt. I warms the heart!!

If it's tartan you want, I will add that our sponsor USA kilts is a good and safe place to get a kilt. I have half a dozen of their kilts and I love every one.

Was there a particular tartan you were thinking of?

[Riverkilt]

Welcome,

How old is your husband? Is he a teacher or a student? So very many options out there.

Biggest hang up is gonna be shipping time for most kiltmakers, there's a bit of a fashion boom going on in the kilt world and most are backed up and those with fast shipping aren't necessarily the ones you'd want him to own, but could be.

A good place to start would be to ask what kind of pants he usually wears. If he's a jeans and chinos kind of guy then you're looking at utilikilts, Freedom Kilts, Pittsburgh Kilts.

If he's a slacks kind of guy then you're looking at the polyesther tartan kilts from Stillwater and USA type folks.

If he wears suits, then you may be looking for hand sewn tartan kilts like kathy's kilts. But that may be over your price range.

I think www.kiltmen.com has a comprehensive list of kiltmakers websites for you to look at.

Or check out Ham's gallery at http://albums.imff.net/ham great pics of many different types of kilts.

Main thing, what do you like to see him in? If you surf the websites you'll find something YOU like. A great place to start. Once he has the addiction he can buy what he wants ;)

Ron

[KiltedCodeWarrior]

Ellie welcome. You have already been given some really sound advice. I would suggest that you read all the kiltmaker forums and get a feel for what we all have done with our kilt purchases. Regardless of what you decide, I am sure that your husband will enjoy kilt wearing, as they are so comfortable.

I will have to second the opinion that your husband will like any kilt you get for him. Many men have to overcome the reluctance of their wife/girlfriend/SO when buying a kilt, but you are already past that. Bravo for you in being forward thinking and open minded!


RJI