New Kilt wearer

[Colin]

Ok I'm a rookie here and I am going to be buying my first kilt. I am trying to get a good kilt at a fair price. (Maybe even a whole outfit if the price is right and I can make payments). I will take any advice that you can give me. thanks

If you are looking to get a whole outfit, check out www.kiltstore.net (link at the top of this page). They provide a 10% discount to X marks members. I would also strongly suggest www.scottishkilts.net I have a handsewn 8 yard kilt, a argyle jacket, and waistcoat from them and I could not be happier.

Both vendors offer a wide variety of kilts (5 yard casual, 8 yard machine sewn, 8 yard handsewn) at a very reasonable price. You can easily get an entire outfit for a good price.

I have several Bear kilts, a Canada Kilt (very much like a Stillwater standard), and a traditional wool kilt from scottishkilts. Personally I would suggest getting a traditional kilt to start with. A 5 yard casual will have the look and feel of a traditional Scottish kilt but will be very versatile. In that same thought process M.A.C Newsome (a member here) sells 4 yard box pleated kilts.

If you are looking to ease yourself into kilt wearing with a cheaper kilt that can still do dressy and casual, have a look at the Stillwater heavyweights www.stillwaterkilts.com or the semi-formals from USA Kilts www.usakilts.com. Both will fit like a traditional kilt and do you proudly. Bear kilts offers a traditional style kilt in both Poly/viscose and wool but they are hiving some issues right now.

I would suggest staying away from a contemporary style solid colour kilt to start with (UK, FK, etc). While these are great casual kilts, it is hard to make them look dressy (IMHO). I tartan kilt will give you more versatility for your first kilt. The solid casuals will make a great second or third kilt. I know others will disagree with me here, but I have not seem any solid colour utility style kilts that look as good dressed up as a trartan kilt. However, for booting around town and doing day to day activities the new style kilts are awesome and very well recommended. www.utilikilts.com , www.freedomkilts.com , www.rkilts.com

I guess what it all comes down to is what you are looking for in a kilt. Hope this helps.

[KiltedCodeWarrior]

...I would suggest staying away from a contemporary style solid colour kilt to start with (UK, FK, etc). While these are great casual kilts, it is hard to make them look dressy (IMHO)...

I resemble this remark!

Seriously, I have to agree with most of your response for the average new kilt wearer. A somewhat traditional kilt in at least a tartan-like pattern will be much more accepted and recognizable as a kilt than the contemporaries. Now, once you have taken the plunge (my first was a SWK Standard nightstalker), you can decide what is more comfortable and preferred for you.

[mddock58]

My first (and currently only) kilt is a black AK. I have no problem. Yes I get some strange looks, people trying to figure out what it is, but that only makes a difference if you let it.

Be comfortable and confident in whatever you wear and others will see it and respect you and the Kilt!

Traditional tartans DO receive an immediate recognition as a "Kilt", so if there is any hesitance, get a SW, USAK, or Bear (though Bear is a little backed up it seems right now), and wear it!