Newbie asking for help!!

[awbyrd]

Alright, school me....

I'm looking at (finally) buying my first kilt. Money is a bit of an issue, but I can buy the "tank" if it makes that much of a difference. Help me decide:

Either a 13 oz Kinloch Anderson in Wallace Modern....

Or one of Matt Newsome's in the same tartan.

I'm really torn here, and hope that y'all can help!

I tend to be a bit of a traditionalist, but my research says that Matt's are also technically traditional, being the predominant style through the mid 19th century.

I really don't know which way to go. I'm told that the KA is the "Cadillac," but is it worth the additional $275?

Thanks in advance for your help!

Aaron

[KiltedCodeWarrior]

Welcome! I would say go with what you can afford now. The KA will certainly be a nice kilt, but Mac does awesome work. I have one of his box pleated kilts and it is great.

Good luck! Then you can start deciding on your next kilt, and your next kilt, then some accessories, and of course some new shoes, a few belts....

[RockyR]

I'd say to go with Matt's as well. He's a LOCAL guy (meaning local to Xmarks) and he'd be happy to work with you to give you EXACTLY what you're looking for.

[GMan]

WELCOME!

I agree go with the one you feel most comfortable with at this time (gut level). However, and speaking from experience, it will not be your last.

[Rusty]

Welcome from up here in North Dakota

[ByDand]

Welcome to the forum and give Matt a call, he'll be honest with you and help you find the best solution to your question. Have fun on the forum!

[Pleater]

In a few years,


when you open your wardrobe and admire the row of kilts hanging there,


you will smile as you compare them, the different tartans, plain cloths, weights and styles, and wou will remember the callow youth who thought that it was possible to buy and wear just one kilt without the lure of aquiring more.

You'll either want to learn to make them, or you'll want to buy more - and then there will be the accessories too.

It's a very slippery slope. Whatever kilt you chose as the first one - it's just going to make the second purchase easier.

[Bob C]

Buy the kilt that fits your budget. They'll still be making tanks when your budget is fatter.

[awbyrd]

I understand. Either way, I do eventually want one of Matt's in Wallace Hunting. I suppose it's just the "elitist ba$*@rd" coming out in me, knowing that KA has the Royal Warrant and all. If it's good enough for the Queen, it's good enough for me. I suppose the heart of the question is: Is it worth an additional $250, or am I gonna get any strange looks wearing box pleats at..say...a highland games? I was a pipe drummer for a time, and have never worn a box pleated kilt, or anything other than an 8 yard traditional for that matter.

Aaron

[macwilkin]

I understand. Either way, I do eventually want one of Matt's in Wallace Hunting. I suppose it's just the "elitist ba$*@rd" coming out in me, knowing that KA has the Royal Warrant and all. If it's good enough for the Queen, it's good enough for me. I suppose the heart of the question is: Is it worth an additional $250, or am I gonna get any strange looks wearing box pleats at..say...a highland games? I was a pipe drummer for a time, and have never worn a box pleated kilt, or anything other than an 8 yard traditional for that matter.

Aaron

From one "bluff old traditionalist" to another, whilst I too, want a KA kilt with the Royal Warrant, I also want one of Matt's kilts. I don't think anyone at the games who knows what box pleats are is going to look down their nose at you -- if anything, you might actually get some complements and mabye even a wee bit o' jealousy!

Have you considered Burnett & Struth's in Canada? They have manufactured kilts before for HRH the Duke of Rothesay (Prince Charles).

Cheers,

Todd