Choosing a tartan -- one week until the jones begins

[timber]

I will be ordering my first kilt next Friday, but I am not sure which tartan to choose. I want one that is versatile and will go with just about anything. I really like Black Stewart, but I would like to hear your suggestions. The kilt will be a semi-trad from Rocky.

[GMan]

The only thing that I can think of is which one appeals to you at the moment you order. Go with your initial reaction, as you will always and I do mean always will get more.

Sorry for being vague, but that is how I do it.

[Southern Breeze]

Pick the one YOU really like the best.

[Prester John]

I have a Robertson Red Semi-T from Rocky, and I highly recommend it. It is a much nicer color than the online image would indicate.

Having said that, you are the ultimate judge of what to wear. Pick one that you have some personal link to, family link to, affiliation for, or one you just like.

You can't go wrong, in any event.

Having said that, Robertson Red is an awesome tartan!

[StoneCold]

I'm so wet behind the ears that you should pay little attention to what I say. However...

When you say versatile and goes with everything, do you mean something that you can comfortably wear to an office and then the pub or do you mean with a fancy shirt and a t-shirt? Do you mean one that will go with dress shoes and hiking boots? It's almost too broad to be able to categorize it.

The other guys that have been here for a while and offerred their opinion are right bang on. Get one that you like and that means something to you.

If you're asking what we like the best, that's a whole 'nother matter entirely. Given that I have a closet full of Hawaiian shirts, I tend to like the more vibrant or different tartans. If you're looking for what I like, I may be inclined to go for something like a MacPherson or a Caledonia. If you're looking for something more subdued, perhaps the Thomson Grey or Ramsay. The only common denominator amongst the things I mentioned is that they tend to be less frequently worn ones. But that's what I like. This isn't for me.

It all comes down to what grabs you and what you are going to wear.

Thank you for allowing me to muddy the waters

[pdcorlis]

I say go with your gut and you cant go wrong. Which ever tartan you pick you know you are getting a quality kilt from Rocky and Kelly. Now, if it were me, I'd probably pick a Black Watch. Its a "universal" tartan that never seems out of place - but that's me and not you.

Whatever you decide, be sure to show us some photos when you get it - that way we can all congratulate you on such a smart decision!

[Moosehead]

I'm with Phil: Black Watch, its the grey flannel of kilts.

[davedove]

Black Stewart would work fine, especially since you're leaning towards that anyway. It is basic black, with lines of several other colors, so you can coordinate it with about anything.

[Barb T]

Just remember that if you pleat the Black Stewart to the stripe that it can look very purple from the back.

B

[cessna152towser]

I'd go along with Phil and Moosehead and suggest Black Watch. Its a muted colour scheme, will look good with dark hose, navy blue, lovat green, black or even a dark grey, and you may not want to look too garish when you first step out in a kilt. First two kilts I owned were both Black Watch. Though at the end of the day its not about what we think but you will feel most happy with at the end of the day.