Looking For Some Kilt Guidance

[walkerk]

Welcome to XMarks! Looks like you are already getting answers to your questions. Here's a link to a good reference: http://www.clan.com/kiltsandtartan/

You say you are attending a wedding. If it's not your wedding, have you considered renting a formal kilt? (Yes, I know this is heresy. ) If you are in an urban area you may find a kilt shop which will rent formal outfits much like one would rent a tuxedo. This would leave money for the kilts you want and avoid the "bridesmaid dress syndrome."

Since you say you have a lot of time, get your inexpensive kilt first. That way you will gain some familiarity with the kilt before making any major investment.

Also, don't miss the "Kilt Do's and Don'ts" thread - up to 90 pages now!

Keep us informed of your progress. We'll be expecting pictures.

[Panache]

...You say you are attending a wedding. If it's not your wedding, have you considered renting a formal kilt? (Yes, I know this is heresy. ) If you are in an urban area you may find a kilt shop which will rent formal outfits much like one would rent a tuxedo. This would leave money for the kilts you want and avoid the "bridesmaid dress syndrome."...

walkerk makes an excellent point here. If I may add to his suggestion, it isn't so much the kilt part of the outfit but the jacket, and, sporran. A kilt can be worn with a t-shirt (or no shirt if you are a fan of those old Lawson's Ads and have the abs for it) on to the most formal of attire.

If it is your wedding, or you are in the wedding likely a Prince Charlie jacket, matching waistcoat, and a fur dress sporran will be called for. This is the scottish version of a tuxedo. If you are the sort of fellow who attends fancy dress events on a fairly regular basis then going for the whole outfit makes sense. If you will never be getting this formal again it doesn't make sense for you to spend as much on these items as you did on your kilt and have them sit in your closet.

You can rent just the jacket, waistcoat, and sporran.

Alternately you can look at a black argyle style jacket and vest that can be dressed up or down and you are likely to get a lot more use from.

Cheers

Jamie

[Fearnest]

Welcome to the fray! As you can see, we lack nothing for opinons here...

A kilt is one I personally can't make a recommendation upon, but I echo the recommendations that your "going to the wedding" kilt should be a woolen one made for you, and either a "tank," or a 4 yard Newsome box pleated. (UNLESS you're part of the wedding party and they've decided to go with a standard tartan you're not going to want to keep wearing into the future - were that to be the case, I'd rent that one if possible!)

And as has been suggested before, no matter what decisions you make, our best wishes to you (and a reminder to provide pictures)!

[Riverkilt]

Welcome,

I didn't see, or missed, where you live.

For the top of the line kilt be sure and check out Kathy Lare too. She's at www.kathyskilts.com I have eight of her hand sewn kilts now and love them all. Nice part, pay part down, balance on completion. Helps stretch the money. Her education, training, experience, and awards are listed on her website.

Pics of her work in my galleries if it helps.

Not saying she's better or worse than the others recommended. Just saying you should include her in your mix of kiltmakers to checkout that you can trust.

Enjoy this process. You're gonna be happy when you first kilt up.

Ron

[DamnthePants]

Thank you for the responses. I’ve gotten more information in helping me make these decisions then I ever thought I would. A most warm welcome forum centered around such a breeze friendly garment

I live in Maine, Portland area. I do not think there are any places for me to rent a good kilt, but I haven’t done too much leg work to find any. I will defiantly take the search to the next level before I commit to buying it though.

You have brought up something that I did not consider though! I am not ( this time) part of the wedding ceremony ( other wise I think they would have made me rent something they wanted and not left it up to me). So I don’t necessarily need something so very formal. It would be more of a dress casual deal.

After looking at all the sites you suggested, and some of the ones I’ve found, I came across Union Kilts. I don’t know if it’s the fashion shots being so nice, but look very nice for what Id want. As I don’t have knowledge of them though, I ask you all if they are reputable, and easy to order from (i.e no horror stories of ‘ It took 5 months to get my order’)

Sorry if I’m asking too many questions. : )

Thank you all so much

[scoutniagara]

I have casual kilts from both Stillwater and Sportkilt, and although I love my Sport Kilts, for your purpose, I'd suggest going with Stillwater. But although I agree that polyviscose is a nice lightweight kilt, I'd suggest the "heavy weight" wool black watch for you. It says heavy weight, but it's not that heavy, and is a lovely material and not too expensive. MHO

[ccga3359]

I'd echo ScoutNiagara regarding SWK. You'll get in days, in fact Jerry will mail it out before you even order it, in fact it's probably already in the mail... He's fast. Union Kilts have a good rep here but it's from overseas, so consider customs duties and shipping time. Check out SWK's online store here to see if he has something in stock. It is a traditional style kilt so is worn above the navel 1- 2" so measure your waist at the navel.

[DamnthePants]

Well I bite the bullet and bought one. I went with the Union Kilt, damn it if I’m not swayed by a nice looking web site. ( Not to say the others were bad). I’m in no rush to get it, but Ill be happy once its in my hands.

Thanks all so much for the help and support Ill try to post pictures once it gets here.

[McMurdo]

Congratulations, cant wait to see the pics.