Buying my first kilt

[hammer70]

Hi everybody:
I am about to embark on my first buying adventure for a kilt. I have been looking at the non-traditional styles from the likes of AmeriKilt, FreedomKilts, UtiliKilt, NeoKilt... etc. My wife has asked that I buy a less expensive model until I find I like wearing them. The least expensive, solid color non-taditional one I have found was through AmeriKilt. I was in Seattle and did go to the UtiliKilt store but she would like me to spend a little less to begin with. What advice would you all give and or what experiences have you had with different sellers.

[Bugbear]

Welcome, and I'm sorry I can't give you any advice... Good luck.

[Jack Daw]

Welcome from Houston. I have not bought a kilt from any of those makers, but that does not imply any negative connotation. Somebody will be along soon enough to help. In the meantime, stroll around at the different forums and threads here and take part.

[The Wizard of BC]

The best advice I can give anyone with their first kilt purchase is to ask;

What do you want to do in your kilt?

The answer to that question will allow us to guide you in the general direction and steer you away from kilts that obviously won't suit you.

[BoldHighlander]

I would echo what 'Jack' said....and in the meantime:



...from the far nw corner of Washington state!

Best of luck in your kilted quest.

[Alaskan Kilted Guy]

Welcome. You will get many responses to your question here. My first kilt was an Amerikilt. It was in my price range and was a good starter kilt. I would look around and see what best fits your needs and go for it!!! Welcome again!

[James MacMillan]

from Sunny Southern California!

If you don't want to spend much money - try Still Water Kilts.

[cnovack]

I got my first kilt at the Alexandria (Va.) Celtic Festival. It was an off-the-rack Scottish National beater for $70 which a buddy (Highland Athlete) bought me as a joke. Much to his surprise, I embraced it and wore it as much as I could until I figured out he had gotten me a woman's skirt, as opposed to a kilt. I STILL wore it.

Regardless, I ended up getting a 12 ounce wool Galway Tartan for $550 as I was convinced that I would wear it - and I did ALL of the time. That is until I outgrew it (beer can be evil). I now have that lovely hanging on the wall as enticement to lose weight (which I have - 13 lbs). Since then, I have gotten a Utilikilt, an Alphakilt and a Stillwater Nightstalker. Alphakilts has some low price options you may want to check out if you are interested in utility kilts.

I am looking at selling my 42" Stillwater Standard Nightstalker with matching flashes for $70 (negotiable) if interested. It no longer fits either, but thankfully in the right direction.

So, cheap at first is a good idea until you KNOW that kilts are for you.

[Canuck]

If it was my first kilt I would want something that fits me. With the less expensive brands they are generic sizing. Sometimes too long or too short too baggy. Also you want a good quality fabric. I would suggest a kilt with a good number of pleats as it will wrinkle less. In the end for a few dollars more you can get one tailor made to fit you. So that puts you into the Freedom Kilts, USA Kilts, RKilts, CCKilts and the like. When you know that the kilt is supposed to fit you like it should you will have more confidence. You'll want to wear it more.
Keep gathering info, contact the kilt makers see how you get along with them. Find out who will actually be making your kilt. The personal touch is great, they may give you options you never thought about. They can instruct you how to measure, they will discuss the features of their product and you will be a more informed buyer, get your wife to talk to them as well. In fact we would probably prefer to talk to your wife....just joking well sort of...
All the best..pleasant dreams
Cheers
Robert

[Mael Coluim]

I have Stillwater, Amerikilt and Buzz Kidder kilts that are in the inexpensive category you are considering. I like them all and each is different. Have fun in deciding and whatever you select you won't go wrong.

and

from the Old Dominion State!