Buying my first kilt

[Chef]

I have one question. Are you looking at contemporaries because you prefer the style or primarily for cost. If the answer is cost I think there are other choices like Stillwater kilts that might be a better choice. They offer a more traditional style of kilt at a better price than even some of the contemporaries.

[hammer70]

I think I am looking for something in the casual range. Something to wear around the house or out with the family. I am not looking for mountain climbing gear but something comfortable for walking/strolling or "working" in (I am a teacher). I will need good enough quality that it should keep the pleats and look nice in that setting.
Hammer70

[hammer70]

Chef:
It is more the style then the price.

[Christo13]

I just got my first kilt on Wednesday--a standard Stillwater kilt.

I thought it would be something I'd only wear around the house, but I've already ventured out in it.

For me, the price and look were appealing. I didn't want to spend too much in case I wasn't as interested with the kilt as I thought I'd be. It's safe to say I'm hooked, and look forward to buying more kilts!

Christopher

[elrond]

Hi!
I have two amerikilts that I use during the summer (here in Italy it is really hot during the day!): I like it very much: they are good, well done. A really good product, especially for the money they costs!!
I think they are a good entry level for those who want a casual non tartan kilt.
In tartan I like (as entry level) Sportkilt in PV or SWk for Acrylic and merino wool.

Ciao

Roberto

[Finn]

My first was a UK; I knew I wanted to be kilted and the look captured my attention. My avatar is me in it with two of my offspring. I have three UKs and love them. Worth the exspense. I recommend their Mocker for you.
Research and consider your options. There are many worthy kiltmakers out there. I like USAK and SWK is highly recommended.
Good luck, enjoy & welcome from West Virginia!

[Dirk Skene]

.... My wife has asked that I buy a less expensive model until I find I like wearing them. .......

That's like buying only cheap whisky until you find you like it. O' well. I guess she just wants to play it safe.

Don't forget Sport Kilt.

[McFarkus]

from Chicago. My first was a Stillwater heavyweight wool Black Watch and I love it. Plus Jerry gives such great service, my kilts from him usually arrive about 15 minutes after I hit 'Order' on the website.

Did you get a solid color or a tartan?

[RockyR]

Since you're asking for Solid Contemporary, here's my suggestions:

Amerikilt: under $100 with "standard" sizing on their kilts.
Utilikilts: "original" is $140 with "Standard sizing" on their kilts
Freedom Kilts: "Industrial Model" is $185 (Canadian $) and is CUSTOM made
R-Kilts: Denim or Cotton models are $260 (Canadian $) and is CUSTOM made

What is having it CUSTOM made worth to you? What is knowing your kiltmaker worth to you? Both Robert (RK) and Steve (FK) are active users of this forum. Mike from Amerikilt posts here once in a long while when needed.

All of the above are good companies to deal with and have a quality product FOR THE PRICE. Is the AK as nice as a custom made FK? No, but it's under $100. Do you get the options on a UK that RK will give you? No... that's why Robert does all custom work.

The bottom line is (and always will be) the balance between price and quality. Each of the compnies listed offers a good VALUE for the price they charge. It all depends on your wallet and your comfort level.

The advice I tell my customers is to spend as much money as you are COMFORTABLE spending to get the best quality you can afford. That way, you won't regret it later and say "I should have gotten _______". It's not a sales pitch, just something Ive found to be true in MOST instances.

Good luck with your decision! Let us know which way you go!

[RockyR]

SOrry... I forgot about Union Kilts as well (anothe advertiser up here). They have Camo Kilts for $150 (75 GBP). Not sure if they're custom or off the peg...