First Kilt

[NeoDreams]

I am rather new to the whole Kilt thing but I want to be able to represent my Clan in this area I was thinking that weariing our Tartan and the traditional wears that go with would be not only acceptable but if I do this in the "Offical" since it would be expected. Right now is a bad time around here for spending the money but I would like to know what a first kilt choise should be according to those who would know this.

[Riverkilt]

Welcome Albany - I used to go to Oregon State University just down/up the river from you...forget which direction. Long time ago.

As to your question - don't much matter since you're gonna get hooked and buy a lot more.

Has a lot to do with how old you are, what you do for a living, how/where you spend your time. Do you wanna look distinguished in a tartan kilt or modern in a contemporary kilt?

Check the show us your pics page of this forum, check the photo galleries. Link to mine in my signature below.

After you've looked at a lot of kilts you'll know what you want and like.

Don't get hung up on cheap. Remember, you can have any two of quality, price, or service.

And, if you can afford to - deal direct with your kiltmaker - saves the middleman money and reduces the likelihood of mistakes..

Spill some beer in the Willamette for me next time you're by the water.

Ron

[Phogfan86]

Riverkilt + 1. Well said. There are 757,000 pictures of guys in kilts on the site. It's like a catalog. Just curious: what's your clan, lad?

[NeoDreams]

Sorry I should have stated that. I am from the Clan Colquhoun.

[Phogfan86]

Any Colquhons oot there to help the young man oot?

[CWKchic]

Welcome from Lebanon just down the road from you!!! There are lots of great kilt makers who can make a fairly inexpensive kilt depending on the style you choose. Good luck and I will try to let you know when we have our next kilt night!

[ardchoille33]

the colquhouns are in the building.

I have the Colquhoun Modern from Strathmore in 13 oz medium weight

They also have a Colquhoun Anc. from Lochcarron in 13 oz medium weight

Both tartans are nice.

Si Je Puis

check out this website: www.highlandclans.co.uk or www.lochcarron.com, or tartanbystrathmore.co.uk. You should find both of these tartans

Ard Choille33

[Sionnach]

aboard

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

Since this will be your first kilt, and since you've stated you want to wear it to represent your clan, then your best choice would be a traditional 13 ounce wool kilt. Either a box pleat or knife pleat kilt is acceptable. If you opt for a knife pleat kilt, then you have the double option of having it pleated to the sett, or to the red stripe. The choice is yours.

You are also going to need hose to go with your kilt-- Colquhoun is a great tartan, and would look good with either dark green or Lovet green hose. Red flashes will look fine, and won't cost as much as tartan flashes, which many (myself included) consider "tartan over-kill". I would strongly suggest that you buy two pair of hose-- one in a lighter shade and one darker. Avoid white, creme, or ivory hose. White is the colour of pipe band hose and the hose supplied with rented kilt outfits. Creme and ivory always have the look of white hose that has "yellowed" due to improper laundering. White hose also soil quickly-- a half a day on the field at a Highland games and white socks look dingy.

You will also need a sporran. Since you are starting out, a plain black or brown leather sporran will do nicely. You do not need to splash out on anything fancy. In all probability 99% of your kilt wearing will take place during the day, or in the evening in casual surroundings.

You will probably want a kilt belt (properly called a dirk belt), although it really isn't required (unless you are sporting a dirk, but the less said about that the better!). If so, I'd suggest plain black--

For someone just starting out, plain black shoes-- highly polished-- are perfectly acceptable. They can be wing tips, ordinary lace ups, or loafers. There is no need to spend the money on "ghillie brogues". The advantage of "go any where" black shoes is that as long as they are polished, they look good at any time of day, or night. The same can't really be said of brown shoes.

I'd suggest, at least in the beginning, that you stick with a white shirt-- long or short sleeves is a matter of personal choice. It presents a smart appearance if you are representing the Clan Colquhoun in their tent at a local Highland games, and with sleeves rolled up it is perfectly casual. White looks good worn with a sweater, or a dark wind breaker on a chilly day.

Good luck!

[NeoDreams]

Thank you all for your reply. I am taking notes and looking about as I go here.
One of the things I am up against right now is to prove to my mate that I am going through with this as some people are skeptic of anything that they do not get...lol. I am sure you all have had at least one of these. My first thought is that I will join the local Scottish Heritage group here and stand my my choice to show my identity. It is going to be a battle...oddly enough my mate is in part English decent. (Did we all ready do this whole Scots/English thing a few times?...lol) I am sure somewhere it is history enacting itself that I have to struggle with showing pride for our people! Either that or maybe the whole issue of cost?
Clan Colquhoun in this area has no reps at this time that I have been able to find in either Washington St or the OR. Oddly my father and his brothers and sisters where born not far from here in a place called Colville WA.
At any rate I will be searching around and asking more questions along the way. Bare with me while I explore and pick brains.