I'd probably have to cheat and clarify my answer. For a first kilt, I don't think you can go wrong with a USA Kilts casual from Rocky Roeger (or, even better! from Kelly). Here are my reasons: PV is cheaper than good worsted wool; Rocky sews up the casual to your measurements; his service is fast; the price is really pretty dang reasonable.

Everyone needs to own a custom made garment at some point in their life: it's a life changing experience.

Checking Rocky's website says that a non-rush order casual in my size would run about $120. For a made-to-measure garment, you can't beat that with a stick.

The casual offers a short-yardage kilt that's made to measure, of tartan, or solid, if'n you prefer, but tartan is always a good thing for a first kilt, as it says "no, this is a kilt" and that is a good thing when you're starting out. The pleats are sewn down (not just the fell) and it's wash and wear. It's got velcro closing, so it's easy on, easy off.

Once you've ordered from Rocky, you're taking the "gateway drug" to other kilts.

It's a "beater kilt" extraordinaire.

Rocky's kilts dress up well, they dress down well, they're made to measure, he's a nice guy to talk to, and once you've got a USAK, you're liable to start branching out among other custom makers. Sure, it's "just" a five yard kilt, but oh my goodness, what a five yard kilt.

I think the casual is ordinarily specced to ride as a modern kilt, down on your hips like blue jeans, but Rocky worked with me and did up one that rode like a traditional.

Love my CCK Isle of Skye, love my Newsome tweed and Leatherneck box pleats, love my Utilikilts. But a UK costs MORE than a casual from Rocky, and won't fit YOU as well.

I won't be buying most of my kilts from Rocky's casual line, but I love the one I've got, and it's dang hard to beat for the price.

Dang I need a Freedom Kilt, too, but that's a different matter.

I've worn kilts either full time or every chance I can get for about five years now, and my considered opinion is that Rocky would be the man to turn to for a "first kilt."

edited to add: If the $120 was way too much for experimenting, I'd try SWK, but it's honestly a different animal.