Lets try this again

[MrShoe]

As a first kilt, I think that a custom made PV is a great choice. There are several makers on this site. Rocky @USA Kilts and Steve @ Freedom Kilts come to mind first, but there definitely more. You might want to look at Burnetts and Struth as well. RiverKilt makes two excellent points. First, you want to know who the kilt maker is or at least know that it is made just for you.This allows you to ask questions, resolve problems should they arise and ask more questions. Second, you only get to pick two of the three. QUALITY, PRICE , SERVICE. Don't look for the least expensive that you can find, but buy the best that you can afford. That is the best advice I got from the learned rabble here. So I will say it again.....Buy the best you can afford. You won't regret it.

Here area couple articles that, if you have not read, you may find helpful.
URL="http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f157/side-side-comparison-kilt-fabrics-58373/"]Fabric Choices[/URL]

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f157/Kilt Style Choices-43530/

That's my $.02, hope it helps.
Let us know what you decide and remember to post pictures!

[morrison]

Woof In the Cane Corso breed that means:
"If you're going to be wearing the kilt full time along with whatever other kilt(s) you're wearing full time I'd be mindful of its durability. If the kilt will find only occasional donning, then durability will be less the issue as appropriate to the occasion becomes more true. arf"

[lethearen]

Welcome to the rabble! Here's my tuppence to your questions.

first, traditional vs. casual

Most importantly get something that will be comfortable. I personally find the natural waist a bit more comfy than wearing it at the pants waist. Also, if you're a Gentleman of Substance, the natural waist would tend to look more flattering.

Lastly, think about where and how you'll be wearing it. It's easier to dress down a traditional kilt than to dress up a casual kilt. If you plan on ever wearing the kilt to a doodied-up affair, you should put serious favour to the natural waist style.

second...the highlands of South Asia

Things that "sound too good to be true" often turn out just like they sound. I don't know the company and can't vouch for them, but caveat emptor. I have a cheap Gold Bros kilt I picked up for 50$ and I like it well enough -- for what it is. It is obviously of poorer quality than my more expensive kilts, bu it gets the job done.

Other people have plenty of horror stories to tell about "bargain" kilts. Also, it appears that this particular company's website is wrought with pop-ups, poor grammar (I know, English isn't native...), and other things that would make me suspicious of their goods. But take that as you will.

third...wool vs. polyviscose

PV is less expensive, lighter weight, and potentially cooler than wool... those are its primary advantages... or disadvantages depending on circumstances, I suppose. Otherwise, it's probably the best analogue for wool amongst the synthetic fibres for hang and movement. Personally? I still prefer wool for most things, but PV has its uses.

fourth... I have spoken to people at USA Kilts and ScotWeb

I've had nothing but great service from both companies. Both offer high quality products. Assuming you're in the US, keep in mind with ScotWeb you may have to deal with extra duty fees on top of the cost of the kilt itself -- those fees are from US Customs, not the vendor. With USA Kilts you don't have to deal with that. You may also have a lengthier time to jones awaiting your new kilt if you go with ScotWeb.

[O'Callaghan]

FWIW, which is not much perhaps, Greenland Pipe Co is probably the oldest established of the approximately 200 kilt/bagpipe etc. firms based in Sialkot, which is in the Punjab, just on the Pakistani side of the border (the Punjab was split in two when British India was split into India and Pakistan).

Literally all the Pakistani firms in this trade are in that town. They even have pipe band contests there, although the standard is not high, as judged via YouTube. Many of the kilts you buy from vendors in 'Western' countries are made there, although none of them will tell you exactly which firm makes their kilts, for obvious reasons.

I have read an independent article about Greenland Pipe Co (can't remember the URL), and their history is I think on their website, but I have never dealt with them and AFAIK don't know anyone who has.

All this means is that they are not unknown and not likely to suddenly disappear into the night. I'm afraid the only way you will find out more is to order something.

PS: Shipping from Pakistan to the US for a kilt is normally $30 US by ordinary airmail, which you will have to add on to whatever they charge.

[ScottEPooh]

I had many of the same questions you are asking when I thought about getting a kilt. I started with a UK Workmans, worn at "jeans waist". Since then I have picked up a SWK (very lightweight) and a USAK (love that, even if it was secondhand from Ron). My wife also got me a niceer kilt a year or so ago for Christmas. I have noticed that my waistlines have been slowly creeping up, so that now I do prefer the "natural waist" height for a kilt as opposed to "jeans waist". It takes a little getting used to. I can't talk much on the subject of fabrics except to say that the teflon coating Rocky's (USAK) kilts get is a great help to keeping a kilt looking good for a long time through lots of wear. Hope this $.02 gets you closer to a kilt!! And like Ron said, it's not a HUGE deal which one is your first, as it will probably not be your last!