Buying a Kilt :D

[davidlpope]

They would like us to have something that we can use for the rest of our lifes etc. so good quality products.

We are MacBean if my name wasn't obvious enough and for me at least I like this tartan best.

I also wondering what the differences would be between going a more dress kilt style compared to a more historical style? If it was historical I would definitely use it for dances, costumes parties etc. whereas with dress you can wear it for your wedding etc. and other more formal occasions I assume. Is it possible to have two sets say with overlapping items? I'm not going to spend my parents money to buy two sets, but how much harder would it be to myself buy some extra goodies to improve in a certain direction?

Colin,

Jock's post is spot on. Buy high quality items and you will likely not need to buy a second time. My advice on your aquisitions:

1. Buy a traditional handsewn 16oz. or 13oz. 8yd kilt for your first kilt. I'd stick with the MacBean tartan in either the Modern or Ancient color scheme. If you ever decide to buy a second kilt you can tweak your preferences- e.g. I really prefer the 16 oz. 6-yard hand sewn knife-pleat kilts that Matt Newsome makes to wear in the summer months.
2. Buy a good quality kilt jacket and waistcoat in a nice lovat green tweed.
3. Buy a simple/ non-flashy brown leather day sporran. You can often find good deals on vintage sporrans which were generally made of higher quality materials than those currently mass-produced. Make sure you use a plain leather sporran strap instead of a strap/chain combination.
4. Buy a simple brown leather kilt belt with a brass buckle. Don't wear your kilt belt and waistcoat at the same time. Wear one or the other.
5. Buy two pairs of good quality kilt hose, probably lovat green and lovat blue, although dark red and dark green are also reliable choices. The "Lewis" Hose from House of Cheviot is a good choice. I've also been very pleased with a recent pair I purchased from the Almost Unwearoutable Sock Company. Get a pair of red hose flashes, either the elastic type or the garter type to tie yourself.

These items, along with a pair of black brogues (wingtips), shirt, and tie from your closet for dressier day events and you're set.

A couple caveats:
1. How old are you? If you're still going to grow a great deal in a short time it might be better to hold off a bit.
2. Don't be in a rush to purchase all this stuff. You'd be better served to take 6 months and fully research different options before buying. This ensures that you'll be satisfied with your purchases after the fact.
3. Find a reliable merchant who specializes in Highland clothing. Most of the sponsors here at XMarks fall into this category and will be able to provide useful wisdom and advice.

Best of luck.

David