1st Thread, First Kilt, Need help within

**wildrover** · 18th August 10, 07:58 AM

Oz-

I agree wholeheartedly with the UtiliKilt suggestion. The other beauty of the UK, and of your desire in general for casual, is that you can probably dig through the bottom of the coat closet (or wherever you keep your boots) and find something that will work. I have an old, beat up pair of "garage" Docs, a new pair I got for casual work wear recently, and a pair of Red Wings...all work with the kilt, and they're things I already had. With the UK, there's no need for a sporran, just pick up a belt and a buckle somewhere...you could even, I think, have a belt made from sturdy leather and pick up a buckle of your choice, and have somebody local put it all together for you. Since the kilt holds itself up, the buckle doesn't need to be particularly tight, so there's less likelihood the pin on a small standard buckle will oval the hole in the strap.

If you're really looking to kilt up...talk to SHO about an 8yd PVC, if I remember right, they run around 400 bucks. A cheap (I do mean cheap...it's "particle board" leather) sporran is 15-30$ with chain and strap, and if you're going casual with a t-shirt untucked, hoodie or sweater, there's really no need for a belt. Hose you can get for 20-30$, flashes maybe ten to twenty bucks...

But...my advice is, spend as much as possible on the kilt itself, since it's the foundation for the rest of your kit, and look through your current clothing and footwear for things that already work.

-Sean

**Zardoz** · 18th August 10, 09:26 AM

Oz, have we met? It's hard recognize you around the Arai!

Lots of good advice here, but let me chime in, while I know a few guys in our part of the world who are running the 5 yard wool from USA Kilts, they still find the wool a little hot. You are going to sweat up that kilt pretty easy. I would recommend the PV Semi-Traditional from USAK instead, it's going to be cooler, washable, and less expensive.

BTW, That's a fancy sporran!

**Ozymandias** · 18th August 10, 09:30 AM

Originally Posted by Zardoz

Oz, have we met? It's hard recognize you around the Arai!

Maybe, TWTEX? AdvRider? I am on both

(different name however)

Originally Posted by Zardoz

... the 5 yard wool from USA Kilts, they still find the wool a little hot. You are going to sweat up that kilt pretty easy. I would recommend the PV Semi-Traditional from USAK instead, it's going to be cooler, washable, and less expensive.

Nice tip. I wasnt really thinking of the sweat... but yeah, even in November, December around here, its like most of the Scots' summers.

**Zardoz** · 18th August 10, 09:38 AM

Originally Posted by Ozymandias

Nice tip. I wasnt really thinking of the sweat... but yeah, even in November, December around here, its like most of the Scots' summers.

It's a concern, the 5 yard wool is built the same as the semi-trad, it has no liner. I have literally sweated through a semi-trad at events around Houston. But with the PV you can just throw it in the washer, do't try that with wool!

I don't mean to harp on the USA semi trad, but I own a few and have been real happy with them. I've posted a review of my latest one here; http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...-review-60943/

**Ozymandias** · 18th August 10, 09:46 AM

Originally Posted by Zardoz

I don't mean to harp on the USA semi trad, but I own a few and have been real happy with them. I've posted a review of my latest one here; http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...-review-60943/

Is that a Velcro job too?

**Ozymandias** · 18th August 10, 10:46 AM

Well, after all of the advise... I just threw caution to the wind and ordered myself a new Kilt. 8 yard 16 oz PV.

After looking at everything, the price here just couldnt be beat. Now I just hope it fits.

http://www.heritageofscotland.com/Ca...10,product.php

**biblemonkey** · 25th October 10, 08:13 AM

I understand exactly what you mean about skinny guys and kilts, I'm 6'-1" 170 lbs and athletic but my calves are very thin and I have no hips at all. I wear 8" high steel toe black work boots by wrangler in casual situations. Manly, tough, just worn enough to look rustic (yes they are clean, guys, I wear the kilt with respect) and they thicken up the look of my calves. I usually wear a good pair of high-topped Smartwool hiking socks that come to just above the boot by 2-3" to finish out the foot wear. I'm working on a sporran but my "kilt" belt is a 3" black belt with a large oval belt buckle with a Christian cross over embossed black leather I bought at a department store. Didn't want to go traditional on belts and sporrans yet. In casual wear (the bar) that sporran may be a bit much if you don't need the storage space for wallet, etc.

**denmcdough** · 26th October 10, 05:34 AM

Nice choice in the kilt. I have the exact same one. For the money, I think you'll be pleased.

**SmokinScotsman** · 18th August 10, 12:14 PM

I would say that the larger belt is what to go with. I used a "regular" belt for probably 3 yrs, until I had the 2.5 inch custom made.

I too am of slight build 5'10", 155lbs, 32-34 waist, 36-37 rump. For me thats why I don't like the 3rd buckle alot of people are putting on kilts nowadays, my tartan I had made with only the 2 waist buckles. I would definetly go for a material other than wool for the first one, just because of cost. If you really want the plaid pattern then I would say the PV option is best. As far as wool in Houston, just get an 11 or 13 oz. I live in Phooenix, I can wear my 13oz year round, hell I sweat in jeans. Just wear boxers in the summer, for sweat purposes. Check out Freedom kilts, he does both tartan and American kilts. Also for the PV, Skye Highland Outfitters.

**MacLowlife** · 19th August 10, 12:26 PM

Welcome, O,

One thing I have noticed is that different people have different ideas. As you point out, one set to keep in mind is what looks good to those you want to attract. There is a sort of all-chunky kilt aesthetic that favors boots and Doc Martens, but there are other ideals you will encounter that might work better with your lanky frame. If you look at the older drawings and illustrations from highland outfitters, you will notice plenty of slender gents looking very good in the kilt.

As a practical matter, I would advise getting the thickest socks you can afford and can wear in your locale. They will add welcome bulk to the silhouette of your legs.If you are going casual, you might look into a bulky sweater made from something other than wool- like cotton or a cotton blend. You get a slightly dressier version of what the rugby shirt does. A fleece pullover is not bad, either.

Please bear two things in mind- the market is full of good quality used gear at low prices and much of that is being offered by gentlemen who can't wear a 32 any more. You stand to gain from that.

Not everyone is crazy about the folks you ordered your kilt from. Their commitment to price sometimes seems to outweigh quality and other concerns, and customer service may be less than perfect. Having said that, many people keep going back to them because of price. I hope your experience is a good one.

As you wander around the X, I hope you will notice all of the options available to you- retrofitting your own jackets, wearing belts and shoes bought for other pursuits, making your own sporran or flashes, etc. Whether you become Mr Kilt or just one more guy who likes to wear it on occasion, your Kilted Life should be better now that you are here.

Welcome