I've been sort of thinking about this very same thing for a while now.

Like a lot of people, I wasn't sure that I'd look good in a kilt, enjoy wearing the kilt or face total social ostracization if I showed up anywhere in a kilt. So I ordered a Stillwater just to "test the water". Enjoyed it, felt right, got some flack from people but who cares...

So I've gradually upgraded my stuff over a couple of years but now I figure that I'm pretty much done. There are a couple of things that I'd like to have but they have to go to the back of the "I need it" line for a while while I pursue other priorities.

I'm exercising some caution because I don't want to fall into that obsessive acquisition syndrome that is SO easy to fall into. I have a couple of kilts and jackets...how many more do I practically need? I'm on a forum where I routinely read that other members are filling their closets with kilts and numbering their "kollection" in the dozens...okay for them but not my cup of tea.

My way of saying that if I had to give advice to one of these newbies, I'd say that, if you're undecided, get one of the acrylic or PV kilts from one of the REPUTABLE sources that are always mentioned here and, if you like it, go straight for the eight yard woolie in your appropriate tartan next. Don't "nibble around the edges"...just invest in good stuff and wear it well. I really haven't seen too many recommendations for the bargain basement stuff...usually it's admonitions to proceed at your own risk when dealing with the low-ball crowd. One of the benefits of this forum is the ongoing discussion of dealers and suppliers and if you check here you are going forewarned and forearmed into the world of kilt merchandise.

Love Dale S's reference to "Victorian tomfoolery"...I think that it does get that way at times and ya gotta try to drag the kilt (kicking and screaming) into the 21st Century and maybe try to cool the frou-frou's for everday wear.

Best

AA