$$$ Priorities for Kilting

[Archangel]

One thing I did a while ago that has paid dividends, considering it cost nothing, was to order the catalogue from Geoffrey Kiltmaker. It has the basic rules and layouts on every page.
I grew up with this stuff, and I have an attitude to formal but there you go. Sometimes you need to know the "right thing" so you can freely choose.

[AtagahiKC]

If you can't afford kilt hose, try solid color soccer socks. Although I prefer the look of actual kilt hose, the soccer socks are far more comfortable and give even me just enough to fold over once at the top. They are much cheaper, to boot.

I tend to use soccer socks for casual wear but pull on the ol' wool kilt hose for formal events. Whether worn with flashes or scrunched to the ankle, they work well. They would even work for a formal event in a pinch, if the event location is dark enough.

[GlassMan]

If you can't afford kilt hose, try solid color soccer socks. Although I prefer the look of actual kilt hose, the soccer socks are far more comfortable and give even me just enough to fold over once at the top. They are much cheaper, to boot.

I tend to use soccer socks for casual wear but pull on the ol' wool kilt hose for formal events. Whether worn with flashes or scrunched to the ankle, they work well. They would even work for a formal event in a pinch, if the event location is dark enough.

Another advantage to soccer socks is that they tend to be more comfortable in the American South during humid summers.

As far as the priorities set forth below, I will add one small thing.

If you have taken the time and spent the additional money to get a nice handmade kilt, be certain that you are getting a pair of matching flashes. Most of the better makers will have included these at no charge, but with a few you will be asked to pay for them separately. DO IT! By getting the kilt and the flashes made at the same time you are getting them both made from the same piece of cloth! If you've ever taken two different pieces of cloth from different die lots and tried to put them together you'll know that it is very important to get matching items from the same lot or even from the same piece of cloth.

I am a big proponent of wearing matching flashes because it seems to help complete the outfit. It's a very small touch, but even to the untrained eye it will add a certain completeness even if they can't explain why.

And definitely invest in a good quality leather sporran belt/ long thin ladies belt. It will cut down on the wear and tear on your kilts tremendously.

[Phil]

I agree with all the posts here. You don't really need anything more than a sporan to start off with, a sweater or top, boots and socks looks good with a kilt and sporan. If you want to be versatile think about a semi-formal sporan like this


you can wear it daytime or evening and an Argyll jacket the same.

[MacWage]

A sporran and kilt are needed, everything else can be improvised.

My intent was to place emphasis upon areas of priority as to what to go ahead and get decent-to-good quality and what you can wait upon for those that have smaller budgets.
For the price, Cavscout's belts and sporran straps are QUITE GOOD!
All of my initial post was built on the presumption that, eventually, one is going to "nicer" stuff (budget allowing).

[The F-H.C.A.G.]

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How handsome the Ancient Galbraith tartan is!

I also just wanted to point out what a tolerant wife I am. How many wives have to put up with comments from their husbands about there being a subtle color difference between their hose...I mean, stockings...and blouse, or how the jacket they are wearing does not quite match their shoes? It is my cross to bear, being married to Panache, my metro-sexual love !

Be well,