My first kilt!

[Cynthia]

I am part Swedish, part Italian, and a small bit German

That actually sounds like my husband He's part Swedish, part Danish (last name is very Danish), his Mom's side is Italian (we think there might be a bit of Welsh in there if someone else's research was correct), there is apparently a bit of German in there, and on his father's side is *rumored* to have Scottish (married into his Danish line, but we haven't been able to find out for sure).

It hasn't stopped him from wearing the kilt, but he has admitted that he wants tartans that he could still relate to a bit more. There are a LOT of tartans out there (like the American Heritage, or a State tartan... and others like the German Heritage).

Anyway, don't let it stop you from wearing the kilt is what I'm saying. You don't have to be Scottish. Just figure out what works for you over time

I would definitely wear a sporran. My husband has the Stillwater Standard and quite likes it. He definitely wants better kilts down the line, but it works for his needs at the moment.

[Phogfan86]

Also, I'm of a bit awkward decent for wearing a kilt. I am part Swedish, part Italian, and a small bit German, however, I have no Anglo in me at all. Is it even socially acceptable for me to wear a kilt? Should I pick a particular tartan over another, or even a solid color?

Anglo, schmanglo. Anyone can wear a kilt. Come on in – the water’s fine.

A wise man on this board – Riverkilt, maybe? – said the only rule regarding kilts is, there are no rules. And I’ve been told by multiple folks that you can pretty much wear any tartan you want as long as you wear it proudly and respectfully. My only caution on a solid color is, people will call it a skirt. At least if you have some sort of tartan, some of them will realize it’s a kilt.

Black Watch is always a good starter tartan, and it looks cool with a black t-shirt.


That aside, I'm currently looking at a Stillwater Standard Kilt for my first one. It seems to be a good value. Does anyone else have one of these kilts?
This is a lot like asking if the sky is blue or are kitties cute? As a group, XMTS are huge fans of Stillwater Kilts. I have a standard – Night Stalker tartan, wore it last night to a holiday ceilidh, in fact – and really like it. It’s a great first kilt. So is the Stillwater thrifty kilt, but like the website says, the standard is a big step up from the thrifty, for the additional bucks. And yes, they have straps and buckles. This would suit you just fine.


Should I buy a sporran? I do need to keep my wallet handy and I don't want to fumble around in my backpack, but it is more money to spend.

Since you’re on the Stillwater website, go ahead and order a sporran. It’s optional, but the first time you’re out without pockets and you fumble with your cell phone and wallet and keys, you’ll wish you had one. A sporran also completes the look, in large part, and gives people the clue that you're not crossdressing; you're donning a kilt.

Last thought: A friend of mine who loves to wear hats once told me that if you think you look great, and you carry yourself as if you look great, you'll look great. But as soon as you say, "Man, I look dorky in this hat," you will, and people will pick up on it.

Same thing with kilts. Walk tall and hardly anyone will say a word. Of course, as has been well-documented on this board, some people put on a kilt and the confidence takes care of itself. My wife has even mentioned it to me: when I put on one of my kilts, she says I have an entirely different vibe about me -- much more confident and assertive. I don't even notice.

Good luck, newbie! Keep us posted on how things are going, and when the kilt arrives, post pics!

[auld argonian]

Seconding what Phogfan86 has said.

...and, yes, do go with the sporran and if I may make a suggestion, if you get only one, get the Nightstalker nylon one while Jerry still has them in stock. They look good and are incredibly practical...I often wear mine when I'm just wearing jeans just so I have the extra capacity for stuff...you can fit a whole lot in it...phone, wallet, keys, a paperback to read in the waiting room or on the bus...it's sort of the Tardis of sporrans; bigger on the inside than it appears on the outside.

A nice wide belt helps considerably as well. It's okay to wear a nice simple "regular" wide belt but those are usually about 1 and a half to 1 and three quarters wide at the max. If you can scare up one in the two to two and a half range, it helps get the "look" just right.

And as to dealing with low temperature...remember that you always have the option to wear something under the kilt...there is no rule on this and it beats being uncomfortable. This is supposed to be fun and not an exercise in endurance.

Best

AA

[GG]

Is there anyone else out there that's worn a kilt since they were a teen?

No, unfortunately I started very late.

Also, I'm of a bit awkward decent for wearing a kilt. I am part Swedish, part Italian, and a small bit German, however, I have no Anglo in me at all. Is it even socially acceptable for me to wear a kilt? Should I pick a particular tartan over another, or even a solid color?

I'm a Dane, German roots, no Scottish heritage. I think it is fully acceptable to wear a kilt. The kilt is just another comfortable and/or different garment. It is all the stuff that you don't need that makes the kilt a national dress.
I'm sure you from time to time see young girls your age in tartan skirts and nobody thinks it is wrong or that they must be Scottish. Therefore: If you like a tartan available, buy it.

That aside, I'm currently looking at a Stillwater Standard Kilt for my first one. It seems to be a good value. Does anyone else have one of these kilts?

I have some casual kilts from Scottish Heritage and one from The Frugal Corner. They are all perfect for casual wear. With Stillwater Kilts it is probably the same = good value for money.

I do intend to wear my kilt as a general purpose garment, i.e. from school to informal family gatherings. Would a Stillwater standard kilt suit my needs well?

From pictures and descriptions I'm sure it will.

...I'm on a budget, and will probably buy the least expensive kilt that meets my criteria

There you are. Go for the Stillwater.

Should I buy a sporran?

I'd say YES. The sporran makes the kilt to my opinion. By the way, Stillwater has an affordable nylon sporran.

Good luck!

Greg - kilted Dane

www.dress2kilt.eu

[kiltedMarine]

I think a sparron makes the kilt. The only time it doesn't is with a utilikilt.

[isantop]

I got my Kilt! Pics are coming soon, but they're not quite what I expected...


Turns out my aunt happened to have one at her house, and it happened to fit me pretty well, and it happens to be black watch. So I got my first Kilt for free! It's wool, probably about 13-16 oz, 4-5 yards. It has nice knife pleats, although they aren't pleated to the sett. It also seems a little short, but it's acceptable. I am wearing it a little low on my hips, but on my knees it's about right. Now just to get the belt, sporran, etc.

It feels great to be part of the Kilted now. Thanks everyone for your advice, and for a great, warm welcome!

[Tim B]

I just skimmed the posts to this thread so forgive me if I repeat what someone has already said.
First- congratualtions on your decision to be kilted.
Second- before you wear your kilt to school, consult your student handbook and talk to your counselors or administration. Some school districts don't allow clothing that is determined to be "distracting". There are, unfortunately, some principals and administrators who view wearing a kilt to school just that. There have been numerous stories on the internet of students being forced to change or sent home when showing up for school in a kilt...but that's at school...if you can't where your kilt to school, don't let that stop you from wearing it everywhere else!

Good luck.

Tim B.

[isantop]

I just skimmed the posts to this thread so forgive me if I repeat what someone has already said.
First- congratualtions on your decision to be kilted.
Second- before you wear your kilt to school, consult your student handbook and talk to your counselors or administration. Some school districts don't allow clothing that is determined to be "distracting". There are, unfortunately, some principals and administrators who view wearing a kilt to school just that. There have been numerous stories on the internet of students being forced to change or sent home when showing up for school in a kilt...but that's at school...if you can't where your kilt to school, don't let that stop you from wearing it everywhere else!

Good luck.

Tim B.

Thank you! Last year there was a friend of mine that wore his kilt quite often, and as far as I know, he didn't get in any trouble for wearing it, and there are tons of other garments allowed that are way more distracting than a kilt, but I will check first. Thanks for the the suggestion!

[Ryan Ross]

I'd really like to see more teenagers getting into kilt wearing. I'm 24, at the moment, but I first started wearing the kilt when I was 17. Pretty much anywhere you could go, I've gone kilted. It's always a big hit on campus- any campus, be it high school or college. It's good for tromping around in the woods. You can go bowling in it. You can wear it to dinner, or to the movies, or to festivals (not just Scottish ones). Pretty much, it's good for anything, save riding a bike/horse (though I've seen it done), playing baseball, swimming (not very hydrodynamic), skydiving, bungee jumping, Mixed Martial Arts (specifically grappling- voice of experience), or shooting pool (also found that one out the hard way). I think that, so long as you feel comfortable, at ease, and proud while wearing it, you'll meet with a great reception. I always did (and still do). The girls will likely find it particularly interesting, if you want to know the real truth. Apparently, from what intel I have, the ladies associate kilt wearing with(among other things) confidence, which they count as highly attractive (if there are any ladies around here who would like to confirm this, please do).

Long and short of the matter- as long as you have a positive attitude about the whole thing, people will love to see you kilted. It'll really brighten up some people's day, just to see you. As a very wise man once said: "When you're kilted, the whole world is your friend." Largely, I find this to hold true. You'll never have a shortage of people coming over to talk to you, and the vast majority will have positive(if not a bit ill-informed) things to say/questions to ask. My advice is just to make sure that you have snappy comments/answers to return with.

Now then- the specifics. Though I've never had a SWK standard, I've always heard it very well reviewed. As for the sporran, aside from really creating the right look, it's a must for functionality. I find it much more efficient and comfortable than carrying a bunch of stuff around in pants pockets. Hose are another item, pretty necessary in the winter, that will just help to make you look right in the kilt. Don't worry about getting some sort of "Scottish" shoe. I've never owned a "Scottish" pair of shoes, and probably never will. Any shoe will be fine with the kilt, but leather shoes tend to look best, I'd say. Also, if you can, spring for a belt that was intended for wear with a kilt (i.e. one that is about 2.5 inches wide). It really sends the masculine look of a kilt right over the top.

Once you get that kilt, start by wearing it around the house. Be especially sure that you practice sitting down in it. The goals of sitting down properly should be that you A: Do not expose anything that shouldn't be exposed, both while you're sitting down and while you're in the process of sitting down. B: That you are not wrinkling the pleats much, when you're sitting down. C: That you can do it in such a way that doesn't look awkward. And D: That you're comfortable. After you get that down, which isn't hard, you'll be ready to tear up any venue of your choosing.

I think the BW was a good choice of tartan, and while we're on that topic, I think it's great that you'll be wearing a kilt, in spite of not having any Scottish in you. The kilt is a piece of very functional, good-looking clothing. It should be worn, for that reason, by any man who has a mind to. Back to tartans- choose what looks good to you. "Universal" tartans are always a safe bet, but if you find a non-universal tartan that you like, wear it, too(just make sure that you know its name and a little bit about it)
!!!

I don't think it a bad idea to let some friends, or what have you, know ahead of time that they will be seeing you in a kilt. That said, don't act like it's a big deal. Be matter-of-fact. Mention it "in passing". I have little doubt that you will be well received.

If you have any questions, or anything else that you'd like to address to a former kilted teenager, please feel free to shoot me a PM.

And so, the moral here is that wearing a kilt is awesome, and you should get on it right away... and let us know how it goes.

EDIT: Oh, and I've personally never been a fan of the kilt pin, but if you like it, wear one. The extra weight on the apron may help keep things down, since the SWK standard is made in light weight material.

[isantop]

Thanks to everyone! I'm glad that the Kilted community is so much more open than the Linux one!

Thanks to this topic, I've noticed a bit of a conversation change around the house:


--BEFORE--
Mom: You would look so handsome in a Kilt Ian!

Me: Mom! I'm italian!

--AFTER--
Me: Mom! When are we ordering my kilt?

Mom: Soon. They're so expensive, you know...



Now this is something I'm eagerly awaiting! Now that I am properly informed!