What kilt to get?

[J_Mimbs]

I would say definitely drive over to see Rocky at USA kilts if you can. If your budget goes up to $330 then you could afford one of his 5 yard wool kilts. And even if you didn't go with his kilts I would think you'd get some valuable information about measurements and how you like wearing a traditional kilt.

[RockyR]

For a custom kilt similar in price to UK, check out www.freedomkilts.com (steve is the owner of FK and also the owner of Xmarks) as well as Robert at www.rkilts.com Both are great options.

If you're up for a bit of a drive to our shop, we'd be happy to have you and show you the differences between worsted wool, UK made PV, and other brands materials / construction (we keep a few competitor kilts on hand as examples).

[antgrippi]

Thanks Rocky, I do plan on making the drive at some point. I'm just so freaking impatient, when I set my mind on something. Waiting 6-10 weeks, yikes! However, I understand that you can't rush quality, and judging by the feedback here. I'd have to assume, that that's what you guys do. Quality. Since I'm finding that one kilt probably won't do. I might have to come up and get fitted for a 5 yard wool kilt, and pick something up off the rack until you can get that to me. I was curious about one thing though. I am full blooded Italian. No Irish or Scott as far as I know, but there is an Italian National Tartan that I am in love with. Is that something that with enough time you could make happen, and if so would it be something that is really pricey. I know I can order it online, (a kilt with this tartan) but For something like this, as far as cost, and quality, I don't think I just want to phone it in. I would much rather be fitted, and know that it's going to be perfect. I wish I knew more about the tartan, but other than pulling it up with a quick google search for Italian National Tartan, I have no idea how getting it works. I pulled it up on Scottweb Tartan Mill, but it says restricted, not sure what that means. Anyway. I will definetly be out your way regardless as soon as I can for a fitting, and some shopping I'm sure. thanks

[rondo]

My 1st kilt was a Celtic Croft philabeag. I thought I would only wear it to Ren Faires. It is 45/55 wool/poly. I wear this kilt out and about and really like it... but... I wish now that I would have gotten a more traditionally styled kilt. Perhaps the Economy Kilt they offer. Since you live close to USA Kilts drive up. I'm sure it'll be worth the drive to answer your questions.

Rondo

[J_Mimbs]

For a custom kilt similar in price to UK, check out www.freedomkilts.com (steve is the owner of FK and also the owner of Xmarks) as well as Robert at www.rkilts.com Both are great options.

Not to hijack a thread, but after spending some time in retail, it always cheers me to see sellers on here be willing to recommend other sellers rather than only hyping their product to make a sale. Thank you Rocky (and others) for providing a breath of fresh air.

To antgrippi, if the tartan is restricted you'll probably have to ask someone's permission to wear it. As I understand it its pretty much a formality but a nice one to observe.

[kiltedwolfman]

Freedom Kilts has a new line of " Off The Rack" ( OTR ) kilts in generic sizes, email Steve and ask what's available.

I have kilts from Stillwater and for the buck I have deffinitely gotten my value out of them so you wouldn't be going too wrong using one as a starter kilt.

Best of luck in your quest!

[pascs]

Since you've never worn a kilt before I would be tempted not to spend a large sum of money on something you dont know if you'll like. There is very big difference in style, fit and useability between a traditional wool kilt and a contemporary utility style kilt.

I'd buy something cheaper, maybe second hand, get the feel for what you like and then make a quality purchase. I'm forever seeing kilts on ebay, worn once, selling for less than 1/3rd the price - this seems such a waste of money for the original purchaser.

I really love the traditional wool kilt but it is high up on the waist. The more casual kilts, which have a lower waist, are maybe more comfortable for lying around the house in?

But in you have the chance to visit a shop then at least you can try on some different kilts and get a feel for how it feels on and hopefully get some good advice to steer you in the right direction.

[Spartan Tartan]

I woukd go with a traditionally styled tartan kilt. And if Rocky and USAK were only an hour and forty minutes from me--I would drive without hesitation! You can get into a USAK casual model for a.relatively low price...and it will fit perfectly. Plus, just going there to talk with Rocky and get measured you will learn a great deal.

Best of luck!!

[McMurdo]

I'd say always get the best kilt you can afford. I think in your case going down to USA kilts would be a great experience for you as well Rocky can set you up with the kilt you want. I am a member of a facebook group for Clan Italia, here is the link to it:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/ClanItalia/

I've just asked if it is possible to get the tartan shipped out so that you can get a local kilt maker to do it for you as you want to get measured correctly and are more comfortable that way than ordering online. When they get back to me I'll let you know.

As for PV in the winter, I'd say wool is a much better option, I do have some experience with winter kilting and would not venture out in the Canadian Winter in a PV kilt but have no qualms about going out in an 8 yard wool kilt.

Whatever you decide to do please remember photos are required, good luck with it.

[fluter]

Rocky's casual kilt or the Stillwater wool may be the ideal way to get into kilting on a budget. I'm wearing a Stillwater heavyweight at the moment, and it feels great on an autumn day---yes, fall is finally making an appearance here at latitude 34, but it was 80F just a couple of day' ago. It's a great value if it fits you well enough (e.g. if your hips are not too much bigger than your waist, if you're not too short or tall for the standard 24-inch length). If you dig around the forum, you'll find several adjustments and modifications that some of us have made to our Stillwaters.

There seem to be 3 tartans related to Italy, which you can see at the Tartan Register.

The Italian National, which you and McMurdo refer to, appears to be aimed at Scots of Italian heritage. There may be some fabric available, if that group or individual is having garments made regularly. The others are likely to require custom weaving.

One of those others is an Italian-American tartan designed by the ever-modest Rocky. If you want that tartan, he would be the ideal person to order it, making sure the yarn colors are correct, and so on. Consider also Rocky's American Heritage (positively gorgeous), or universal tartans such as Caledonia or Holyrood. You can see samples of some of these at his shop, and you can probably try on some of his off-the-rack casual kilts. If your measurements are not suited to those average dimensions, it'll be well worth the wait to have a kilt made just for you, be it PV or wool; casual, semi-trad, 5-yard or 8-yard tank.

So and enjoy. In particular, don't be in too much of a hurry to enjoy the decision process. You will learn a lot from a visit to USAK.