Some advice for a newcomer?

[Bugbear]

You'll get hooked like the rest of us, then at some point you need to get a leather kilt. Get the leather one man, good for the mosh.

Welcome. Soon you will find how much "fun" wearing a kilt can be. Hope you post a picture later on too! As you can see what I have below my name, it will work for you!

DALE.

[sharpdressedscot]

Hi, as you could have guessed from the title I'm a newcomer.
As I didn't find no place to present myself I didn't, if there is, excuse my blindness.
So on what matter do I need advice? (kilts obviously)
Actually anything regarding kilts.
The idea of buying a kilt has started to grow in me since I saw a couple (to say the least) fellow metalheads walking around in kilts in some festivals, but I'm in no way related to the Scotland or any part of the UK (I'm a Belgian living in Switzerland) and I don't know anyone who could give me advice on the matter.

So I'd love to get myself a traditional kilt, but I don't know up to what point the clanbusiness is taking seriously so I don't know up to what point I should restrict myself in the choice of a tartan (I can always dream, but is there a traditional Belgian tartan by any chance?). I'm also quite young (turning 17 in 3 weeks) so the budget couldn't be enormous (but as my parents pay my clothing and I barely spend anything in clothing I could scratch a dime or two from their backs).
And finally, what is in your opinion the best place to get a kilt from (along with all the accessories required for casual wear)? I checked the links advertised in this forum and they don't look bad but I always appreciate some personal advice.

So to cut this thing short:
As a Belgian can I wear a kilt without being lynched when my real origins are found out?
What tartan can I buy without being lynched?
Where should I buy it (I'm looking for good quality but not with a big ticket attached to it)?

Thanks

PS: if the answers to these questions have been posted somewhere else I apologize

Ya don't have to be Scottish to wear a kilt, man.
Metalhead? I think that's what you said right? Get a black watch or a dark tartan. But that's just me. I have my sportkilt and a plain black one (though the material feels like the stuff for dress pants).

\m/ kilts!

[DTrain]

and enjoy! Wear whatever tartan you wish, whenever you wish, wherever you wish. Ignore anyone who claims to be from the "kilt police."

[Thunderbolt]

Wolf,

Congrats on your decision! It takes a man to wear a kilt....

I always say to err on the side of quality when buying the first kilt. The reason for this is because then you know how a real kilt feels and have something to compare it to. I would stick to some of the major makers, as they have a reputation to keep.

As far as accessories; first you have to decide what look you're going for. Traditional or contemporary? If going trad, you need a bunch of accessories. Hose, flashes, sgian dubh, kilt pin, brogues, etc. Some will argue to no end about what is or isn't needed, that's why you need to decide what you're going for.

As far as a tartan choice, there are many. In fact, my Clan has a pipe band associated with us in the Netherlands, the Red Rose of Lochbuie, ( http://www.redroseoflochbuie.nl/ ) that wears our tartan and, I doubt any of them are Scottish! We are proud to have them wear our tartan. I offer, if it pleases you, to wear our tartan, you are more than welcome!

But if something else strikes you, go for it. I know the European Union (EU) has their own tartan, if you want that.

First, I would do a little research on your family history. Your fathers geneology usually first, then your mothers. Do not automatically count them out because they have "blank" name. Do a little digging and I'm almost positive you'll find something. And, it will mean more to you if you can find a family connection to a tartan.

As a matter of fact, if you have a French history, there is an "Auld Alliance" tartan, showing the connection of the French and Scots.

Good luck on your adventure. You'll have a great time and welcome!

Thunderbolt

[davedove]

As far as Belgian tartans go, in the November 2007 issue of the Tartan Herald from the Scottish Tartans Authority, they describe a Belgian tartan from the 1st Squadron of the Belgian Air Force.

[Don Patrick]

Welcome from Texas, USA.

You should wear the tartan of the clan you would give your alliegence to. The Scottish Clan Chiefs provide this guidance. It is kind of like flying a nation's flag in your front yard. The council is considered the real authority for answers concerning your question.

Traditions are important to most of us, even those that say otherwise. Depends on a person's frame of reference - is it an important matter or is it not. I for one would never want to step on another's traditions.

I personally recommend 16 oz wool kilt and Matt Newsome.