My first kilt!

[Nighthawk]

I'm currently looking at a variety of kilts to buy. I am very excited as this will be my very first kilt.

I am however, first seeking answers to a few questions.

As an american teen, many of us are somewhat skeptical of trying dramatic new things and making sudden, drastic lifestyle changes. This also applies to me; however, thus far I have not been discouraged. I guess my main question is this: Is there anyone else out there that's worn a kilt since they were a teen? How did their friends react. Did you announce it openly before hand? etc, etc...

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?

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 do want to have a kilt that fastens with buckles instead of velcro. I'm not particularly large and I feel a velcro fastener would be too loose.

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? If not, what are some other options?

I don't want a Utilikilt. I feel that they're too expensive.

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

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.

AH! I have so many questions. I am grateful to anyone who helps me answer any of these questions. Thanks!

Welcome to the Colorado rabble, brother!

So- to answer your questions:

About being awkward and afraid of drastic lifestyle changes- I was always a metalhead (if the term still exists!) so it was not at all uncommon for us to be way outside of the social norm. If it fits you then peer pressure be damned. Never be ashamed of who and what you are.

Second- on lineage: Italian... You ever see the way the Roman Legions dressed? They wore knee length belted tunics. Italian men were wearing unbifurcated garments before Christ was born, so it makes good sense. If it was good enough for the toughest military in history (not to mention the modern legions of kilted U.S. military men) then it's certainly good enough for you.

So what type should you get? Since price is a consideration, as it is for all of us, and you have tartan questions, I would honestly suggest an Amerikilt from www.amerikilts.com I have one and I love it. It comes with it's own attached sporran, which takes the cost of that out of the equation. Only problem with them is that they aren't especially warm, which is a consideration here in Denver this time of year. Man, the wind today was brutal! I was greatful for my Lewis Rich socks... Talk about toasty! But I digress. If you want something warm, a Stillwater standard is deffinately a good way to go. I have three and am very happy with them, and the customer service cannot be beaten. (I have a Black Stewart, a Weathered MacKenzie, and a saffron.)

On sporrans- if you get a more traditional kilt, like a Stillwater, then you'll need and want a sporran. You won't look quite complete without one, and you need somewhere to keep all your crap! I know I sure do... Digging through them for change is a pain, though.

I've sent you a PM. If you have any other questions, feel free to send me a message back. If I don't have the answers, I'll help you find them.

And one more thing... from another cold Coloradoan.

[Nighthawk]

3) I was planning on buying a sporran, but I figured I should check to be sure. I've also looked at hose, since the kilt comes with free matching flashes. But would the hose look funny in everyday shoes? Also; what about a kilt pin?


Thanks for your reply! I can now confidently look forward to many great years in a kilt!

Ah! More questions. Another word for kilt hose is "Socks." They look fine in everyday shoes. I wear mine to work with a pair of black boots every day of the winter. And I only bother with a kilt pin when I'm dressing up a little. My pin cost me $30 and I don't want to lose it, and the cheaper ones, to my eyes, look like cheap pins. Wear one if you like, or don't. They didn't really come into fashion until the Victorian period anyway.

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!

Kid, I like your mom! My sister in law is firmly convinced that it is just one step away from cross dressing. My brother never wears his any more... It's so sad.

[Robert MacNaughten]

I think I am perfect to help (I am an American teenager and I wear a kilt ALL THE TIME)

As an american teen, many of us are somewhat skeptical of trying dramatic new things and making sudden, drastic lifestyle changes. This also applies to me; however, thus far I have not been discouraged. I guess my main question is this: Is there anyone else out there that's worn a kilt since they were a teen? How did their friends react. Did you announce it openly before hand? etc, etc...

*I too am an American teen, and I wear my kilt to school every day. When I first started, I will be brutally honest here, people made jokes about me. Most Americans just don't understand the difference between a KILT and a SKIRT. But after a while, people will grow used to it and even respect you more. Believe me, it's good to wear a kilt out of the house.

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 suggest you wear a "non-clan tartan" kilt. If you are looking for a more Scottish tartan, try 'Pride of Scotland' or 'Caledonia'. If you prefer an Irish look, 'St. Patrick' and 'Irish National' are fine choices.

I do want to have a kilt that fastens with buckles instead of velcro. I'm not particularly large and I feel a velcro fastener would be too loose.

*Definately choose buckles. Velcro does not suit a kilt.

I don't want a Utilikilt. I feel that they're too expensive.

*Personally, I find Utilikilts quite unnatractive and defeat the purpose and tradition of an 8-yard tartan kilt.

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

*If you're really that desperate, eBay offers dozens of kilts that can be as cheap as 30-50 dollars

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.

*Aye, definately buy a sporran. Again, eBay is an excelent supplier of bargain kilts and kilt accesories.

[Nighthawk]

*Aye, definately buy a sporran. Again, eBay is an excelent supplier of bargain kilts and kilt accesories.

Here's a good one: http://stores.ebay.com/GEOFFREY-MADE-FOR-SCOTTISH They have some nice looking sporrans. After Christmas, I plan to patronize them myself.

And another welcome! Wow! 2 newbies here!

[Carolina Kiltman]

I Is there anyone else out there that's worn a kilt since they were a teen? How did their friends react.

I got my first one at about your age (Harry Truman was president then!) when the entire family (I am number seven of nine) descended along with all the cousins on Mull for my Maternal Grandparents golden wedding anniversary.

A bit of a different situation I'll admit. I did continue to wear that kilt for the next 25 years or so on special occasions, (I grew up rather than out) but not all that frequently. (The US Navy did not have the Kilt as part of the uniform.)

Yes, you will most certainly need a sporran, as has been noted, a Kilt has no pockets. (Well most of them anyway). In addition, it advertises that you are wearing a kilt rather than a skirt.

As for the hose, perhaps you can pick up a pair of Soccer hose which are much cheaper. They don't look quite as nice as Kilt hose, but will do if money is really tight.

Anyway, go for it!

[macwilkin]

If you are of Italian heritage, you may wish to consider the following tartans:

http://www.clansmanitalia.com/

And this web site about the Italian community in Scotland, has a few more articles, links, etc. about this tartan (and others) that you might like to peruse:

http://www.scotsitalian.com/culture.htm

There is also a tartan for the City of Rome:

http://www.caledoniansocietyofrome.org/html/Tartan.html

Cheers,

Todd

[Nighthawk]

If you are of Italian heritage, you may wish to consider the following tartans:

http://www.clansmanitalia.com/

And this web site about the Italian community in Scotland, has a few more articles, links, etc. about this tartan (and others) that you might like to peruse:

http://www.scotsitalian.com/culture.htm

There is also a tartan for the City of Rome:

http://www.caledoniansocietyofrome.org/html/Tartan.html

Cheers,

Todd

Interesting!! I love learning about tartans that are new to me! Thanks for the links!

Another thought on the kilt hose issue- http://stores.ebay.com/WB-SOCKS_KILT...QQftidZ2QQtZkm I have several pair from these guys. They're not high end, but they look nice and are cheap and reasonably warm.

[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.