Can u buy a kilt in Chicago?

[lisleman60532]

I am in Chicao and I want to purchase my first kilt. However, I am not confortable ordering it on line; need some first hand expereince before I venture there.
I am not aware of any meetings or events in the immediate future that would bring a kilt vendor to Chicago.
Appreciate all and any advice.

[kiltedcougar]

I'm not familiar with the Chicago area, but if you can't find a store, stillwaterkilts.com has a very friendly size exchange/return policy and fast shipping to boot.

[auld argonian]

Yes...you can!

There is one kiltmaker in the area that I'm aware of...I only figured out the location recently.

http://www.thescottishshop.com/index.shtml

Price-wise I'm not sure what you're looking at...haven't had a chance to stop in there yet. Fortunately, Lisle isn't THAT far from Summit...could be worse...could be in Schaumburg!

If you're just starting out and are considering a "starter kilt", I would second kiltedcougar's suggestion about Stillwater and also point out that USA Kilts does a very respectable casual for a very reasonable price (in both cases, I'm assuming that you want tartan and not a contemporary kilt...lots of other choices in that direction, too). If you're looking for the "real thing" be prepared to pony up some "real bucks"...check out some of the posts on Xsmarks and check out some of the listed advertisers to get some reference on prices.

Best

AA

[ckelly327]

While I can't personally vouch for Chicago, almost every area of the country has some sort of Celtic Festival with vendors that will sell you a kilt. Granted, you would have to wait for Spring or Summer but look for Scottish/Irish/Celtic games or festivals and you will almost certainly find the answers you are looking for.

[Jerry]

[quote=ckelly327;320290]While I can't personally vouch for Chicago, almost every area of the country has some sort of Celtic Festival with vendors that will sell you a kilt. Granted, you would have to wait for Spring or Summer but look for Scottish/Irish/Celtic games or festivals and you will almost certainly find the answers you are looking for.[/quote

Be aware, one of the big kilt vendors at festivals is "Clansman Knitwear", or some variation of that name. Many members here, myself included have had bad experiences with that company, so check here before ordering a kilt from them. Items purchaced directly from their booths are fair to good quality.

[auld argonian]

The only two events that i can think of are the Illinois St. Andrew's Society Highland Games, June 15-16 at the Oak Brook Polo Grounds and City of Chicago Celtic Fest, September 15-16 in Grant Park Downtown Chicago.

Are you looking for the "entry level" kilt or are you planning to shoot the works on a tank first thing?

Best

AA

[ccga3359]

I am in Chicao and I want to purchase my first kilt. However, I am not confortable ordering it on line; need some first hand expereince before I venture there.
I am not aware of any meetings or events in the immediate future that would bring a kilt vendor to Chicago.
Appreciate all and any advice.

Online is actually the better way to go in most cases. Many online vendors are actually members on this forum, Stillwater Kilts, USAkilts, Canadian Casual Kilts, RKilts, Freedom Kilts and others. All have exceptional service, their reputation is second to none. I recommend you research these companies and what they offer and search the X-Marks archives for their various products. This is what I did I bought from Stillwater asnd had the kilt within two weeks (including going through Canada Customs) it was the Black Shadow tartan in wool and the fit and finish is well worth the investment. I think you're main apprehension about online might be e-bay, which can be hit and miss. These companies mentioned above will most likely fill your needs and in a timely manner. It is reported that Jerry at SWK uses a transporter time/space continium macine to shipp your kilt, I know he responds to my emails before I've even hit the send button!

[ccga3359]

Where are my manners?

from sunny Southern Ontario.

[Kid Cossack]

I can think of two concerns about online ordering. First off, there's the "reputable vendor" issue. The second would be sizing. As regards the first, CCGA3359 pointed out that a lot of the vendors also post here, and are members of our community. From the "instant gratification" of a Stillwater to the fine custom work done by USAK, FK, etc., I just don't think you can go wrong with "our" vendors. Sizing can be tricky---I've changed the way I wear kilts, which means that my "old" kilts look like miniskirts. (Since I wore them down on the hips, and now I prefer to wear them 2" above the navel.)

Best of luck, in any event!

[neo71665]

Stay far away from clansman knitwear just do a search on here to find out why.


I also have to put in a good vote for Stillwater kilts.