SWK Ireland National or Weathered Mackenzie?

[Sean_the_Kilted]

I have decided to get a SWK standard kilt and I am torn between the Ireland National kilt and the Weathered MacKenzie kilt. I will probably eventually get both, but I can only get one right now. The question I have is which one is more versatile in regards to formal vs informal and in terms of colors of shirts, socks, and jackets that it goes with? For those of you that own kilts in both tartans which one do you wear more and why?

[Ayin McFye]

Well I don't own both of them. I currently own an Irish National and I will also be buying the Weathered MacKenzie someday. The Irish National Kilt screams "I'm IRISH" with the bright green colors. I love it. However the weathered MacKenzie is much more subdued. I love the colors on it, and it looks like a great plaid. Tough Decision. Good luck with that. Either way you'll be happy i'm sure.

[pipesndrumsnun]

I vote Irish National...it is beautiful and versatile!

[Panache]

Sean,

In general all the subdued weathered tartans look best with brown leather accessories, therefore this makes them better suited for daywear. If you are looking for a tartan to dress up to more formal levels I would go with the Irish National.

Cheers

Jamie

[ChromeScholar]

Much as I love my SWK Weathered MacKenzie, I have to agree that the Irish National is probably more versatile, though I really prefer the looks of the Weathered MacKenzie. The Irish National is a bit too much...well...Irish for me.

[Brian F]

I'd vote Weathered MacKenzie, but then again, I don't do too many formal events. I plan on getting one myself after Christmas.

~Yeti

[Moosedog]

Hi, Sean,

I own kilts in both and agree that the Irish National is bold and shouts "Irish." I can dress mine up or down easily, although I usually go casual, mostly because I can wear it in summer with black, gray or navy t-shirts or polos. The Mackenzie weathered is beautiful and more subtle. It looks great with black or red.

I find them both somewhat unusual in that they do well with brown and black leather. The Irish National's gold/saffron color coordinates with brown, while the MacKenzie is light enough in shade and has a dark line so it works well with black.

Which best complements your current kilt stable?

Moosedog

[ChromeScholar]

I wear my Weathered MacKenzie with black belts and sporran all the time.

[Sean_the_Kilted]

I'm mostly a casual guy and while I love being irish, I like being more subdued in general. So I think I have decided on the Weathered Mackenzie. Which color hose and solid color flashes go best with it? If you wear brown leather accessories with it, does it look werid that the straps are black?

[McMurdo]

I for one do not think you have to worry about black straps and brown accessories, if I had a Weathered Mackenzie, good choice by the way, I would wear it with the following colour hose
Oatmeal,
Lovat Green,
Bottle Green,
Brown,
If you are feeling Adventurous you could always wear Red hose.

As for flashes, or garter ties, which I find much more comfortable I think you would do well with red.