Kilts for little boys

[usary]

Hi gang,
A friend and I have five year-old boys and we want to get them in kilts soon.
A search of the internet yields several options and we are confused about what is best. We are looking for an inexpensive kilt, expecting it to be ruined or outgrown pretty quick. Being machine washable and adjustable are also a plus.
Can anyone recommend us a source for good values in boys kilts and accessories? Thanks!

[Panache]

There is nothing quite like a quality wool hand sewn tartan kilt, however with the way that children grow (not to mention the abuse they can inflict on their clothing) a custom made kilt is often neither economical or practical.

I have personally used the following sources for affordable (and washable) options for children's kilts.

Stillwater Kilts

www.stillwaterkilts.com


Stillwater Kilts is an online business located in Minnesota . The owner, Jerry V., imports ready made acrylic and wool kilts and accessories from Pakistan. He offers acrylic kilts and a few accessories for children. He has several tartan kilts available for children for under $20.

Kilts

http://stores.channeladvisor.com/Sti...#39;s%20Kilts/


Accessories

http://stores.channeladvisor.com/Sti...20Accessories/


These kilts feature Velcro fasteners, a good number of nice pleats, and are washable. The down side to the acrylic fabric is that over time it can “pill” especially where the sporran rubs along it (requiring a fabric shaver to remove them). Also the “fell” on these kilts are not sewn down (but doing so requires little effort).

Here is a link to an XMTS thread with pictures and a review of my children’s Stillwater Kilts

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/s...x.html?t=39441



Sport Kilt

www.sportkilt.com

Sport Kilt is located in Southern California and they make a line of kilts out of poly acrylic material. Originally Seamus (the owner) sought to provide durable and washable kilts for highland athletes but branched out to incorporate a growing market. Sport Kilt has a very large selection of tartans available and their children’s kilts start for a basic model with Velcro fasteners at a little under $40.

http://www.sportkilt.com/departments....cfm?afid=1003

Poly acrylic fabric is a very good alternative to wool, it is very durable, washable, and doesn’t pill like acrylic.
The options available such as fringe, sewn down pleats, or buckles (which are just ornamental as the kilts still have the Velcro fasteners) are not necessary for a child’s kilt and I would suggest not bothering with them as they increase the price. The two disadvantages to a Sport Kilt are going to be that the waist is elasticized where a traditional kilt isn’t and that there will be wider and less crisp pleats than the Stillwater youth kilts. Yet the durable PV fabric and easily moveable Velcro mean that your child will get a lot of use from one.

They carry a more extensive line of accessories than Stillwater for sporrans, flashes, pins, and belts

http://www.sportkilt.com/departments....cfm?afid=1003


Here is a link to a thread about my son’s Sport Kilt.

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/k...622/index.html




Another option for those looking to spend a bit more


USA Kilts


www.usakilts.com



USA Kilts is located in Pennsylvania. Owner Rocky Roeger and crew make machine sewn kilts in poly viscose, wool tartan, and even tweed.

Of interest to parents would be their “casual kilt” line in poly viscose offered in a huge assortment of tartans.

http://www.usakilts.com/store/cas_kiltpage.php

These kilts are going to have more pleats, crisper pleats, and better lined up pleats than a Sport kilt, they are durable poly viscose material which is a better looking and feeling material than poly acrylic. Poly viscose tartan is the best available option to wool tartan. They fasten with an easy velcro closure like the Sport Kilt and Stillwater options. tening, and feature a USA kilt patch placed where a pin normally would be set (no need for a pin that could get lost or poke holes in the kilt or your child.).

The downside is that the price for the superior construction is going to cost more. Even a child’s kilt is going to cost $99

They also have a few accessories available for children but at a higher price point

http://www.usakilts.com/store/cart.p...duct_list&c=26


Here is a link to a thread showing the matching USA Kilts my son and I have

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/m...x.html?t=27196

Cheers

Jamie

[bricelythgoe]

I am glad someone asked this question. I have a young son as well. This really helps it letting me to know the options for him.

Brice

[Nighthawk]

I have gotten Sport Kilts for my son. They are durable and inexpensive, and for kids, they look great. As already mentioned, Stillwater Kilts are great as well.

[David H]

We bought kilts for our two boys from Sport Kilt two years ago. The customer service has been great. They sent one to us that was the wrong size and they replaced it and gave us some flashings to let us know how sorry they were.
We purchased Henderson and USAF for both of them.

[Keith A]

My son last summer did not want a kilt. Then when we went to the Old Westbury Games on Long Island, he decided that he wanted one. So with tartan day just around the bend, I thought I should get on it. I ordered him a Black Watch tartan from Celtic Croft, along with belt and buckle hose and flashers.
Very reasonable price. So now just looking forward to the arrival.

[The Barry]

I support the "Stillwater or Sport kilt" crowd, two great vendors offering what you are looking for.

[usary]

Thanks for the replies.
Based on the info, I will start with a Still water brand and then upgrade to a Sport Kilt when he outgrows the first one.

[JelicoCat]

Just bought my 8 year old a stillwater kilt. The velcro will let him wear it for quite some time and if he manages to ruin I will merely spend another $20 a get him another or 2 or 3.

[bricelythgoe]

Thanks for the replies.
Based on the info, I will start with a Still water brand and then upgrade to a Sport Kilt when he outgrows the first one.

That is what I am doing as well! The way my son runs and plays, I could see him ruining it very easily.

Brice