First Kilt

[Kane]

Hi, this is my first real post and I was wondering if people would be able to give me some advice and opinions.

I'm starting at Edinburgh university next year and it appears pretty customary for the students, regardless of nationality, to wear kilts to black-tie dinners. There is traditionally 3 before christmas alone and seeing as I'll be there for at least 4 years I feel buying a kilt would be better investment than renting one each time. Bonus in that is I can choose a kilt in a tartan and style I like.
Unfortunately I don't know enough about kilts to make an informed decision on my own.

I was thinking of getting the American Heritage tartan pleated to the stripe, I don't have much money and was hoping (from what little I know) that a 5 yard kilt pleated to the stripe of the first red line after the white line would end up with my pleats looking similar to this picture:

The white stripe being just hidden by the previous pleat.

Would this be the case and if not can any one recommend anything else? as a student I can't really afford a full 8 yard and I'm just hoping the pleat sizes are similar with just less of them.

Thanks,
Kane

[Colonel MacNeal]

There's lot's of tartans out there. Are you of American heritage? If you like American things, then you should check out USA Kilts. There's an ad at the top of the page for our friend Rocky and his shop.

[Kane]

There's lot's of tartans out there. Are you of American heritage? If you like American things, then you should check out USA Kilts. There's an ad at the top of the page for our friend Rocky and his shop.

I'm not actually of American heritage, the closest links to anything other than English are an Irish circus family from my nan, and my partner of 2 years who is Scottish (she's the one who got me into really wanting a kilt). I actually stumbled across the American heritage tartan whilst looking for a dark pattern that wasn't just completely black that I would feel comfortable with as my first kilt. I will be sure to have a look at USA kilts though, thankyou.

[Chas]

Hi Kane,

Firstly, welcome to XMarks from the east side in Norfolk. Secondly, if you are on a budget, have a look at eBay. If you do a search for 'kilt' and then at the drop down, opt for 'military'. You will find plenty of 'Black Watch' which is a universal tartan. Most will be full 8 yard kilts made to British Army specifications, but for less than you are going to pay for the American Heritage (even if that tartan is freely available). You could be buying a top of the range kilt that will easily last your whole life, with care.

Something to think about.

Regards

Chas

[raibeart_dubh]

What is your budget? There a several kiltmakers here on the forum that make excellent kilts in an affordable price range. Check out Matt Newsome, Barb T., and ChattanCat to name a few.

Also, the Ebay route may be an option to pursue. Ebay sellers like bauhaus-boy (Ebay store is Carse of Gowrie) offer well made kilts at reasonable prices.

[Kane]

I did wonder about ebay but was always told that a kilt should always be measured to fit, also would an 8yard kilt be suitable for casual as well as formal wear?

Doing a bit of research I've discovered the American Heritage to be purchasable from Marton Mills

hopfully in this full outfit http://www.thescotlandkiltcompany.co...ilt-p-862.html

[Kane]

Currently I have a budget of £400($640) but could stretch to £500($795) at a push but that is for my full outfit.

Kane

[The Barry]

Well, welcome to the addiction!

I remember once saying "I'm only going to spend...."

That didn't work out so well.

[Kane]

Unfortunately my budget is currently everything in my bank account, everything I earn from this point onwards goes on university fees, I was hoping to leave £100 in there to tide me over until September when my loan is processed but that's looking unlikely now.
Damn these nice kilts.

[McClef]

Various sellers offer kilt packages but whilst £400 would be more than sufficient for a made to measure 8 yard kilt you have to consider the other items also.

However there are ebay sellers such as bobilishous who offer made to measure 8 yard kilts for around £140 (including matching flashes) in a limited range of tartans which would leave you £260 for other items.

His current offerings can be seen at http://stores.shop.ebay.co.uk/Kilt-a...__W0QQ_armrsZ1

Having had a kilt from him I can thoroughly recommend as can several other people on this site.