Advice on accessories.

[DaveFlkiltie01]

I am new to the kilting community and I am looking for some advice on where to get a few items at a good price that won't break the bank so to speak. I'm looking for a day sporran and some boots any help on what is a good value is greatly appreciated.

[Liam]

You should first check out the vendors here. I bought my first day wear sporran a number of years ago from Buzz Kidder. He caries a line now called Buzz day line, made in California. You may need to purchase a strap as if I recall mine came with only a long chain. Not sure what is supplied now.
Another option is to search ebay for used sporran. You can often find a good used sporran, you can also find a piece of junk, so beware.

[Liam]

You should first check out the vendors here. I bought my first day wear sporran a number of years ago from Buzz Kidder. He caries a line now called Buzz day line, made in California. You may need to purchase a strap as if I recall mine came with only a long chain. Not sure what is supplied now.
Another option is to search ebay for used sporran. You can often find a good used sporran, you can also find a piece of junk, so beware.

I should have taken my own advice. Freedom Kilts also have Buzz Kidder sporrans.

[SunriseEarth]

There are places you can get cheap sporrans, like UT Kilts, but you do get what you pay for. They might be good at just entry level, but you'll probably want to upgrade at some point. I get far more use out of my $95 Wyvern Sporran than my $24 semi-formal sporran from UT Kilts. In fact, I'm debating selling both of my entry-level sporrans.

[LKM]

A basic leather day sporran, hunting style or one of the many flap styles, will most likely be the best sporran to start with. If you have any skills with leather you can always make your own sporran. If you are not good with leather working, check out the sponsors or for sale area of the forum. I know USA Kilts and Celtic Croft have a few economy sporrans and some of the other sponsors might also have good options.

I would say to be careful with ebay or amazon as there are many dealers on those sites that sell sporrans that are mass produced with cheap materials. While you will also find quality sporrans on these web sites it is hard to tell the difference from the pictures if you don't know what to look for. You might get a basic cheap starter sporran that will not last long or a sporran that will last through a lifetime of use.

[kingandrew]

For economical starter kilt accessories, I have found Stillwater Kilts is a very good option. The customer service is amazing and the products are very good quality for the price. I have two sporrans from them. One is a black leather version of their "Nightstalker Cargo Sporran" which looks very traditional with the 3 tassles in front, but has a fairly large bag and a very convenient zipper pocket on the front of the flap for keys or a credit card. This was my main daywear sporran until I upgraded to my Rob Roy style from Thorfinn Custom Sporrans, which holds everything I might need to carry.

My other Stillwater sporran is a white bunny fur model for formal wear. It is still my go-to formal sporran many years later, although I am planning to eventually get a horsehair model someday.

Both have held up to regular use and look great.

For boots, any boots you like will probably look great with your kilt. I have a couple of pairs of Vasque hiking boots I often wear with mine for casual occasions and they work just fine. Find something that fits your foot and personal style and I expect it will also fit with your kilt.

The other must-have accessory is a good pair of kilt hose (socks). These will definitely give you a sharp look when you're kilted. Stillwater also carries these, although there are other vendors that might be even more affordable. I suggest looking at What Price Glory (tan woolen hose like the British Highlander regiments wore in the tropics), Sock Dreams (great for cotton, for the summertime), and HJ Hall (wool kilt or shooting socks from Britain). All of these vendors offer good quality at a great price.

Happy kilting!
Andrew

[DaveFlkiltie01]

Thanks for the great advice. I figured that you guys would know some good places to look for quality and affordability.

[Baeau]

......I would say to be careful with ebay or amazon as there are many dealers on those sites that sell sporrans that are mass produced with cheap materials. While you will also find quality sporrans on these web sites it is hard to tell the difference from the pictures if you don't know what to look for. You might get a basic cheap starter sporran that will not last long or a sporran that will last through a lifetime of use...

The above seems to be very true. I was fortunate to have had one of the forum members put me on to an eBay sporran. I was lucky, & paid less than $20, delivered. The seller added in a leather sporran belt & an extra pair of kilt hose flashes. One thing I did learn from my eBay / Amazon searches, enlarge the photos & give them a good going over. Amazing how many chrome plated cantles turn out to have dings, pitted plating, et cetera. The small pics tend not to show those things.

[tweedhead]

If you're looking for inexpensive leather dress shoes, don't hesitate to visit consignment and thrift stores. An old beat up pair of shoes you pick up for $10 can look like they cost twenty times that with a little elbow grease:

[Terry Searl]

If you're looking for inexpensive leather dress shoes, don't hesitate to visit consignment and thrift stores. An old beat up pair of shoes you pick up for $10 can look like they cost twenty times that with a little elbow grease:

I absolutely agree with shopping in Thrift shops. Being as I'm considered a senior I get 30% off and that is a further incentive

My Ghillie brogues ($18.00 Can with discount) and a pair of slip on shoes ( $12.00 Can with discount) both came from the same thrift shop and in both cases, the shoes looked virtually brand new, My wife's comment was "the piper must have died"

I also got a lovely cashmere/mink Jacket that I am considering having altered into a kilt Kut Jacket, It was less than $10.00 with the senior discount. The reason I haven't altered the cashmere/mink jacket is because it does fit me so comfortably...... and I don't have any other sports jackets that fits so nicely.

I have found quite a few Harris tweed jackets but so far they are a couple sizes too small, I need XXL too fit comfortably across shoulders and arms
I did find one Harris tweed jacket ($8.00 Can) in my size and was going to have it altered but when I took it to the seamstress, she noticed a couple of very tiny moth holes and said that if she found two, there were likely a lot more and didn't recommend me spending the $45.00 to have it altered, so I took it back .......... you do have to have a good look at items and know just what exactly it is that you are buying