Unkilted noob from Kentucky

[markv]

Greetings everyone. I'll start off saying that I'm currently unkilted but plan to remedy that soon once I make up my mind on what I want.

I found this site by trying to research the Kilt and gather as much info as I could before purchasing. I recently attended the Glasgow Highland games in Glasgow, KY and recently found that I have a connection to Clan Fergusson through my mother's side of the family.

I'm strongly leading toward either a casual or semi-formal from USAKilts. Unfortunately, I prefer the ancient clan tartan as opposed to the modern tartan and only the modern tartan is available in PV. Also, I cannot decide if I need to drop a few pounds before I put some money down on a custom kilt.

I've enjoyed reading everyone's posts so far. There's always more to learn.

-Mark

[McFarkus]

from Chicago

[Chas]

Hello Mark,

Welcome to XMarks from the other side of the Atlantic in Norfolk, England.

My advice is to buy a cheaper kilt now - if you wait for weight change, you could grow old and still not have one!

Regards

Chas

[Ancienne Alliance]

Welcome from France !

It’s good to have you here.




Best,

Robert & Lady Chrystel

[Spartan Tartan]

from Oklahoma!

[RockyR]

Welcome from Spring City, PA!

[TurboKittie]

Hi from St Louis, Missouri.

[cdarwin]

My advice is to buy a less expensive kilt now - if you wait for weight change, you could grow old and still not have one!

FTFY

I agree, that getting a less expensive kilt early on is a good way to get accustomed to how the kilt looks and feels on you. I wouldn't worry so much about a specific tartan early on. I would suggest getting an inexpensive kilt in a tartan that still looks good to you and once you learn as much as you can about the way a kilt can be constructed and how you want it to fit you, start looking at the various vendors of bespoke kilts on this forum to make you the exact kilt that you want exactly the way you want it.

If you want an idea of how a 'traditional' (three buckle, high yardage, heavy wool) kilt will feel and look on you, you will not go wrong with Stillwater Kilts in the 'Heavyweight' variety. These are a fraction of the cost of a premium bespoke option, but should give you a good idea of how one will feel and look. They are not custom tailored garments and are not made of premium UK wool so you will sacrifice a bit in the fit and finish. However, they are a great value for the price. The tartans that Jerry has available are all pretty universal and you won't be scolded by the kilt kops for wearing any of them.*

For about the same price, another option is a P/V Casual kilt (like you've already mentioned). These are extremely comfortable and light weight and will be made to your exact measurements, however they fall a bit short in the 'looks' department. They are great for their intended purpose which is in a 'casual' environment like with a T-Shirt and boots.

Whatever you decide, enjoy your kilted self! You are already in the right direction, I'm just trying to offer some humble advice from experience. Take it for what it's worth.

Finally, WELCOME! This is a great community and a wonderful resource for information

* Just kidding There are no kilt kops. Wear whatever tartan looks good to you.

Cheers,
-J

[EagleJCS]

Welcome, from up the road in Louisville!

[Gryphon57]

Welcome from NW Missouri. Get the kilt now. Waiting for weight loss is a noble idea, but from personal experience, doesn't always work out in a timely manner . If you are serious about the weight loss and going with a USA Kilt, you might consider discussing the waist measurement with Rocky before you place the order. As I recall from mine, there are additional holes on the straps for expansion, but once it is as tight as it gets, it is not economical to have it taken in.

Just my thoughts. I'm sure others could chime in with more/better advice.