A Source for Kilts

[Jim H.]

Hello again! I haven't posted since my introduction and I still don't have a kilt but I have a job now so I can finally afford a decent quality kilt . With that said I'd like to get a wool kilt (I like heavier material, it's traditional, and in a state where it snows I don't want to get cold). I've been eyeing a Heavyweight kilt from Stillwater. That said, I don't know if it would be right for me to wear a tartan I don't have a claim to wear. Especially, when the kilt is from a military regiment(the black watch). I really would like to wear a clan/regional kilt but I don't know if I'd be right in wearing the ones that Stillwater carries. I remeber reading somewhere that Stillwater might be coming out with other tartan styles (am I right on this?) so if they are, could I order a different design? I'm just confused on where to go from here. Does anyone know what the cost would be to buy the fabric myself(wool, around 8 yrds. or so)?

Thanks,
Jim

[motorman4life]

I don't know how much research you have done (if any) to determine that you do not have a tartan, but you may want to do a bit more looking before you give up. There are a myriad of clan, regional and national tartans out there. If you want to contact me off-line via PM, I would be glad to help get you headed in the right direction.

When I first started, I assumed I had no tartan and I found almost a dozen which I could rightfully lay claim to. That is in addition to several very nice general use tartans, such as Pride of Scotland, which is a beautiful commercial tartan.

[bubba]

First off, Black Watch is considered an open tartan these days. Anyone can wear it and nearly everyone does. Next question is how much are you able to spend.

[Blu (Ontario)]

There are lots of options now for kilt buyers. The key questions to ask are: How much do you expect to wear it?, Where are you going to wear it?, What resouces are you willing to invest in it?, How authentic do you need it be?

I'm located in southern Ontario about 100 miles from Detroit. So if you're located anywhere near us, I suggest that medium or heavyweight worsted wool is the best option (the fabric is very dense). If $$ is the key factor, then just make sure you buy an 8 yard (whatever fabric) kilt. If it's just a pub kilt... adjust you thinking acordingly. Good luck with your search.

[Kilts_Knave]

Don't give up. Matt Newsome pointed me to this Website:
http://www.cosca.net/
1. At the top, 4th over from the left of "Home," click "Services." ==>
2. Click on #6 "List of Septs and Associated Clans."

YOU WILL NEED EXCEL TO OPEN THE FILE. (If you don't you will may cause your computer crash.) It may take a few for it to load... Then, look for some family names. I look around for ANY name that shows up in my family.

You also may want to poke your head around this Website which is pretty cool:
http://tartans.byair.net/index.php

Good hunting!

[Jim H.]

I have a few clan kilts (Gunn, Nicholoson, MacLeod of Lewis) but that said, there's not a price that can really beat Stillwater's. I'm interested in getting a kilt done proper so don't look like I'm in a skirt, and I want it be traditional/cool. I'm hesitant to say what I can afford but I don't want to go over $250-300. I'd appreciate any other comments on this. Is my price range reasonable enough to get away with a 8 yard wool, kilt?

Thanks,
Jim

[Kilts_Knave]

Try Alexis Malcolm's Hillwalker. She has quoted a price of UNDER $300 for my Rhys of Wales tartan and she has a lot of tartans to choose from.
http://www.alexismalcolmkilts.bigstep.com/generic6.html

[bubba]

You'll have to spend a bit more for an 8 yard worsted wool 8 yard kilt. One option is a semitraditional in poly viscose from USA Kilts or you could go to What Price Glory and get a regimental weight Black Watch.

[Lily]

I,ve seen the woollen kilts hang in the stores in Edinburgh and Inverness for the price of 300 GBP.

[bubba]

but then 300GBP is much more than $300