How Did You Select Your First Kilt?

[Bluethunder90]

Over this weekend I've given some very serious thought as to what I want my first kilt to be. I definitely want the black 5.11 tactical kilt, and I have seen a couple of other tactical kilts that I would like, but beyond that I am wondering what my first non-tactical killed should be? Specifically I'm wondering what tartan I should choose considering that I am not Scottish or of Scottish descent?
I definitely want the United States Navy tartan and the United States Army tartan as I have served in both services. I do like the Black Watch tartan and if I am correct it is considered to be a universal tartan so I think I would be safe in choosing that one as well.
I am a fan of Laphroaig single malt, and I know that the Laphroaig distillery is on the Isle of Islay in Argyll Scotland. I guess my question is, is being a fan of that particular single malt a good enough reason or an appropriate reason to buy a kilt of the Argyll tartan. To further complicate matters, if I know what I am looking at as I read, there are several different patterns of Argyll Tartan. I guess I have more research to do.

[ForresterModern]

Easy -- full 8-9 yd knife pleated Forrester Modern 13 oz tartan pleated to sett (family tartan only comes in 13 oz unless custom woven) , bought as part of the whole package including made to order black argyle and grey tweed argyle jackets and waistcoats, and the whole basic kit. Bought a few months in advance of a planned trip to Scotland where I presented a scientific paper at an international meeting held only a few miles away from my ancestral manse in Corstorphine just outside Edinburgh, a wee bit over 10 years ago.

[McMurdo]

My first kilt was in the Gunn Modern tartan, it was my dad's old kilt he gave it to me over a decade ago as I was in need of a kilt for a work function. As for what tartan you could purchase all those sound like good reasons behind the decision. Have you thought of the xmarksthescot tartan? Or you could get The Scottish Wildcat Tartan which was conceived designed with input from this community?

[Tobus]

My first kilt was, of course, in the clan tartan associated with my lineage. For those without genetic or familial ties to clans, it really doesn't matter how you pick the tartan for your kilt. There is no entry requirement, no examination, no form to fill out in order to justify it. Pick one because you like the colours or the style of the sett. Pick it because you like the organisation or the region it represents. Whatever suits your fancy. Just make sure you know what tartan it actually is!

With your service record, you could definitely go with the army or navy tartans. Any of the so-called universal tartans are options as well, and if you want to get into your first tartan kilt without breaking the bank on a bespoke build, you might do well to shop around for used ones in common tartans. Just make sure you measure yourself accurately so you know your sizing options. By purchasing a pre-owned kilt for your first, you'll save some money for all the traditional accessories that will be needed (proper hose, sporran, sgian dubh, garter ties or flashes, belt, kilt pin, and much more).

[Bluethunder90]

you might do well to shop around for used ones in common tartans. Just make sure you measure yourself accurately so you know your sizing options. By purchasing a pre-owned kilt for your first, you'll save some money for all the traditional accessories that will be needed (proper hose, sporran, sgian dubh, garter ties or flashes, belt, kilt pin, and much more).

It never occurred to me to look for a preowned kilt! That is an awesome piece of advice. Thank you!

[MuskratMike]

My first kilt was, of course, in the clan tartan associated with my lineage. For those without genetic or familial ties to clans, it really doesn't matter how you pick the tartan for your kilt. There is no entry requirement, no examination, no form to fill out in order to justify it. Pick one because you like the colours or the style of the sett. Pick it because you like the organisation or the region it represents. Whatever suits your fancy. Just make sure you know what tartan it actually is!

With your service record, you could definitely go with the army or navy tartans. Any of the so-called universal tartans are options as well, and if you want to get into your first tartan kilt without breaking the bank on a bespoke build, you might do well to shop around for used ones in common tartans. Just make sure you measure yourself accurately so you know your sizing options. By purchasing a pre-owned kilt for your first, you'll save some money for all the traditional accessories that will be needed (proper hose, sporran, sgian dubh, garter ties or flashes, belt, kilt pin, and much more).

I just ordered my first kilt. Very excited and can't wait for it to arrive. As I am from Irish/American heritage I ordered our tartan from the county our castle still stands in Fermangouh county (home to the McGuire clan). I ordered a 5 yard 13 oz. wool kilt and will wear it proudly to the historical shooting events in my area along with our Highland Games held every year. As a flintlock shooter I am portraying the 1750's-1780's American long hunter. Going after the look of Rogers Rangers. Hope you enjoy iyour kilt and wear it proudly my new friend.
"keep your powder dry, your eyes on the skyline, and your flint sharp".
"Muskrat Mike" McGuire
McMinnville, Oregon

[Cameron of Texas]

My father's surname is Cameron, mother's name was Kennedy...chances are I have come Celtic blood coursing through me. I based my decision on who could make my kilt in a lightweight, specific clan tartan, tailored to my measurements at a reasonable price. And, with the 10% off offered by Scotweb through xmarks... I chose them to make my kilt.

I'm pleased to say the least

[Bluethunder90]

My first kilt was in the Gunn Modern tartan, it was my dad's old kilt he gave it to me over a decade ago as I was in need of a kilt for a work function. As for what tartan you could purchase all those sound like good reasons behind the decision. Have you thought of the xmarksthescot tartan? Or you could get The Scottish Wildcat Tartan which was conceived designed with input from this community?

I have seen the Scottish Wildcat Tartan and I do like it; I wouldn't mind having that one at all. Where might I find the xmarksthescot tartan?

[McMurdo]

I have seen the Scottish Wildcat Tartan and I do like it; I wouldn't mind having that one at all. Where might I find the xmarksthescot tartan?

I think the best thing to do would be to talk to Steve at Freedom kilts regarding the XMarkstheScot tartan, if anyone knows where you can get some it would be him.

[PatrickHughes123]

I got my first and current kilt from Ebay. It is a Royal Stewart one and is was from a selection of five tartans. Two of them being Pride of Scotland and Black Watch.

If I remember correctly it was £29.99!

I plan to get another kilt in the future in the Hughes family tartan.