New Yank Kilt Wearer

**Tek a boo son** · 30th November 10, 02:52 PM

...Well at least soon to be kilt wearer. Hello everyone! I've wanted a kilt since I was about 7, nearly 10 years later and it's about to happen and I'm very pleased. I found out my last name (Thompson) puts me in part of the McTavish clan. Unfortunately, my local kilt store here in the states doesn't supply McTavish kilts. I was wondering if it would be alright to wear another clans kilt, such as a MacDonald.

I also have a lot of relatives who live around Glasgow and I was wondering which clan derives from there. But in other news I'm very pleased to finally be getting a kilt. There is a Scottish pub nearby that I go to regularly to watch Rangers and Chelsea play, can't wait to show off my Scottish pride.

Thanks for the help.

**Nighthawk** · 30th November 10, 04:25 PM

Well, first of all-

Second- Yes, it's OK to wear another clan tartan. However, those of us on the traditionalist side tend to frown on doing it ourselves. On the other hand, I personally am hm honored when someone not of my own clan likes my tartan enough to have spent money on it. The thing is that if you can get your hands on your own, then that's preferable. If not... Well, wear a kilt anyway! There are plenty of universal tartans, as well. I personally like the Black Stewart and Isle Of Skye. Another thought- you can just contact a kilt maker! USA Kilts are my personal go-to guys. They can supply any tartan that's not right protected, and some that are! Most good kiltmakers can. Just ask around a little.

**Tek a boo son** · 30th November 10, 05:24 PM

Fortunately the kilt maker here has Scottish and Irish National Tartans. My grandmother has very strong Irish heritage so she's pushing the Irish. Very hard decision actually

**davidlpope** · 30th November 10, 05:45 PM

Originally Posted by Tek a boo son

...Well at least soon to be kilt wearer. Hello everyone! I've wanted a kilt since I was about 7, nearly 10 years later and it's about to happen and I'm very pleased. I found out my last name (Thompson) puts me in part of the McTavish clan. Unfortunately, my local kilt store here in the states doesn't supply McTavish kilts. I was wondering if it would be alright to wear another clans kilt, such as a MacDonald.

...Wisely and slow, they stumble that run fast....

I urge you to think and wait for a while before you buy a kilt. Save up your money and buy a real, handmade, heavyweight wool kilt. While you're waiting, research kilts and tartan. Look at swatches of actual tartan fabric in different color schemes of YOUR clan tartan. Then, once you are absolutely sure of what specifically you want, order it. If you do this thing right the first time you won't have to do it again.

FWIW, if you're dealing with a local kilt store "that doesn't supply McTavish kilts", you're dealing with the wrong folks!

Best of Luck!

David

**RockyR** · 30th November 10, 06:01 PM

Why not get a Thompson kilt? There are several different Thompson tartans to choose from.

**davidlpope** · 30th November 10, 06:02 PM

Originally Posted by RockyR

Why not get a Thompson kilt? There are several different Thompson tartans to choose from.

***!

**T-Bone** · 30th November 10, 06:42 PM

Originally Posted by davidlpope

...Wisely and slow, they stumble that run fast....

I urge you to think and wait for a while before you buy a kilt. Save up your money and buy a real, handmade, heavyweight wool kilt. While you're waiting, research kilts and tartan. Look at swatches of actual tartan fabric in different color schemes of YOUR clan tartan. Then, once you are absolutely sure of what specifically you want, order it. If you do this thing right the first time you won't have to do it again.

FWIW, if you're dealing with a local kilt store "that doesn't supply McTavish kilts", you're dealing with the wrong folks!

Best of Luck!

David

VERY good advice.