Starting from scratch?

[MonRiver]

As a newbie looking to purchase his first kilt, (my band is only on before, during, and after our events) I'm curious as to how the more experienced would start their collection/ wardrobe with the knowledge they have gained. Kind of like, "if I knew then what I know now, I would have...."

Maybe you would have bought wool instead of poly, tartan instead of utility? Maybe a wide belt or a sporran? Maybe a less expensive, or more expensive kilt for a specific occasion/ reason? How about hose? Or kilt pin?

There's so much to get started with and I believe the inexperienced need to learn from the experienced!

I'm thinking a Khaki UT or Amerikilt to start with. But I sure love the traditional tartans....

[The Wizard of BC]

A lot depends on what you want to do in your kilt.

If, for example, you want a kilt for rugged outdoor wear you would pick one very different than one for attending your local Burn's dinner.

A lot also depends on your budget. Not everyone can afford a custom made 16oz wool hand sewn kilt.

And finally is your personal style. Are you wanting a kilt to show the world your heritage or did you pick solid colored kilts because they are different from a Tartan kilt? Do you want something that can be dressed up from time to time or do you feel more comfortable in jeans and a t-shirt?
Are you planning on wearing your kilt everyday or only once or twice a year?

When you get right down to it a kilt is an article of clothing. My advice is almost always pick your kilt in a similar way and with similar criteria to what you would use when choosing any other item of clothing.

[MonRiver]

A lot depends on what you want to do in your kilt.

If, for example, you want a kilt for rugged outdoor wear you would pick one very different than one for attending your local Burn's dinner.

A lot also depends on your budget. Not everyone can afford a custom made 16oz wool hand sewn kilt.

And finally is your personal style. Are you wanting a kilt to show the world your heritage or did you pick solid colored kilts because they are different from a Tartan kilt? Do you want something that can be dressed up from time to time or do you feel more comfortable in jeans and a t-shirt?
Are you planning on wearing your kilt everyday or only once or twice a year?

When you get right down to it a kilt is an article of clothing. My advice is almost always pick your kilt in a similar way and with similar criteria to what you would use when choosing any other item of clothing.

Very good advice! I hadn't thought of it that way. I'm hoping to wear it in the evenings/ weekends with a t-shirt when we go out with friends or shopping. Maybe a day or two a week. We hike our dogs at a local county park on horse trails as well.

I think a more rugged fabric would be better for that use. And maybe a second kilt down the road for a more dressy occasion... although, most of our dressy occasions are slacks and a golf shirt--so maybe a tartan then?

[OC Richard]

As a newbie looking to purchase his first kilt, I'm curious as to how the more experienced would start their collection/ wardrobe with the knowledge they have gained. Kind of like, "if I knew then what I know now, I would have...."

If, say, everything I had was lost in a fire and I had to start over, I would do this:

1) order a bespoke 16oz wool tartan kilt, in a tartan that is both somehow meaningful to me, and attractive.

2) pick up a top-quality vintage sporran on Ebay. Sporrans of the very highest quality, made in Scotland by leading makers of the 1920s through more recent times, go cheaply on Ebay every day.

3) buy a pair of nice Cheviot kilt hose or shooting socks.

4) Find a nice vintage jacket and waistcoat on Ebay, but if I can't find any my size (which is a problem for me) then order one, bespoke in a lovely check tweed.

5) buy a Mackie bonnet.

6) get a nice vintage badge to go on the bonnet.

7) find an attractive stripe necktie.

8) get a Tattersal shirt.

And Bob's your Uncle.

No belt, kilt pin, ghillies, weaponry, or other do-dads.

[Father Bill]

I think Richard has it right on the head of the nail!

For what it's worth, I have a lot more confidence in the strength and durability of standard 16 oz. twill-woven wool than some folks. If you use reasonable care, it's almost like armour.

[sailortats]

I think Richard's ideas are good IF you can afford it. However I know I would never be able to do it that way. I would have to go the cheaper route.
Start with a 13oz. wool or p/v 5 yard tartan kilt, inexpensive day sporran and one or two pairs of the lesser expensive hose. The rest would come bit by bit in the future as I saw the need or had the desire.
I definitely think that if you get a tartan kilt you must also have a sporran to go with it.
Just my 2 cents worth

[ratspike]

I'm thinking a Khaki UT or Amerikilt to start with. But I sure love the traditional tartans....

I was in a similar place when I first started getting interested in kilts. I'm much more on the Utilikilts side of the fence overall. I like kilts that sit on my hips, made with bombproof fabrics that I can throw in the washer, that have pockets and velcro and all that stuff. I love me some camouflage and lived-in looking canvas. That being said, there are times and occasions that a traditional tartan kilt crushes all.

My first kilt was a Stumptown Kilt. If I could get a do-over I'd have gone for a Utilikilt in a hot second. If you're leaning towards a utility kilt, go for it. There are lots of options out there in a wide range of prices, and any of them would be great for the kind of use you describe.

For tartan, heavy wool has never interested me so I wouldn't have done anything differently. I'm super happy with my PV semi-trad from USA Kilts.

I don't really accessorize much, but cheap belts and cheap socks totally suck and are not worth the money. You can get a very nice, handmade leather belt for a completely reasonable amount of money.

As far as budget goes, I've always been a solid mid-range kind of guy with any of my interests. Buy nice or buy twice has proven to be dead on balls accurate for me, so I skip the bottom end/entry level and go with the best/nicest/coolest/awesomest thing that my finances allow.

[Panache]

Very good advice! I hadn't thought of it that way. I'm hoping to wear it in the evenings/ weekends with a t-shirt when we go out with friends or shopping. Maybe a day or two a week. We hike our dogs at a local county park on horse trails as well.

I think a more rugged fabric would be better for that use. And maybe a second kilt down the road for a more dressy occasion... although, most of our dressy occasions are slacks and a golf shirt--so maybe a tartan then?

Given your requirements


USA Semi-traditional Kilt in the tartan of your choice. Made to measure, durable, and washable.

http://www.usakilts.com/kilts-and-pa...onal-kilt.html

Total: $220


While you are at the USA Kilts site pick up a couple of pair of basic hose

http://www.usakilts.com/colored-kilt-hose.html

Total: $40

Get a Buzz Kidder Sporran

http://www.buzzkidderoriginals.com/s...zzsporrans.htm

Total: about $60

Over at Stillwater Kilts

Get a leather sporran strap

http://store.stillwaterkilts.com/Spo...ries_c_14.html

And one of their nicer belts

http://store.stillwaterkilts.com/Kilt-Belts_c_9.html

And a pair of solid flashes

http://store.stillwaterkilts.com/Sock-Flashes_p_18.html

And if you really need a kilt pin

http://store.stillwaterkilts.com/Mil...-Pin_p_13.html

Total: about $50

So for about $370 you have a nice kilt and set of kit that you will look good in and will work for you for everything from the trails to all but the most formal social events (you can easily dress this outfit up with a nice sweater and tie.)

Down the road if you want a nicer hand-stitched wool kilt, the USA Kilt will still look and fit great and will be a good second kilt for hiking and more casual events. The BK sporran will be your go to daywear sporran for either kilt and you can add a dressier one to your stable for more formal occasions. [You should hold off on a jacket and waistcoat till you are sure you will use them, and even then think carefully about what style and material will be the best fit and most versatile to your needs] Fancier hose, a nicer waist plate for your belt, a fancy kilt pin, and a sign duh are great items to ask for on a birthday or holiday.

This isn't the cheapest approach, but it is the one that gives you a really solid, durable, and good looking kilted outfit that you will be happy to use for years and years to come. It is also a great base to expand on, should you decide to continue with additions to your highland attire. Spending the little bit more now to get really solid quality stuff that lasts will pay off in the end when you are still using it a decade down the road

Just my two cents

Cheers

Jamie

[OC Richard]

I'm a big believer in getting high quality vintage things on Ebay, and in getting high quality ex-hire things either through Ebay or directly from the hire shops.

Unless you have an unusual size (like me) you can pick up a handsewn all-wool kilt of the highest quality, one which would cost $600 or more new, for around $200 on Ebay.

Here's a top-quality handmade 8-yard wool kilt for under $300.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/HIGHLAND-SPR...item33a921f2ab

How about a high-quality Scottish-made kilt jacket for under $200?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Gree...item21027dac79

Here's what I mean about sporrans. If I didn't already have a couple fantastic sporrans already I would jump on this one. L&M Highland Outfitters, quality doesn't get better than them. Under $50, so you can't use price to justify getting a Pakistani sporran.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Scottish-Spo...item25ad9a8c84

[MacCathmhaoil]

The best advice I can give you is to "hurry slowly!" That is to say take your time, be sure about what you want, what the cost is and then choose wisely. I would recommend you buy quality over quantity, buy the best kilt you can afford, a well made wool kilt will last a lifetime and then some. Buy a simple black harness leather sporran that can be worn to all but the most formal events. Well made, ex-hire tweed and barathea jackets, as well as a number of used jackets on eBay, can be found at very reasonable prices if you take your time and look for deals.
The same with the remainder of the accessories, buy one pair of good hose in a colour that compliments the tartan you choose. You don't need a sgain dubh right away and don't waste money on ghillie brogues.
As time goes on you can acquire most other items you'll want or need and replace some items with higher quality ones.
Spend your money once and spend it wisely, buy good quality and it will last and will look good doing it. You'll not be disappointed!