Starting from scratch?

[MonRiver]

As I think has become clear, there is no "right answer" to this question.

knowing what I know, now, the only thing I would have changed from my past experience was to skip the Stillwater Standard Black Watch in acrylic...and the solid black Stillwater Standard kilt as well that I got second-hand.

I'm curious as to why you would have skipped the Stillwater acrylic?

[Angstrom]

jumping in here...

The SWK acrylic "Thrifty" kilt I have does not hang or move well. It always looks a bit lumpy. The USA Kilts Casual looks much better. I have no experience with the other acylic kilts in the Stillwater line.

To be fair: The SWK Thrify is a fine kilt for the price. For $30 new it's probably a great value. But spending more will get you something that looks nicer, and to me the difference is worth it.

[Alan H]

The stillwater kilts were a doorway. As such, they did their job. In fact, I might still have both of them if I hadn't washed them in the tub...hand-washing. However, I did wash them and whoooahhh. After the second washing they totally lost their structure.

However, if someone wanted an affordable kilt to try this whole thing out, and was only going to wear it to "fancy" events, so, say 1-2-3-4 times a year, then a Stillwater Standard might be a good way to go.

IMHO the stillwater "budget" acrylic kilts are truly not worth the price. Maybe if you want a Halloween costume, they're fine. However, the Stillwater WOOL kilts are *Really* nice for an off-the-rack kilt.

[MonRiver]

Thanks for the replies!

I'm probably going to go with a USA Casual kilt. Our band kilts are the USA Semi Traditional kilts and I really like mine. A friend has a casual and I looked at it over the weekend and think the price is perfect to get my collection started.

I'm probably going to start with quality accessories first. I would like a sporran to wear with my band kilt after parades are over - - the horse hair sporran just doesn't look right with a t-shirt and there's zero storage room.

Once I get the sporran, I'll get a kilt and hose. I can wear my band belt until I pick up a nice one for myself.

[OC Richard]

going to start with quality accessories

Hear, hear!

There was an interesting thread a while back about which item of a kilt outfit various people thought the most money should be concentrated on.

Several people agreed that the primary thing to spend money on was a high quality kilt. Makes sense that the kilt should be the centre of any kilt outfit!

I was (as I recall) unusual in putting great emphasis on the sporran. The sporran is the first thing I notice. I'm disappointed when I see an otherwise impressive outfit with a funky/cheap/unattractive sporran. A lovely distinctive vintage sporran goes a long way with me; it might take me a while to notice dodgy bits in the rest of the outfit (if present).

[Reiver]

Given the opportunity to 'start' again I'd buy one cheapo for around the house who cares what happens to it wear....they can still look nice etc and be in the proper Tartan.
I'd then get the best kilt I could afford...tank...heavy and full 8 plus yards.


I did get an inexpensive kilt initially but then went half way buying a 5 yard almost there kilt that will most likely be a closet hanger.

I should of gone all the way at that point and purchased the tank, one and only, that I'll wear at every opportunity.

IOTW cut out the middlin waste of money creeping up on a quality item.

[Jock Scot]

Every one is so impatient these days! Buy the best kilt and best kilt accoutrements that are available on the market and if you cannot afford it straight away then save up. While you are waiting, use the time wisely and KNOW EXACTLY what you need to buy. It will be the least expensive route, in the long run.