New poster - advice/opinions sought

**Carolina Kiltman** · 15th September 08, 04:47 PM

From the Cape Fear Valley, NC, USA

I would go with the 16 oz, conisdering where you live. I have visited Scotland a few times, and even in the summer nearly froze! (Here our summers are so hot the Robins use hot holders when they pull the worms out of the ground)

You might check and see if you can get any of the dress tartans in muted colours, that way you perhaps can have your choice of name and wear it too.

Just a thought on my part.

**Nighthawk** · 15th September 08, 04:59 PM

from Colorado- the Highlands of North America!

I haven't read through all the responses here, but I get the idea that you want a tartan that is as good for day wear as for formal. I personally think the Thomson grey would fit that bill very nicely. I know you didn't list that as one of your choices, but I thought I would throw it out, anyway (in case you hadn't seen it!).

And that is a very nice birthday present. I'm jealous. (Happy birthday, too, by the way!)

Oh yeah!! And the 16 oz would be best I think. I do have a 13 oz myself, and I love it, but I like 16 more. They just have a better feel.

**ChattanCat** · 15th September 08, 06:38 PM

I also agree, get a kilt of your clan (fathers side). Buy 16 oz and plan for it to last not only your generation but multiple generations. Buy quality so that you can pass it down for generations to come.

**Daibhidh O'Baoighill** · 15th September 08, 07:06 PM

from WV,USA! I think you should go for the 16 oz. And I absolutely love the Thomson Grey!!

**Beertigger** · 15th September 08, 11:19 PM

Cead mille failte!

**MartinGrenoble** · 16th September 08, 06:29 AM

Hilarious !

A Scot asks a question about kilts, and all but one piece of advice come from over the ocean!!!

Does Scotland really exist any more? or, like "Brigadoon" is it merely a figment of our romantic imagination?

Martin

**JRB** · 16th September 08, 06:40 AM

Welcome from Albany, NY!

I won't give you advice on which tartan to choose as I think it's a personal choice and almost any tartan can look good when worn with style. I would, however, recommend 16oz. weight for your first kilt.

**Jock Scot** · 16th September 08, 07:01 AM

Originally Posted by MartinGrenoble

Hilarious !

A Scot asks a question about kilts, and all but one piece of advice come from over the ocean!!!

Does Scotland really exist any more? or, like "Brigadoon" is it merely a figment of our romantic imagination?

Martin

I am not in the least surprised. I very much doubt that many Scots would know about Xmarks. Don't forget that the Scots way(traditionally and if they actually want to own one) is buy your one kilt and that is it, job done! No need to worry about other tartans as they have one, their own, and why ask advice on what else to wear and how to wear it, when they have "great uncle Mac" to ask? Besides all that, we are Scots and we Know(we do?) how to wear the kilt!

**RedLichtie** · 16th September 08, 07:23 AM

Originally Posted by MartinGrenoble

Hilarious !

A Scot asks a question about kilts, and all but one piece of advice come from over the ocean!!!

Does Scotland really exist any more? or, like "Brigadoon" is it merely a figment of our romantic imagination?

Martin

Thanks to everyone for all the advice so far - It has helped me clarify my thoughts - I will definitely be going for the 16oz Strome, it's now just a decision between the Ancient Hunting Thomson or Modern Hunting Roberston.

Martin

I would say that Scottish culture in Scotland is very much alive and well and thriving. I would guess that around 60% of my male family and friends own their own kilts and this number is growing. I think the main difference, compared to many on this forum, is that these kilts are worn primarily for formal functions or sporting occasions and not (sadly) day-to-day. Another thing to remember is that it is very easy and relatively cheap to hire a kilt here and many people prefer to do just that - giving them the option of wearing many different tartans, styles, jackets etc without the cost of purchase.

I was asking these questions here as the amount of knowledge and kilt wearing experience is vast. I also fully expected most of the replies to come from overseas as the majority of posters here seem to be from outwith Scotland.

**Stewart Rendall** · 16th September 08, 07:29 AM

Originally Posted by RedLichtie

Regarding kilt weight - The voucher I have will cover the full cost of a handmade 8 yard 13oz kilt made with cloth from House of Edgar. I can pay a little extra for a 13oz cloth from the Lochcarron Braeriach range or a little more again for the Lochcarron 16oz Strome range. Will I notice a difference in quality between the mills? and will it be worth my while paying the extra for the 16oz, will it hang better etc? My instinct is to pay the extra for the heavier weight as I’m hoping this will last a lifetime........ or at least what’s left of it.

Hi,
There isn't much difference in quality between the two mills. There has been a recent discussion on the types of selvedge both use here:
http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/d...757/index.html
but both mills produce excellent quality cloth, and should be around the same price for standard tartans (old and rare, select etc increase the cost).

I'd also recommend spending the extra on a 16oz kilt for all the reasons already mentioned.