Quote Originally Posted by Colin MacBean View Post
Hello Kilt members here is the mostly formalized list of items. I would like to hear critiques and or support on items in the list Thanks again.

Kilt - Deluxe Knife pleat (traditional) Strome 16 oz 8 meter in MacBean Modern

Jacket and Waistcoat - Argyll (tweed or barathea need opinions ) Colour is also up for debate. I like the lovat green, but it isn't as formal.

Sporran - I don't want to offend anyone but I am not a huge fan of fur so my brother and I have been looking at the hunting Sporran.
http://www.gaelicclothing.com/huntingsporrans.htm I'm sort tossing up the metal or leather cantle and brown or black as I would like something that can be used in a formal occasion but also in a casual situation as well. Would you guys recommend getting only the formal and if I wear the kilt more often consider purchasing a casual sporran later?

Sgian Dubh - There are a lot of different options and I still have very little idea on what I should or shouldn't get Any advice/opinions would be gratefully appreciated.

Scottish hat - This is the other sore point ;) I really like hats, but am wondering what hats are considered formal/military/casual etc.
The hats I know of so far are the Glengarry, Balmoral bonnet and the Tam. As with all the previous selections the more advice the better

Thanks a lot guys, you have no idea how helpful you have all been

Well I can't say as I can help you with what kilt-maker to choose but there are plenty.

For jacket and waistcoat I would go with tweed. It's warmer and more versatile you can wear it to most everything except formal evening events. If you happen to be the sort that attends black tie events and formal dinners and such a black Argyle with pewter buttons will dress up and down nicely. (though some would say it's not quite formal enough for black tie.)

As far as a sporran goes Ferguson Britt sporrans look (to me) to be the most versatile. I don't know if you can fit it in your budget but that's my opinion. Basically you won't be able to get one sporran that is both casual and formal you will have to draw the line somewhere and most people tend to do so with fur or "bling" of course an understated hair sporran could be used in almost any occasion.

As far as Sgians go, would you wear and use a knife regularly or is this simply decoration? It is optional as decoration and not needed. If you are the sort that constantly finds uses for a pocket knife, a serviceable sgian with a simple handle made from a dark wood with perhaps a silver top would do quite nicely, in most settings.

I have one Balmoral bonnet that I wear everywhere. It was a basic noobie black bonnet with a red toorie. The toorie has been lost for a long time now and the bonnet has gained a worn shape and a clan badge. I wear the heck out of it and don't care what people think. For formal settings the hat will most likely be off your head. and everywhere else who cares? I think Glengarries look a bit "uniformish" to me.