Buying a Kilt :D

[james.mccarson]

Having been wearing the kilt since '84, I have worn both sewn and self pleated (small kilt). The more yardage in the kilt, the better it will hang and sway. I prefer pleat to sett, but knife is worn with small kilts.

I still have my first two, but they have been let out. You will grow out in your mid thirties. God's gift.

Remember to shop around. You can be taken easily.

Yes there is a wait, if the tailor is quite good. Six months at the least.

I have both black and brown sporrans. Make sure the belt and shoes match.

White Hoses for Evening Wear. Get your garter to highlight a color (not the main color) from your kilt.

I would get a Day Wear Jacket first and then the Prince Charlie later. A Argyll with a Waist Coat (Vest) is just as formal as a Prince Charlie.

I would feel naked without a Black Knife.

Remember the kilt is the base for everything else.

[Colin MacBean]

Can I get garter (flashes) in the colour of my tartan?

The black knife is another word for the sgian dubh right? What black knives do you recommend?

Thanks for the other advice as well

[xman]

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

Ooo what fun, virtual shopping.

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.

Yeah, me too.

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.

There's no such thing really, but I'd say a black leather hunting sporran with a black cantle should bridge the gap fairly well.

Would you guys recommend getting only the formal and if I wear the kilt more often consider purchasing a casual sporran later?

That sounds like a good idea to me.

Scottish hat - This is the other sore point ;) I really like hats, but am wondering what hats are considered formal/military/casual etc.

The Balmoral is commonly worn by civilians while the Glengarry is a more military adornment. A tam is just way too casual to pull of in anything less than golfing gear IMO.

For the rest, I'd say you are on the right track or have nothing to add except that if high formality will be a rarer occasion for you, you can always rent a Prince Charlie and sporran with silver cantle plus Gillie Brogues or whatever else you need above and beyond your usual kit. I find it useful to think about where and when i will most likely be kilted and have found that since my PV casual landed I am over dressing slightly so far this summer because I'm throwing on dress shoes, flashes and a waistcoat where hiking boots, socks and a belt would better suit. it's early days for me though.

Good research so far.

[Downunder Kilt]

If the most formal event you are likely to go to is a wedding, I would go for a lovat coloured tweed argyll and waistcoat which can be dressed up or down with shirts and ties. For a more stylish tweed you could look at the selection at the Sottish Tartans Museum eg the poacher tweed (I am a bit bias in this as it is my all time favourite tweed)
For a functional sgian dubh I would recomend "the Officer" from Gaelic Themes
which has a full tang blade

[Hothir Ethelnor]

Ooh yes, a patterned tweed would be wonderful for a jacket and waistcoat.

[Colin MacBean]

Thanks once again guys all very helpful

@xman for the sporran though would it not make more sense to go for one that is either formal or casual rather than trying to bridge the gap and failing at both I could easily buy a casual sporran later if I land up wearing the kilt more often for casual and day wear uses. That being said could a black hunting sporran with silver/pewter cantle count as formal?

@downunder That sgian dubh actually looks quite stylish
That tweed looks very nice, I don't know if I'd have the swagger to pull something like that off (jk)

[xman]

@xman for the sporran though would it not make more sense to go for one that is either formal or casual rather than trying to bridge the gap and failing at both I could easily buy a casual sporran later if I land up wearing the kilt more often for casual and day wear uses. That being said could a black hunting sporran with silver/pewter cantle count as formal?

I say you're right on all counts there.

[Colin MacBean]

Well that just about covers everything Thanks again for all your help guys

I have one stupid question to end with though..
I've been looking at board-swords and back-swords and I have a couple of questions.
1. Would it even be remotely plausible to wear it with the items I have so far and not be considered a complete noob?

2. Would one with rounded tip and a very dull blade that fits with reenactment standards be legal to walk around in public-ish areas?

3. Anything else I am missing

[xman]

I've been looking at board-swords and back-swords and I have a couple of questions.
1. Would it even be remotely plausible to wear it with the items I have so far and not be considered a complete noob?

Nope, total nerd. Swords are at best reenactment and ceremonial items, not generally suitable for regular civilian wear.

2. Would one with rounded tip and a very dull blade that fits with reenactment standards be legal to walk around in public-ish areas?

You must check with the laws in our area, but I strongly suspect that you'd be opening yourself up to a world of confrontation with law enforcement. Stick to a sgian dubh and leave your sword at home when you're not LARPing.

[Colin MacBean]

Sounds good It didn't seem like a very logical or plausible idea, but I figured I'd give it a shot

I'd like to wear my kilt outfit for halloween parties and things of that nature as well so I was looking for ways to make it more customey