New to kilting and in need of guidance..

**MacLowlife** · 28th March 10, 07:11 PM

I am not recommending it, but by wearing a kilt at the hips (instead of the natural waist) , you can make a stock one come closer to fitting than it would otherwise. You may well find that is still shorter than you want, in which case I can only echo the good advice above...

**Danwell** · 28th March 10, 07:32 PM

Thanks for the advise so far.....

For those who've asked, I've now updated my profile to show I'm in Australia! There are few (two to my knowledge) shops within reasonable distance that sell Highland clothing, and both have horrifically high pricing by all accounts. It seems far cheaper to buy from overseas and pay shipipng than buy locally.

I said to someone in a PM

I'd like the first kilt to be quite cheap to see whether it'll be something I enjoy wearing day in and day out or whether it comes out once a month. If I get two years of regular wear out of one cheap PV kilt, I'll feel like I've gotten my money's worth.

So ideally I'd like to keep the cost low, and then when I upgrade this can be my clunker-round-the-house-no-worries kilt.

**SteveB** · 28th March 10, 09:04 PM

Your height is not the only factor. The measure you supplied in the earlier post would indicate that a 24" worn at the hip (Jeans waist) would probably fall about 2" above the knee. As a gentleman of substance, this would not look particularly well. I own USA Kilts Casual, Semi-Traditional P/V kilts. The Semi-traditional has the look and swish of the eight yard wool kilt almost down pat. It takes a close inspection to notice the difference. The Semi-trad has the three straps and buckles and is best worn at the naval (true waist). With your height, a kilt worn at the true waist, and hemmed at the top of the knee will make you look a lot slimmer. The vertical lines in the tartan, along with having it pleated to the stripe (sometimes referred to as military style) presents the larger gent in a very pleasing look. Measurements would need to be accurately taken of the waist, hip, and the length from the waist measurement to the top of the knee. My guess from your description would indicate a 29 to 33 inch length. The USA Kilts casual is also made to measure. It has much wider pleats and is closed by some very tough Velcro. It is a perfect kilt for rock, metal, and punk concerts. It is my favourite for the Dropkick Murphys concerts that I get to see here in their hometown. It just takes a beating and keeps on looking good.

I looked at the various kilt shops that advertise in Australia, and find that all of them charge rather dearly for a kilt that would fit your needs, or charge very dearly for off the peg not so good stuff. I relied on the internet for my searches, your experience may be better.

From what I can get of your questions, I believe Rocky can probably give you the best bang for the dollar, even with the tax and duties.

Slainte.

**Downunder Kilt** · 29th March 10, 02:37 AM

Hi danwell, good to see another aussie on the site, I have ordered kilts and accessories from England and the US and have never been bothered by the dreaded duty man at this end. All gear thus far has been delivered by Aussie Post and sent by the relevent countries postal services. Charges from England usually go to A$40.00 and from the US A$60.00. My advice re the first kilt is to get a PV from one of the advertises on the site. Feel free to PM me if you want any detailed info

**Danwell** · 30th March 10, 04:18 PM

I've had a good look on the SHO and USAK sites (as they seem to offer the cheapest in PV kilting), and am so far happy with what I see. Both seem to offer good quality at a reasonable price.

That being said, there are very few tartans listed on either website that I'd consider wearing on a regular basis. I like the Spirit of Scotland, but neither company offer it.

Before I go clogging the inbox of these companies, can anyone tell me if they've had success in making special requests with either of them??

Thanks,
Dan

**RockyR** · 31st March 10, 09:23 AM

The spirit of scotland tartan isn't one that's readily available from the mill in PV fabric. Custom weaves require 130 M and a higher material price. The tartans that we have listed on our site are all stock supported in our store.

If you like purple tartans, check out the Warrior, Albannach and Isle of Skye tartans in PV. One of those may appeal to you.

I hope this info helps!

**Downunder Kilt** · 31st March 10, 03:34 PM

Would go with Rocky on the Isle of Skye tartan. Highly recommended
I have just ordered a 16oz wool one from another merchant and it is a fantastic tartan

**mull** · 31st March 10, 04:01 PM

Originally Posted by SteveB

I looked at the various kilt shops that advertise in Australia, and find that all of them charge rather dearly for a kilt that would fit your needs, or charge very dearly for off the peg not so good stuff. I relied on the internet for my searches, your experience may be better.
Slainte.

I have edited the above quote for length, but it sounds like AU is in need of another kiltmaker!

**Downunder Kilt** · 31st March 10, 04:18 PM

Originally Posted by mull

I have edited the above quote for length, but it sounds like AU is in need of another kiltmaker!

To my knowledge there are only 2 kiltmakers in Australia and both only do wool. There are a number of kilt suppliers but their kilts are imported from Scotland. The cheapest wool kilt available, that is made here, is a 13oz 8 yard for A$495 All PV etc kilts are imported, in fact I have not seen one advertised by an Australian retailer. Sometimes you maybe able to get a wool one form a hire store that is changing stock but that are few and far between

Apart from bands there is not a huge demand for kilts in Australia and I can wear a kilt for years with out seeing another person wearing one, outside of highland gatherings or weddings. I have seen one other person wearing a kilt, out on the street as everday clothing

**ForresterModern** · 1st April 10, 01:07 PM

I am not as big as you in any dimension it seems (6'5" and 270lbs with 45 waist at kilt waist, 42 at pants waist) and I can tell you that even being 4 inches overall shorter than you I cannot wear a 24 inch long kilt, and instead have all mine made to 26 inches. I have had two 24 inch kilts and gotten rid of one, and honestly don't wear the other but may at some time for camping or hiking, rather than my nicer wool custom built kilts.

Scotweb makes nice kilts and has a special 10% discount when you access their website from this one via their advert above. They list two different 5 yard kilts (their essential Scotweb Casual kilts), one in a variety of wool tartans and weights that start at $140 US (396 different tartans) and another in typical 12 oz PV in a smaller variety of tartans (165) for prices starting under $150US. They have no addditional charge listed on their website for these kilts for heights up to 6'11 and waists and hips well into the 50inches range, which should cover your bespoke needs. They do have a nice purple 16oz wool Spirit of Scotland in a custom build 5 yard kilt for around $163US. Not sure what shipping would cost, if anything, but beware of duties if the item requires shipping by FEDEX, as FEDEX is a stickler for "processing and collecting" duties and then dropping an additional fedex handling charge in on top of that.

Good luck with your search, and remember the first rule of Xmarks----NO PICTURES, IT DIDN'T HAPPEN!!

jeff