New Kilt wearer

[shsims]

Ok I'm a rookie here and I am going to be buying my first kilt. I am trying to get a good kilt at a fair price. (Maybe even a whole outfit if the price is right and I can make payments). I will take any advice that you can give me. thanks

[Iolaus]

First off, do lots of browsing and lurking on this site before you buy. It'll give you a good idea what your options are, and what "fair" price means. I've seen lots of people say they should have waited to buy their first, because they had a better idea of what they really wanted after watching the discussions for a while.

[Blu (Ontario)]

Welcome Shsims...

First you need to determine if you want to go with traditional or modern.

Secondly, you need to determine what sort of costs you're willing to incur.

I you feel comfortable about adding some burden to your credit card, you might decide to go fully authentic and traditional. (as I and numerous others have.) - the most expensive way to start.

Another approach is to start with something inexpensive and "off the peg". Decide if you like it, then purchase something of better quality later. ( There are pros and cons to both approaches.)

Just to complicate things, there are also numerous utility kilt solutions - updated kilt variants built for the modern man. These can range from being quite economical or very expensive.

The links on this site are a good place to start.

Educate yourself, ask questions, get opinions, and make some decisions.

Chances are... someone on this board has quite lterally "been there, done that".

You're about to embark on a wonderful adventure - Folks here can offer guidance.

[GMan]

WELCOME

Your journey begins as has already been said by reading and lurking to best make your decision.

Please do not hesitate to ask questions, we were all rookies at one time.

[starbkjrus]

Shsims,

I have to agree with what Jeff, Blu and Glen have said above. Research, research, research. You'll find what you need here to make an educated decision and then some.

Welcome by the way and get ready to enjoy your adventure!

[Southern Breeze]

Welcome to X-Marks and the addiction. I'll echo whats already been said. Research,browse,lurk and ask questions.I'm pretty confident we have the worlds kilt experts here!

[Colin]

Ok I'm a rookie here and I am going to be buying my first kilt. I am trying to get a good kilt at a fair price. (Maybe even a whole outfit if the price is right and I can make payments). I will take any advice that you can give me. thanks

If you are looking to get a whole outfit, check out www.kiltstore.net (link at the top of this page). They provide a 10% discount to X marks members. I would also strongly suggest www.scottishkilts.net I have a handsewn 8 yard kilt, a argyle jacket, and waistcoat from them and I could not be happier.

Both vendors offer a wide variety of kilts (5 yard casual, 8 yard machine sewn, 8 yard handsewn) at a very reasonable price. You can easily get an entire outfit for a good price.

I have several Bear kilts, a Canada Kilt (very much like a Stillwater standard), and a traditional wool kilt from scottishkilts. Personally I would suggest getting a traditional kilt to start with. A 5 yard casual will have the look and feel of a traditional Scottish kilt but will be very versatile. In that same thought process M.A.C Newsome (a member here) sells 4 yard box pleated kilts.

If you are looking to ease yourself into kilt wearing with a cheaper kilt that can still do dressy and casual, have a look at the Stillwater heavyweights www.stillwaterkilts.com or the semi-formals from USA Kilts www.usakilts.com. Both will fit like a traditional kilt and do you proudly. Bear kilts offers a traditional style kilt in both Poly/viscose and wool but they are hiving some issues right now.

I would suggest staying away from a contemporary style solid colour kilt to start with (UK, FK, etc). While these are great casual kilts, it is hard to make them look dressy (IMHO). I tartan kilt will give you more versatility for your first kilt. The solid casuals will make a great second or third kilt. I know others will disagree with me here, but I have not seem any solid colour utility style kilts that look as good dressed up as a trartan kilt. However, for booting around town and doing day to day activities the new style kilts are awesome and very well recommended. www.utilikilts.com , www.freedomkilts.com , www.rkilts.com

I guess what it all comes down to is what you are looking for in a kilt. Hope this helps.

[KiltedCodeWarrior]

...I would suggest staying away from a contemporary style solid colour kilt to start with (UK, FK, etc). While these are great casual kilts, it is hard to make them look dressy (IMHO)...

I resemble this remark!

Seriously, I have to agree with most of your response for the average new kilt wearer. A somewhat traditional kilt in at least a tartan-like pattern will be much more accepted and recognizable as a kilt than the contemporaries. Now, once you have taken the plunge (my first was a SWK Standard nightstalker), you can decide what is more comfortable and preferred for you.

[mddock58]

My first (and currently only) kilt is a black AK. I have no problem. Yes I get some strange looks, people trying to figure out what it is, but that only makes a difference if you let it.

Be comfortable and confident in whatever you wear and others will see it and respect you and the Kilt!

Traditional tartans DO receive an immediate recognition as a "Kilt", so if there is any hesitance, get a SW, USAK, or Bear (though Bear is a little backed up it seems right now), and wear it!