Which tartan?

[oregonscot]

Yes, I'll admit it,"I am a newby". I do not own a kilt as of yet, but I do want to own one. My predicament is which tartan to order. I have looked into ordering one, but the price of ordering one in my clan's tartan (Lamont) kind of puckers my backside. I have checked out Stillwaters, and was very pleasantly shocked at the price. Yet no Lamont. So now I ask the very learned and wise wearers of the kilt...Which tartan should be ordered?
I am not familiar with some of the tartans, and I'm not sure I should be a wearin another clans tartan.

[macwilkin]

Yes, I'll admit it,"I am a newby". I do not own a kilt as of yet, but I do want to own one. My predicament is which tartan to order. I have looked into ordering one, but the price of ordering one in my clan's tartan (Lamont) kind of puckers my backside. I have checked out Stillwaters, and was very pleasantly shocked at the price. Yet no Lamont. So now I ask the very learned and wise wearers of the kilt...Which tartan should be ordered?
I am not familiar with some of the tartans, and I'm not sure I should be a wearin another clans tartan.

Have you considered one Matt Newsome's box-pleated kilts? They are very reasonable compared to a 8-yard traditional, and you can get one in almost any tartan:

http://kilts.albanach.org/

Cheers,

Todd

[M. A. C. Newsome]

To further comment on Todd, I'll add this. If what you really *want* is a kilt in your family tartan, my advice is to save the money and get the real thing. Because otherwise you won't be satisfied. It's well worth it if it is what you want.

Not all traditional kilts are in the $500 - $600 range. Like Todd said, my box pleated kilts average about $350, because they use only half as much cloth. Most kilt makers also offer some form of 4 or 5 yard kilts (often called "casual kilts" or some variation) in the $300 range.

That being said, if you want a tartan that might be more cheaply available from Stillwater or another similar company, I'd lean towards the Black Watch. Your Lamont tartan is a variation of the Black Watch (a white stripe has been added), so it would be a close choice.

Aye,
Matt

[M. A. C. Newsome]

Also, you might want to consider looking for second hand kilts. I don't know what your waist size is, but we have a Lamont kilt in a size 28" for sale now for only $150.
http://giftshop.scottishtartans.org/specials.htm

[oregonscot]

Thanx Matt,
I haven't seen 28" waist in almost that many years. Now if you had one with 6-8" more then that would be great. ( Too much good home cooking).
I read a previous thread that caused a bit of an uproar over who could wear what tartan, after I posted this one, so just to let everyone know I'm not here to fan the flames, nor want to. Ido appreciate any and all input.

[Norbydog]

I would suggest getting one of the Stillwaters as a starter. It will be great for you to have while you save for you family tartan, and it can be your casual kilt when you get what you really want. If you are anything like me, you will want to wear your kilt 1-2 times a week and probably in situations you wouldn't want to wear your finest.

[Robin]

My 2 cents...

When you're looking for your clan kilt...save money until you can buy a really good kilt.

This kilt will be very special to you...you'll wear it with great pride for many years.

I can imagine you're eager to get a kilt and there's nothing wrong with finding a cheap kilt...get the clan kilt later.

Welcome to the wonderful world of kilts :grin:

[mbhandy]

That being said, if you want a tartan that might be more cheaply available from Stillwater or another similar company, I'd lean towards the Black Watch. Your Lamont tartan is a variation of the Black Watch (a white stripe has been added), so it would be a close choice.
Aye,
Matt

I go along with Matt. Stillwater has a choice of Black Watch and are Quite afforadable.
Welcome to the forum,
MrBill

[Oswulf]

I'll endorse the stillwater as well. My first kilt was a standard in black Stewart and I liked it so much I ordered their Black Watch in the heavyweight about a week later. Being a bit chilly here in Idaho the heavyweight has gotten a fair bit of use already, It's really nice for a $160 kilt. Now I have to find a dry cleaner nearby, there's none in my town and my heavyweight is about do for a cleaning already.

That being said, now that I have the major jones out of the way I'm looking at either one of Matt's box pleated four yarders or a Breacan from Kinloch Anderson. Probably both eventually, you people are bad, bad influences on me. Then eventually a tank in a family tartan, and then..........

Hamish, watch out.

Oswulf

[Riverkilt]

You don't say what part of Oregon you're from....having spend most of my youth here know its WET a LOT. You're gonna get addicted to kilts anyway and wind up with a passle of them so why not just start with one that you can dry out easy?

And, you're close to a cluster of kiltmakers there in Washington and British Columbia...maybe poke around the booths of the next Highland Games that comes your way.

If you want a kilt for just knock around use, like jeans with freedom, start with a Utilikilt and see how that feels for you.

Tell us more about what you have in mind for the kilt.

Ron