First Kilt

[Kane]

Hi, this is my first real post and I was wondering if people would be able to give me some advice and opinions.

I'm starting at Edinburgh university next year and it appears pretty customary for the students, regardless of nationality, to wear kilts to black-tie dinners. There is traditionally 3 before christmas alone and seeing as I'll be there for at least 4 years I feel buying a kilt would be better investment than renting one each time. Bonus in that is I can choose a kilt in a tartan and style I like.
Unfortunately I don't know enough about kilts to make an informed decision on my own.

I was thinking of getting the American Heritage tartan pleated to the stripe, I don't have much money and was hoping (from what little I know) that a 5 yard kilt pleated to the stripe of the first red line after the white line would end up with my pleats looking similar to this picture:

The white stripe being just hidden by the previous pleat.

Would this be the case and if not can any one recommend anything else? as a student I can't really afford a full 8 yard and I'm just hoping the pleat sizes are similar with just less of them.

Thanks,
Kane

[Colonel MacNeal]

There's lot's of tartans out there. Are you of American heritage? If you like American things, then you should check out USA Kilts. There's an ad at the top of the page for our friend Rocky and his shop.

[Kane]

There's lot's of tartans out there. Are you of American heritage? If you like American things, then you should check out USA Kilts. There's an ad at the top of the page for our friend Rocky and his shop.

I'm not actually of American heritage, the closest links to anything other than English are an Irish circus family from my nan, and my partner of 2 years who is Scottish (she's the one who got me into really wanting a kilt). I actually stumbled across the American heritage tartan whilst looking for a dark pattern that wasn't just completely black that I would feel comfortable with as my first kilt. I will be sure to have a look at USA kilts though, thankyou.

[Chas]

Hi Kane,

Firstly, welcome to XMarks from the east side in Norfolk. Secondly, if you are on a budget, have a look at eBay. If you do a search for 'kilt' and then at the drop down, opt for 'military'. You will find plenty of 'Black Watch' which is a universal tartan. Most will be full 8 yard kilts made to British Army specifications, but for less than you are going to pay for the American Heritage (even if that tartan is freely available). You could be buying a top of the range kilt that will easily last your whole life, with care.

Something to think about.

Regards

Chas

[raibeart_dubh]

What is your budget? There a several kiltmakers here on the forum that make excellent kilts in an affordable price range. Check out Matt Newsome, Barb T., and ChattanCat to name a few.

Also, the Ebay route may be an option to pursue. Ebay sellers like bauhaus-boy (Ebay store is Carse of Gowrie) offer well made kilts at reasonable prices.

[Kane]

I did wonder about ebay but was always told that a kilt should always be measured to fit, also would an 8yard kilt be suitable for casual as well as formal wear?

Doing a bit of research I've discovered the American Heritage to be purchasable from Marton Mills

hopfully in this full outfit http://www.thescotlandkiltcompany.co...ilt-p-862.html

[KFCarter]

I did wonder about ebay but was always told that a kilt should always be measured to fit, also would an 8yard kilt be suitable for casual as well as formal wear?
http://www.thescotlandkiltcompany.co...ilt-p-862.html

IMHO, hold out a bit, build up your budget, beg, borrow or steal some help from friends and family and get yourself an 8 yd kilt. It can be dressed up, down and anywhere in between and it will, with basic care, last your lifetime. If you waited until you got to Edinburgh, you would have the choice of some great kiltmakers and you could work with them in person on your measurements, pleating choice, etc. This would also allow you some time to look at more tartans before committing to one for your first kilt.

I started with a 8 yd strome kilt and am very glad I did. I have branched out a bit now, for certain kids of uses... but my 8 yd kilt is the foundation of my kiltwear. It will be especially appropriate for the formal events you mentioned, but it will certainly work for other uses.

If you do choose to have a kilt made in Edinburgh, you could solicit recommendations from the folks on this site...I'm sure you'd get some great suggestions. I'm currently working with Stewart Rendall (http://www.rendallsofedinburgh.com/). I don't have the kilt yet, but his work was highly recommended and he's been great to work with.

Whatever you choose for your first kilt, you're going to love it... and, trust me, there'll be more kilts in your future!

:ootd:

[Kane]

Currently I have a budget of £400($640) but could stretch to £500($795) at a push but that is for my full outfit.

Kane

[Chas]

Hi Kane,

The kilt is the kilt, it goes from slob to uber-formal - same kilt. It is the accessories that make it casual or formal. If your heart is set on that tartan, so be it. You are going to Edinburgh University, people will ask what the tartan is and why a non-American is wearing it.

You could try:


Edinburgh University's official tartan

or


Designed for the City of Edinburgh Council, this sett is based on the Stewart Old clan tartan because of the City's kinship with the Stewarts. The colours are of the Arms of the City of Edinburgh, which feature a central silver shield showing a three towered castle with black stone work.

Why not get friends and family to chip in for the accessories. Your £400 will buy a 8 yard kilt in Edinburgh. You are going to be in a place where all the accessories will be cheaper - no postal charges. It might be an idea to wait till you get there.

Regards

Chas

[The Barry]

Well, welcome to the addiction!

I remember once saying "I'm only going to spend...."

That didn't work out so well.