Newbie Questions

[JockMcPlop]

Good day!
First off let me apologize for my user name. It is the name of a Scottish charactter Rowan Atkinson uses in one of the Black Adder series. I laughed so hard when I heard it at first it just seemed a natural as a user name here. Please, I mean no disrespect by it.
Having said all that... well, I want to get kitted out top to bottom with an "outfit", for lack of better terms! I am not Scottish however my wife has Scottish roots and I was told because of this connection by the marriage I would be allowed to wear the hunter kilt of the (can't remember the clan name). Question, are the rules this stringent? Next, I don't want to break the bank yet I also don't want to look like I just came out of the dollar store, if you understand my meaning. Where do I start? What item is core to the outfit? what comes next?
Thanking you all in advance!

Jock McPlop

[Paul Henry]

Welcome,
There are hundreds, even thousands of available tartans and there is no actual "right" to wear them (with a few exceptions) but some choose to only wear their clan/family one, whilst others choose ones they like, it's up to you and your personal feelings. I have several family ones I wear but I also wear others whihc I like because of the design or colours , but both are equally valid. It's generally a good idea to find out a little about the tartan so you have an idea of the background but it is unlikely that people would particularly outraged if they saw you wearing their tartan, most likely they would be honoured!
Obviously the most important part of the outfit is the kilt, they come in a huge range of prices, styles and qualities so you need to work out sort of budget you need to put aside. A properly made kilt will last for decades so it is worth investing well.
Most tartan come in colour variations :-
Modern - usually stronger or bolder colours,
Ancient - usually faded colours
Hunting - usually with more blue and green
Weathered/Reproduction - usually more browns and greys
work out the kilt first and then find things , and remember that a kilt can be worn in many way from the very casual to the very formal and everywhere inbetween, it's not jsut for Burn's Night!

[JockMcPlop]

Thank you for replying. I set a 1000.00 budget for everything and am presently getting details on the family name . I like the idea of the greens and blues. Also glad to know about the 'rules', I wasn't sure! I suspected the kilt was the 'heart' of the matter. I am off to a shop this weekend to get that started.
Thanks again for the great advice!

JMcP

[Father Bill]

Welcome to the "Great Rabble!"

You'll get a wide range of advice here. Paul Henry who has already replied is a knowledgeable kiltmaker, neither of which I am, but I would add to his clear statement that the four bolded types of tartans aren't either more or less modern; those are just terms used to describe those colour palettes.

He's absolutely right; you can wear pretty well what you want, but it's often respected to stay with a familial connection. With that in mind, you don't have to wear the hunting version - you can wear any of the family tartans so long as they're not reserved to the clan chief or to another family. You can check 'em out at http://www.tartanregister.gov.uk/index.aspx where they'll tell you if there's a restriction. There aren't a lot of them.

Pick your type of kilt and realize that this can be an excellent long-term investment. (the heavier the weight and more yardage, the better swing and wear, but also the more expensive) Then pick your kiltmaker. S/he will source out the tartan for you. Any of the kiltmaking sponsors and participants here are highly respected, but it's good to work with somebody near to you. You haven't said where you live. A nearby kiltmaker can take his/her own measurements of you.

Hang around here for a while and see what people say about the folks and suppliers near you before you lay down your $$; meanwhile, one more time, welcome!

[JockMcPlop]

Great advice. I know of a Kiltmaker in Victoria BC. My neighbour is helping me with the fabric this weekend!

[creagdhubh]

Welcome,
There are hundreds, even thousands of available tartans and there is no actual "right" to wear them (with a few exceptions) but some choose to only wear their clan/family one, whilst others choose ones they like, it's up to you and your personal feelings. I have several family ones I wear but I also wear others whihc I like because of the design or colours , but both are equally valid. It's generally a good idea to find out a little about the tartan so you have an idea of the background but it is unlikely that people would particularly outraged if they saw you wearing their tartan, most likely they would be honoured!
Obviously the most important part of the outfit is the kilt, they come in a huge range of prices, styles and qualities so you need to work out sort of budget you need to put aside. A properly made kilt will last for decades so it is worth investing well.
Most tartan come in colour variations :-
Modern - usually stronger or bolder colours,
Ancient - usually faded colours
Hunting - usually with more blue and green
Weathered/Reproduction - usually more browns and greys
work out the kilt first and then find things , and remember that a kilt can be worn in many way from the very casual to the very formal and everywhere inbetween, it's not jsut for Burn's Night!

Welcome!

And...what Paul said.

[faithwalker]

From west central Florida, , I've been here for a short while myself and have learned so much that my head would explode were it not for the duct tape. I agree with all said with emphasis on Father Bills last line (if possible). So far I've changed my desired tartan 3 times and my choice of fabric/weight twice. It's not easy waiting but in my cookie jar resides more empty than full so I must be sure before I dive in head first.

[JockMcPlop]

Indeed! I fear my role of duct tape is not big enough! Overwhelmed in an understatement. I guess that's what happens whe a can of worms is opened!

[gwynng]

Welcome. When I started kilting, my first was a Utilikilt. Very cool for 2002, but have kind of out grown it literally and metaphorically. But my first traditional kilt was a family tartan in a medium weight wool. It is still my go-to, favorite kilt and wear it to everything from the bar to theater to formal black tie because it is that versatile. I, like you, wanted to get kitted out head to toe so bought a package deal from Scotland. If you do that, one word of advice is to go for an Argyll or other jacket and NOT a Prince Charlie. They are gorgeous and you will look amazing in it, but it is like buying a tux instead of a good suit.

I have expanded my wardrobe by finding used kilts where I can. It takes a lot of diligent searching, but you can find the occasional bargain here and there like the kilts I got at a Los Angeles garage sale that were in my size! (or darned close). Those bargains are the exception, but eBay is a great place to start. If you are thin or girthy it is easier to find kilts that are a good price on the used market. Those of us who are average, in that 33-38 inch waist with a 23-24 in drop have to look a little harder because it seems those kilts get more aggressive bidding. All this said, I think that you can find a good wool kilt on eBay for $100-150 if you look hard enough and take your time. I don't think there is any secret other than to decide your max. price and bid when you see the kilt. Don't be heartbroken if you loose it too, because there is ALWAYS someone out there with more money. Also try eBay.UK. not all sellers ship to the US and shipping runs about $40 for a kilt.

Lastly, when I asked a similar query about affordable Highland wear someone suggested making my own kilt. I was dubious to say the least, but have made two now and am starting on my third. The Barb Tewksbury book really does explain it in a way that anyone with manual dexterity and a little patience can make a kilt. Best of luck and enjoy.

[David Thorpe]

Some excellent advice for you here - in a nutshell, slow down, take a deep breath and do some serious research before throwing money at it. Devoting some time to learning now will save you money, frustration and possibly embarrassment in the long run.

Scottish traditional Highland dress is inexorably linked to the rest of Scottish history and culture. It is a long and very complex subject, worthy of your study before jumping into a kilt. There are a couple of excellent books which are a great place to start your education.

So You're Going to Wear the Kilt, Thompson, J.C. is somewhat dated, having been written in the 1970's, but remains a classic and very helpful guide to traditional Scottish attire, especially for an American.

Matthew Newsome's Patented Advice for First Time Kilt Wearers is more up-to-date and written by a well-respected member here. On the same web page is The Art of Kiltmaking which several have already mentioned - an invaluable guide to kilts even if you never actually make one.

Welcome to the Great Kilted Rabble!