Ordering a kilt

**westsussexbiker** · 8th August 13, 09:58 AM

Ok, been measured, know my size, so ready to order a kilt. Confused by the market out there, especially as I don't want to spend hundreds on something that is only going to be worn a few times on a cruise (to start with). So, two questions. First, is a PV kilt ok for formal wear? Second, what tartan? I have no affiliations with any clans, as my surname isn't immediately recognisable as Scottish. I'm not wearing a kilt to proclaim my Scottishness, only because I like the look of them and want to try wearing one. Any suggestions/comments?

**westsussexbiker** · 8th August 13, 10:00 AM

Would add that I've read that Royal Stewart and/or Black Watch might work in my circumstances. I've also seen Heritage of Scotland (awful name!) tartan, which is in a rather fetching purple mix. What about this one, or is the name as awful as the tartan?

**Grizzly** · 8th August 13, 10:04 AM

Simple answer Isle of Skye tartan. Available in Marton Mills PV or consider a lower yardage wool. Suitable for dressing up or down.

**westsussexbiker** · 8th August 13, 10:07 AM

Originally Posted by Grizzly

Simple answer Isle of Skye tartan. Available in Marton Mills PV or consider a lower yardage wool. Suitable for dressing up or down.

Cheers. Any advice re suppliers and cost? Even better if in our area!

**Grizzly** · 8th August 13, 10:12 AM

Is Kingston upon Thames close enough? Paul Henry is located there and is regarded as one of the foremost kiltmakers in this country. There are others of course but Paul is a delight to deal with and close enough to visit for fittings or measurements. His work is top notch, myself and many others on here have at least one of his kilts and they are superb.

**westsussexbiker** · 8th August 13, 10:17 AM

Originally Posted by Grizzly

Is Kingston upon Thames close enough? Paul Henry is located there and is regarded as one of the foremost kiltmakers in this country. There are others of course but Paul is a delight to deal with and close enough to visit for fittings or measurements. His work is top notch, myself and many others on here have at least one of his kilts and they are superb.

And expensive, in comparison to PV prices. I know, quality. I'm tempted. Kingston is easy to get to.

**BCAC** · 8th August 13, 10:18 AM

Originally Posted by Grizzly

Is Kingston upon Thames close enough? Paul Henry is located there and is regarded as one of the foremost kiltmakers in this country. There are others of course but Paul is a delight to deal with and close enough to visit for fittings or measurements. His work is top notch, myself and many others on here have at least one of his kilts and they are superb.

Excellent suggestion, Simon!

WSB, I'm sorry, but I hadn't tilted that you were situated in the UK.

You could do a lot worse than contacting Paul. He will see you right.

Contact him here

**westsussexbiker** · 8th August 13, 10:15 AM

BCAC that's what I'm hoping for - ignorance and most other passengers being too polite to question it. Ok, will confess. I order a Heritage of Scotland kilt, PV, last week and it arrived today. Have to say, very, very impressed with wearing a kilt already! The purple works really well...and yes, you're right, I'm now looking at other tartans! I just want it to be right, but as a start it seems to be working well. So, would it be a bit much to bring more than one kilt on the cruise? We have unlimited baggage allowance, four formal nights and I'm wondering if I should try one a bit dressed down for the "informal" (for Cunard that means no tie!) nights!

**andycwb** · 8th August 13, 10:18 AM

I would steer you away from either Royal Stewart or Black Watch, if only because they are probably the two most common hire tartans - something a bit more individual might be in order. If you have Welsh or Irish roots they both have national tartans.

I can't suggest a UK vendor of 'cheaper' kilts - after hiring one once I went for a 9 yard, 13oz wool kilt even though this repented a significant investment.

**Gryphon noir** · 8th August 13, 10:22 AM

PV can look good, but you can't go wrong with a good quality wool kilt. There are quite a few tartans available that anyone can wear. Most of the better kiltmakers have a list of "universal" or "fashion" tartans to choose from, and these are usually no more expensive than Black Watch or Royal Stewart.

If there is one common thread (pun intended) among kiltmakers, it is that they will do their utmost to make sure you are satisfied with your purchase. I would recommend any of the companies advertising on this site. I have personally had dealings with five of them, and always the service has been excellent.

There is of course an alternative to tartan. Solid coloured or tweed kilts can look very good, and you get the same quality for around the same price.

Just avoid the products made in China or Pakistan. They may be less expensive, but the experience reported by most people is pretty negative.