First Kilt advise

[Jesse]

I am new to the world of kilts and don't really know where to start. I am looking for an inexpensive beginner quality kilt to start with (to make sure that this is something i will wear before dropping hundreds of dollars on kilts). That being said I came across an online company named Scottishkiltshop.com and was wondering if anyone has any experience with them. I am not looking for anything formal right now. i just want one for everyday wear. Also looking to spend under $100 on my first one if that is possible as well. Thank you for all your help.

[Steve Ashton]

May I suggest you take a look at Stillwater Kilts. They are one of the advertisers here. You can see their ad on the right side banner.

[Liam]

Another option is USA Kilts. I would advise against acrylic kilts as they almost always pill.

[tpa]

Another option is USA Kilts. I would advise against acrylic kilts as they almost always pill.

I would also recommend this route. I have both types and yes, the acrylic ones do pill, some more than others but all to a degree. Although at home I wear acrylic ones daily, I have several i can rotate and some reserved for the more challenging tasks. However on a recent 3 week trip I wore a pv one of the same material as used by USA kilts in their casual kilt and, I suspect, a similar yardage (5) every day including nearly 40 hours of flights and on return it looked just as good as it did 3 weeks earlier. The pv one will be slightly heavier than an acrylic one of similar yardage, but feels quite cool and comfortable to wear in warmer environments.

[Geoff Withnell]

I have both Stillwater and USAKilts inexpensive kilts in my closet. Both give good value for the money. If your $100 max is a hard number, then USA kilts meet that limit only in smaller sizes. They are a significantly better kilt, but also more expensive. Stillwater Thrity kilts are VERY inexpensive, but frankly good either as a costume, or if you are really uncertain if you want to wear a kilt and wish to spend the minimum possible. The Stillwater economy kilts are a real kilt that you can continue wearing for some time, for about half the cost of a USAKilts Casual. However, it is acrylic, and will pill, and will not hold a crease as well. The USAK Casual can also be may to your size, wiast, hip and length. The SWK Economy is off the rack only. So my recommendation is if you are willing to invest at or slightly above $100, go with the USAK Casual, you will get a much better product. If not, the SWK Economy will give you good value for your money. I always recommend that new kilt wearers stick with XMarks venders, since if they don't continue to provide good service, Steve will remove them.

[kingandrew]

I don't disagree with anything the posters above have said. I just wanted to add a couple of thoughts.

1. I think you are taking a sensible approach. I also started out with a low-cost kilt (purchased at a Renaissance Faire) to test out the waters. And when I found that I liked the kilt and it got good responses from others, I quickly upgraded to a better model i could wear often and with pride.

2. Stillwater is a good source for reasonably-priced, entry level accessories to go with the kilt. As a beginner, you don't need all the bells and whistles. But I strongly suggest you go ahead and get an affordable sporran and a pair of knee-high socks to round out the look. The sporran is very practical and wearing it and kilt-length hose will make it easier to judge how much you enjoy wearing the kilt. If you enjoy it as much I expect, it will be easy to upgrade your socks and sporran at your convenience. But Stillwater definitely provides great value in beginner kilt gear.

Andrew

[Jesse]

Thanks for everyone's help so far. The $100 mark is just a round figure. I am ok with going over a little just wanted to stay close to it. I have been comparing stillwater standard with usakilt casual(due to pricing) and they make the decision hard. I like that usakilts does custom measuring so feel like i may get a better fit than the stillwater. That being said I like the straps and buckle closures from stillwater vs the Velcro on the usa casual. And from what I have read on this forum and a few others the usa is more resistant to pilling and the fabric breathes better so may be more suitable in the Texas heat. Please correct me if I am wrong on any of this.