Transitioning to Kilts (and Scotland)

[wildrover]

Before you spend money on an all-black outfit and modern kilt-like objects, browse through the "traditional Highland attire" forum and see if that's for you.

That is how kilts will be viewed and worn, where you are going. America is much more forgiving as far as personal modes of attire. Scotland is not the place to rock the kilted boat.

Gently speaking, consider in your transition to kilts, a corresponding transition to color.

You will spend less on a kilt if you get it made in the United States. Get measured now, pay now, have it sent over later if necessary as part of your personal effects.

-Sean

[seatdistrict]

Thanks for all the advice.

At this point, I intend to regularly wear my UK, here and there, but also to get a complete set of Traditional Highland Wear clothes. However, I'd like this kilt, etc. to be one I can rely on and wear for a very long time, to class, to church, to weddings, to funerals, etc. I am currently trying to select a tartan and design (yardage, pleating,...) that will suit me and last me. At that point, I will get a PC and all of the accoutrements so that I can adapt the kilt to the level of formality I need.

I'm currently favoring the Blackwatch tartan, which seems very adaptable, though I'm still open to suggestions (which need not exclude colors).
My other main decision is between an 8 yard knife-pleated and a 4 yard box-pleated kilt. It's been noted here that the tank might hold up better in the wind and rain of St Andrews, but the 4 yard option seems to be more traditional (a plus, for me), cheaper, and lighter, not to mention that the Scottish Tartan Museum is a few hours drive from my house and Matt Newsome appears to specialize in them.
Will a well-made 4 yarder last me years of fairly regular use? Can it withstand the cold, dark, wind, and rain of St Andrews?

As far as scorn and derision for clothing, this has been essentially constant in my life ever since I've had any say in what I wear, and I have solid reasons for wearing a kilt, so I am less worried about this.

[Jock Scot]

I would go for the heavy weight(16oz) cloth and go for the 8 yards knife pleat(keep the locals happy with those!). St Andrews is on the East side of Scotland(no Gulf Stream) and is the much colder side of Scotland and by the sea, lots of wind. It is warmer in the summer(in general) than the west coast, but the sea fog, damp cold air(Haa) can be a trial in the summer which can be rather short lived. What tartan? That's up to you.

[auld argonian]

I have to say that I've been on this forum for a couple of years now and I have never once seen a post from someone who regretted buying an eight yard woollen kilt. Once you have one on you'll understand.

Best

AA

[xman]

I have to say that I've been on this forum for a couple of years now and I have never once seen a post from someone who regretted buying an eight yard woollen kilt. Once you have one on you'll understand.

Next to perhaps "you can have any two of price, quality, or service", those are some of the wisest words I have read here.

[seatdistrict]

They struck me as such as well. All of the advice I've received has been quite helpful. I think I'll be taking a trip to Franklin sometime soon to see about a tank.

[macwilkin]

Don't forget the Georgia tartan, which was designed to commemorate the early Scottish settlers of the Oglethorpe colony in 1732.

T.

[cessna152towser]

My daughter obtained an honours degree in Modern History at St. Andrews University. She studied there from 2000 to 2004. You are unlikely to see many Utilikilts around St. Andrews but you will see Scottish 8-yard kilts being worn around the University when there are formal events taking place. What you will see much more frequently out and about in town and on the University campus on a daily basis is the wearing of cheap tartan kilts, either very lightweight Scottish produced wool kilts, or imported acrylic knock-offs, as part of a casual outfit worn with a tee-shirt or sweatshirt. The majority of students wear jeans most of the time but you would certainly not look out of place wearing a casual tartan kilt on an everyday basis. I would recommend buying a good quality kilt and jacket for attending dinners, balls, etc. and a cheap kilt for wearing to classes and around town. Depending on your own preference you could have your formal kilt made in USA or in Scotland. A cheap kilt for casual wear can readily be purchased once you arrive in Scotland.
Solid colour kilts are less often seen in St. Andrews although when I visited there my daughter and her friends appreciated me wearing my solid black wool kilt as they were very much into the goth thing!
Good luck with the studies.

[fluter]

Don't forget the Georgia tartan, which was designed to commemorate the early Scottish settlers of the Oglethorpe colony in 1732.

Just to keep the kettle simmering, Burnett's and Struth has among their sale-priced casual kilts the "Atlanta" tartan. That is to say, the Metropolitan Atlanta Police Emerald Society Pipe Band tartan. That would be a 4-yard, 16-ounce knife pleat if I recall correctly.

[Martyn]

You should go for 8 yards and with a good material say 16 oz (AR1 my choice of the best quality), don't be tight on how much you spend or you will look silly. The cheepo kilts are only good for getting drunk in etc. If you can afford it also purchase a 6 yeard casual kilt made of 16oz quality wool for the summer. Plus best wait till you arrive in Scotland before purchasing.

Ddisagree with others about only tartan being accepted in Scotland! A properly made black kilt is well accepteded in Scotland, I should know!!!!!!!!!! As for a UK then that is another matter of which I have no personal experience to comment upon.