My first kilt!

[Nighthawk]

I'm currently looking at a variety of kilts to buy. I am very excited as this will be my very first kilt.

I am however, first seeking answers to a few questions.

As an american teen, many of us are somewhat skeptical of trying dramatic new things and making sudden, drastic lifestyle changes. This also applies to me; however, thus far I have not been discouraged. I guess my main question is this: Is there anyone else out there that's worn a kilt since they were a teen? How did their friends react. Did you announce it openly before hand? etc, etc...

Also, I'm of a bit awkward decent for wearing a kilt. I am part Swedish, part Italian, and a small bit German, however, I have no Anglo in me at all. Is it even socially acceptable for me to wear a kilt? Should I pick a particular tartan over another, or even a solid color?

That aside, I'm currently looking at a Stillwater Standard Kilt for my first one. It seems to be a good value. Does anyone else have one of these kilts?

I do want to have a kilt that fastens with buckles instead of velcro. I'm not particularly large and I feel a velcro fastener would be too loose.

I do intend to wear my kilt as a general purpose garment, i.e. from school to informal family gatherings. Would a Stillwater standard kilt suit my needs well? If not, what are some other options?

I don't want a Utilikilt. I feel that they're too expensive.

On that note, I should mention I'm on a budget, and will probably buy the least expensive kilt that meets my criteria.

Should I buy a sporran? I do need to keep my wallet handy and I don't want to fumble around in my backpack, but it is more money to spend.

AH! I have so many questions. I am grateful to anyone who helps me answer any of these questions. Thanks!

Welcome to the Colorado rabble, brother!

So- to answer your questions:

About being awkward and afraid of drastic lifestyle changes- I was always a metalhead (if the term still exists!) so it was not at all uncommon for us to be way outside of the social norm. If it fits you then peer pressure be damned. Never be ashamed of who and what you are.

Second- on lineage: Italian... You ever see the way the Roman Legions dressed? They wore knee length belted tunics. Italian men were wearing unbifurcated garments before Christ was born, so it makes good sense. If it was good enough for the toughest military in history (not to mention the modern legions of kilted U.S. military men) then it's certainly good enough for you.

So what type should you get? Since price is a consideration, as it is for all of us, and you have tartan questions, I would honestly suggest an Amerikilt from www.amerikilts.com I have one and I love it. It comes with it's own attached sporran, which takes the cost of that out of the equation. Only problem with them is that they aren't especially warm, which is a consideration here in Denver this time of year. Man, the wind today was brutal! I was greatful for my Lewis Rich socks... Talk about toasty! But I digress. If you want something warm, a Stillwater standard is deffinately a good way to go. I have three and am very happy with them, and the customer service cannot be beaten. (I have a Black Stewart, a Weathered MacKenzie, and a saffron.)

On sporrans- if you get a more traditional kilt, like a Stillwater, then you'll need and want a sporran. You won't look quite complete without one, and you need somewhere to keep all your crap! I know I sure do... Digging through them for change is a pain, though.

I've sent you a PM. If you have any other questions, feel free to send me a message back. If I don't have the answers, I'll help you find them.

And one more thing... from another cold Coloradoan.