Got my first Kilt

[Peonbilly]

New user here, and new to kilts.. I ordered an Irish National Tartan Kilt from Stillwater Kilts, here's the picture


What do you guys think of it? You can see im in the Army so I'm currently deployed but I want to wear it when I go out to pubs and bars back in the States. What kind of shirt, shoes and cap would go good with this kilt. I appreciate any feedback!

[Father Bill]

Can't see the picture, but welcome to the "Great Rabble!"

[Peonbilly]

fixed the image =D

[Father Bill]

And a handsome garment it is! Congratulations!

From time to time, reach to the apron at the same level as the sporran, and pull it straight to avoid the folds, bends and dips. It'll become second nature.

Ya' look dam' good in it, man! What you wear with it will depend on where you want to wear it. For the pub, darned near anything goes. To more formal occasions, more formal shirts and hose. Stick around XMarks; you'll catch on quickly. Anybody who can handle fitting in through the military can sure handle fitting into the kilted world!

Bill+

[JohntheBiker]

Good start! Take Bill's advice and do some research on the forum - you'll pick it up soon enough.

[plaid preacher]

Welcome to the rabble. For pub nights pretty much anything works. I wear my kilt casually on Fridays (you'll learn about kilted Friday's if you stick around here enough) and when I do, I often just wear a shirt or golf shirt. You can then start picking up all the "kit and clobber" for more formal outings. But you're off to a good start. My question is...what does that guy behind you think about your kilt. Keep you head down!

[Peonbilly]

Haha the guy behind me wasn't as *** as everyone else was, I guess his brother wore a Kilt to prom so he actually knew a bit about them. Everyone else in the platoon was surprised though =p. Although they all know that I'm very prideful when it comes to my Celtic heritage (Irish, Welsh and Scottish in me.. English too). Thanks for the support everyone, I will definitely be sticking around here to learn more!

[MacMillans son]

Welcome aboard Peonbilly!

Often times, the most challenging thing for first time wearers is getting used to wearing the kilt up high on their natural waist, instead of on their hips where jeans are typically worn. It is usually around 2 inches above your navel (more or less per individual). It feels weird for a while, but that is where the traditional kilt (versus a canvas utility kilt type) is designed to be worn. With an off the rack kilt like you have there, the length may not be perfect for your size, so wearing the kilt so that the bottom of the kilt is right at the top of your knee would be the thing to shoot for and let the top land where it may.

Relative to hose tops, the traditional height is somewhere around 3 fingers or so below your knee cap. In other words you should be showing a good amount of knee when wearing the kilt. This, again, is an unusual feeling and look for those of us not raised with kilt wearing. It is not like wearing trousers, nor is it like wearing shorts (US definition), as you don't usually wear socks pulled up high when wearing shorts.

Get used to the fact that this is an entirely different garment than you are used to, with it's own traditions and practices of how it is to be worn.

Again, welcome aboard, and thanks for all that you do and risk for those of us back here at home!

Best regards,
Brooke

[Liam]

I have a kilt in the Irish National tartan as well. The black hose, belt and sporran go well with it. Why not continue this with a black shirt, and black shoes. As for a cap, you will get all kind of opinions here, but a Caubeen always goes well with this tartan, or no hat at all.

Slainte and welcome to the great kilted world!

[Richrail]

from Reno, NV. The Irish Heritage was my first kilt and the addiction began. You'll learn a lot from this forum and the people are great here. My youngest son is currently deployed in Afghanistan, and wants to get a kilt when he gets home . Thank you for your service, besafe and come home to enjoy life and the kilt culture .