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.

**davidlpope** · 8th August 13, 10:05 AM

Hunting Stewart if you like green, Caledonia if you like red...

**BCAC** · 8th August 13, 10:07 AM

Originally Posted by westsussexbiker

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?

A PV kilt should be OK for your formal night, most of the uninitiated won't be able to tell the difference.

As to the tartan, use the search feature, there's a thread on here about universal tartans. Find one you like and then use the kiltmakers own internet (there are several kiltmakers (USAK, SK, buy a kilt, keltoi, freedom kilts) that advertise on here) to see if they can provide you with a kilt in the tartan that you like, your size and in PV.

Easy, isn't it?

Bet you can't just buy one, though!

**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, 10:15 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!

**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