Want to kilt up...need advice. NOOB post!

**auteurusa** · 15th August 16, 05:52 PM

As an aside, that Smith tartan is beautiful. Where did you come by the tartan, and did you craft the kilt yourself ?

**iKiltIt** · 15th August 16, 06:03 PM

That Tartan IS beautiful! I may end up with that one as my first.

**Pegasys** · 16th August 16, 03:44 AM

I wish i could remember what book this thought came from ... but here goes ... ' when choosing your tartan in times past mostly , you would most likely choose the tartan from your mothers side ' . when I raed this it caught me first as not right , but the authoer went on to say that historically , often you might not know the name of or even who your faather was , but you always knew who your mother was ...

**Wareyin** · 16th August 16, 04:19 AM

Originally Posted by Tarheel

Well met new friend. I see you are in Georgia. Take a look at Atlanta kilts out of Suwanee, GA. There might be something you can find for the "starter" kilt. I have friends here that claim Smith clan ties. If you don't like that tartan, choose an area affiliated or regional tartan that applies to you or just grabs your fancy. The selection is bigger than people think (or feel cubby-holed into). Welcome and good luck with the hunt.

Photos are always sought after by the Rabble when you decide.

Atlanta Kilts is the only local place I've found where one can purchase kilts, but I did not have a very good experience with them. There are several online retailers that actually offer a wool kilt (13oz) for comparable prices to the acrylic that Atlanta Kilts sells, and wool won't wrinkle if you look at it cross-eyed like the acrylic will. I bought my regular kilt at the Stone Mountain Highland Games, which is coming up in October. There is also UTKilts, and of course the USA Kilt Casual has looked quite good on a few of the gents at Atlanta Kilt nights.

**Wareyin** · 16th August 16, 04:30 AM

Originally Posted by iKiltIt

Ok first post here (glad I found this group). I have questions that I hope you guys can answer. I've been doing research on kilts because I want one for my 50 year old self, and because I just discovered my Scottish/Irish roots. My last name is Smith and I know there is a Clan Smith from Scotland. My maternal Grandparents are where my Scottish heritage comes from though. My Grandmother was Haley and my Grandfather was Lowder. My question is, I can't find any tartans from those clans. Can I wear whichever tartan I like the look of or by unwritten rule are you supposed to wear clan tartans?

Also...although I really want an 8 yard Great Kilt, that will be for something special before I can buy one. I'm looking for something more modern with the buckles and something that won't break the bank. I don't want to spend a mint on one, but don't want something "cheap" either. What do you recommend and where are good places to buy one? I only have a limited budget and want to get the Sporran and hose and flashes as well as the Sgian-dubh and kilt pin. I'm assuming this could all add up to quite a bit. Any thoughts?

You are correct that all the accessories plus the cost of a kilt can add up to quite a bit. There is no need to buy everything at once, sometimes it is best not to jump into things and regret a purchase. Take your time, find what you like, and save up for it. You might find (like I have) that your tastes change the more you get exposed to other people who actually wear kilts, rather than the televised/book ideal.

I offered a few ideas for kilts that aren't too pricey already, but my advice would be to focus on sporran and hose before anything else. I've worn a sgian dubh once, and don't care for it, my hose stay up even without flashes, and kilt pins are just a little bit of bling you can focus on after you get the more important things. Unless you will be going to somewhere you'd wear a tuxedo in saxon dress, a day-wear sporran will do just fine, and reasonably priced hose can be found at places like sockdreams. I'd advise against white hose, but that's just a matter of personal taste.

Good luck, and have fun!

**Tarheel** · 16th August 16, 06:58 AM

Wareyin is fair in his advice and sharing his experience with Atlanta Kilts. What we at XMarks offer are personal views to allow members options. I was thinking you might enter the shop at Atlanta Kilts and see the products for yourself. Please shop (as suggested) to find the purchase that fits your needs best.

I too promote our advertising members and their goods.

**GrainReaper** · 16th August 16, 07:14 AM

Originally Posted by Tarheel

Wareyin is fair in his advice and sharing his experience with Atlanta Kilts. What we at XMarks offer are personal views to allow members options. I was thinking you might enter the shop at Atlanta Kilts and see the products for yourself. Please shop (as suggested) to find the purchase that fits your needs best.

I too promote our advertising members and their goods.

I am a firm believer in finding the best value for my hard-earned dollar..... NOTE: this does not mean the cheapest price, but rather a ratio of quality, price point, and most importantly, customer service. I will pay more to a local business with top rate customer care and attentive staff than a cheaper price but with no service, conversely I'm also willing to purchase from an online source over a local vendor if the customer service is there, and they stand behind the product or goods.

I guess for me it's about the after-sale service rather than the schmoozing to get the sale that makes or breaks the deal.

For me I have my X-marks supporting vendor on speed-dial

**Jock Scot** · 16th August 16, 07:22 AM

Hurry slowly! Do your research, look at the pictures on this website and elsewhere, beware of those pictures without explanations of context, ask questions, ask more questions until you know exactly what basics you require and let the rest of your kilt attire follow on in due course. Buy in haste, regret at leisure.

**iKiltIt** · 16th August 16, 07:35 AM

Originally Posted by Jock Scot

Hurry slowly! Do your research, look at the pictures on this website and elsewhere, beware of those pictures without explanations of context, ask questions, ask more questions until you know exactly what basics you require and let the rest of your kilt attire follow on in due course. Buy in haste, regret at leisure.

I'm beginning to learn that there is a lot more to this kilt thing than just buying one and slapping it on. The fact is, I want to do this right! I respect the garment for what it is and for what it stands for. To do it an injustice is just wrong. I will for sure, "hurry slowly". Thank you Jock Scot!

**iKiltIt** · 16th August 16, 09:09 AM

Originally Posted by Wareyin

Atlanta Kilts is the only local place I've found where one can purchase kilts, but I did not have a very good experience with them. There are several online retailers that actually offer a wool kilt (13oz) for comparable prices to the acrylic that Atlanta Kilts sells, and wool won't wrinkle if you look at it cross-eyed like the acrylic will. I bought my regular kilt at the Stone Mountain Highland Games, which is coming up in October. There is also UTKilts, and of course the USA Kilt Casual has looked quite good on a few of the gents at Atlanta Kilt nights.

Thank you Wareyin! I've seen more than one post about Atlanta kilts. I'm not even thinking about going there. Besides, it would be just as easy for me to order online as far as it is for me to get to Suwanee. Truthfully, the more I see about USA Kilts, the more I'm convinced that they are going to get my money. Customer service is HUGE with me.