How Did You Select Your First Kilt?

**Mpfox1733** · 26th August 18, 12:51 PM

I have a couple of the 5.11 kilts I actually bought my first to wear as a joke while shooting a rifle match, but I ended up liking it. As far as tartan kilts go Im primarily Irish so my first was an Irish tartan. Then I really liked the weathered McKenzie tartan but wrestled with buying one due to not having any traceable link. My wife who is a Scot ended up buying me a kilt in that tartan and ordered me to wear it lol. At the end of the day I think as long as you wear it with respect and don't misrepresent yourself I don't see an issue with wearing a clan tartan.

**Kiltedjohn** · 27th August 18, 03:18 AM

When I bought my first kilt, I wasn't very knowledgeable - hadn't yet discovered X-Marks! I felt I wanted to wear a kilt for a few days while visiting Edinburgh, and, not wanting to be extravagant, bought a budget-price kilt. Choice of tartan was therefore limited, and I opted for a Freedom of Scotland tartan. I've since learned that this is regarded as very "down-market" in some circles.

I still have the budget-price kilt, and wear it for country walking. I have since pushed the boat out, and bought a more expensive kilt in pure wool. I looked at various tartans of different names in my family tree, and settled on a Forbes Modern, since (1) I liked the colours, and (2) the Forbeses were one of the more respectable branches of the family (!)

If I could turn back the clock, I would research the whole subject much more fully at the outset, and also would be less afraid to spend to get the product that I really wanted.

**Ivor** · 29th August 18, 12:18 PM

I am still finding out and still trying to make up my mind. Do I go for a Welsh tartan as I think there is a Jones one or do I go for my wife’s Scottish background? I still feel that tartan and kilts is really belonging to Scotland and I should respect that first. What does everyone else think?

**Tarheel** · 29th August 18, 02:02 PM

Good point of view Ivor. My ultimate kilt will be in my family/clan (Colquhoun) tartan, pleated to the stripe and constructed by one of the "famous to me" kilt makers aligned with XMarks. That satisfies two points of yours for me.

**PatrickHughes123** · 30th August 18, 09:18 AM

Originally Posted by Ivor

I am still finding out and still trying to make up my mind. Do I go for a Welsh tartan as I think there is a Jones one or do I go for my wife’s Scottish background? I still feel that tartan and kilts is really belonging to Scotland and I should respect that first. What does everyone else think?

Wearing a kilt is not disrespectful. A kilt, as well as being the national dress of Scotland, is also a part of the modern pan-Celtic identity (Wales, Ireland, Scotland). Don't forget also, that Americans and Canadians wear them too. So kilt away Ivor!

**Ivor** · 30th August 18, 11:08 AM

Thanks for your encouragement, Patrick and it is good to know that. I hope that your Scottish compatriots share your opinion and for me as a Welshman there are no issues wearing a kilt.

**Jim Simmons** · 30th August 18, 01:49 PM

The U.S. Army tartan was & is my only choice in a kilt tartan.

¨The U.S. Army, the U.S. Army, the U.S. Army is the best!
I wouldn´t give tuppence for all the rest.¨

From Flanders & Swann A Song of Patriotic Prejudice.
But for this, I like my version of the line better though.

**LKM** · 3rd September 18, 05:56 AM

I selected my kilt starting with research. I have a tendency to be quite analytical and sometimes find myself researching before I purchase. The information I was reading on this forum helped me find quality kilt makers at price points I could afford. I went with a semi-traditional from USA Kilts and I can say it was a good choice.

**The Q** · 4th September 18, 01:16 AM

Black Stewart, Because I'm a Stewart and I could afford a 8 yard PV.
Being a Stewart means there are several tartans Easily available which is nice.
Being a Stewart means many others use your tartans which means they are common.

However I now have the money for a Royal Air Force Tartan Kilt (definately not common), I just need my weight to stabilize before I commit that sort of money for a full pleated to the stripe military tank..

**lschwartz** · 4th September 18, 12:31 PM

Originally Posted by Ivor

I am still finding out and still trying to make up my mind. Do I go for a Welsh tartan as I think there is a Jones one or do I go for my wife’s Scottish background? I still feel that tartan and kilts is really belonging to Scotland and I should respect that first. What does everyone else think?

Honor your wife, and the Scottish heritage, first. Then you can get a Welsh tartan kilt and take care of your "Jones"ing. <wink>

Larry