Newbie asking for help!!

[Pleater]

In a few years,


when you open your wardrobe and admire the row of kilts hanging there,


you will smile as you compare them, the different tartans, plain cloths, weights and styles, and wou will remember the callow youth who thought that it was possible to buy and wear just one kilt without the lure of aquiring more.

You'll either want to learn to make them, or you'll want to buy more - and then there will be the accessories too.

It's a very slippery slope. Whatever kilt you chose as the first one - it's just going to make the second purchase easier.

[Bob C]

Buy the kilt that fits your budget. They'll still be making tanks when your budget is fatter.

[awbyrd]

I understand. Either way, I do eventually want one of Matt's in Wallace Hunting. I suppose it's just the "elitist ba$*@rd" coming out in me, knowing that KA has the Royal Warrant and all. If it's good enough for the Queen, it's good enough for me. I suppose the heart of the question is: Is it worth an additional $250, or am I gonna get any strange looks wearing box pleats at..say...a highland games? I was a pipe drummer for a time, and have never worn a box pleated kilt, or anything other than an 8 yard traditional for that matter.

Aaron

[macwilkin]

I understand. Either way, I do eventually want one of Matt's in Wallace Hunting. I suppose it's just the "elitist ba$*@rd" coming out in me, knowing that KA has the Royal Warrant and all. If it's good enough for the Queen, it's good enough for me. I suppose the heart of the question is: Is it worth an additional $250, or am I gonna get any strange looks wearing box pleats at..say...a highland games? I was a pipe drummer for a time, and have never worn a box pleated kilt, or anything other than an 8 yard traditional for that matter.

Aaron

From one "bluff old traditionalist" to another, whilst I too, want a KA kilt with the Royal Warrant, I also want one of Matt's kilts. I don't think anyone at the games who knows what box pleats are is going to look down their nose at you -- if anything, you might actually get some complements and mabye even a wee bit o' jealousy!

Have you considered Burnett & Struth's in Canada? They have manufactured kilts before for HRH the Duke of Rothesay (Prince Charles).

Cheers,

Todd

[billmcc]

While it is true the KA is considered the best of the 8-yard kilts, Matt's kilts are the best of the 4-yard kilts. A 4-yard kilt is much lighter and more evenly balanced than an 8-yarder, and is much cooler in the summer time. So, you are going to enjoy wearing one of Matt's kilts more than a KA.

My advice is to get a kilt from Matt first and buy a tank later.

[starbkjrus]

I can't speak to an 8 yard from KA but I do have one of Matt's Four yard box pleats and I can tell you the only funny looks you'll get at highland games will be looks of envy. They are VERY nice garments. I will be ordering another one once the Xmarks Tartan run two is completed.

[way2fractious]

A 4-yard kilt is much lighter and more evenly balanced than an 8-yarder, and is much cooler in the summer time... My advice is to get a kilt from Matt first and buy a tank later.

I agree. The difference in price is almost all due to the cost of the frabric used. I have - and like - full tanks, casual wools, a box-pleat, and lots of cotton/polys; they all have their own feel and uses.

[awbyrd]

Alright...I see lots of folks have one of Matt's kilts. Does anyone have any personal experience with a tank from Kinloch? How does the 13 oz that they recommend measure up to the heavyweight? There's the possibility that I may wear the kilt that I choose to my wedding in about 9 mos, so I want to choose wisely. Sorry to pound the point guys! =)

Aaron

[flyv65]

I don't have a KA tank, but I have three hand sewn kilts in 16oz, 16oz, and 13oz from Kathy Lare, Celtic Craft Centre, and Alexis Malcolm, respectively. I'm very happy w/ my 16oz kilts year round here in Colorado, but I doubt I'd have more than one of them if I lived in a warmer clime or somewhere with high humidity. That being said, the 13oz is noticeably cooler and less abrasive on the skin (Welsh tartans appear to be softer than Scottish), but doesn't have quite the "swing" of the heavier material. Now I'm growing curious about a 16oz, 4 yard kilt from Matt.

Bryan...your mileage may vary...

[Jerry]

Go with Matt, and start saving for the tank. I've been putting my "pocket change" in a jar for years, and I have several hundred dollars now. It amounts up quickly. That way you can wind up with two excellent kilts. Also don't forget about the other kiltmakers here, like Rocky.