New Blood (Kilter)

[Hothir Ethelnor]

I am a Macdonald of Keppoch and I don't even own a Macdonald of any sort kilt yet.

I have a Black Watch (considered universal)
Gordon (another regimental tartan)
and a new Irish County tartan which my Mom and sister picked out as a pretty pattern. (we are in the process of making matching skirts and arisaids for the girls to match my kilt.)

I do have some of my clan's tartan which I hope to make a box pleat of, but unless there are legal restrictions placed on the tartan (there won't be any to stop you if you order a stock tartan.) you can wear anything you like.

Now if you're more comfortable wearing colours that are related to you somewhat. Go for it.

[MacFett]

Just a word of warning, of my 15 kilts the only one I am not happy with is my sportkilt. I have a PV Blackwatch that I've worn at least twice a week for 2 years and it is in great shape. My sportkilt I've worn maybe 5 times out of the house and a dozen inside and it is piling and covered with places the material has snagged. Many other issues with it but the piling and snagging are the main ones.

Too bad you weren't at the VA Faire last weekend (Celtic Weekend) Brad was there with his kilt booth. His shop is in Alexandria. Drop in and see what he has. He'll set you up with everything you need. Tell him Danger Erin sent you.

[Downunder Kilt]

You will find a lot of suggestions around here about how it's best to start with this or that, but whatevever you get, be aware, this is a very addictive business If you or your good lady are handy with a needle, sewing machine, I would stongly recommend downloading the free Xkilt pattern from the web (designed by Alan H) You can make a couple of kilts, non tartan, fot a $100. I would suggest then getting a wool kilt in one of the Irish county tartans or the saffron, if you like that colour.

As for shirts and other accessories. I recommend Op/thrift shops for things like waistcoats/vests, belt buckles (that can be put onto leather belts made from Tandy blanks) There are also a number of threads on this forum that illistrate how to cut a regular suit jacket down to a kilt jacket, just use the search function

As I said Beware, you have started an addiction, all the best on your journey

[Mike_Oettle]

Having worn khaki hose tops (with red flashes) as part of my parade uniform in the regiment, I personally see no crying need for “proper kilt hose”.
At least here in South Africa, a lot of men still wear long socks. It might be a problem getting them in the traditional colours that go with kilts, but for informal occasions any adequate-length socks will do.
And I have seen several pictures of kilted guys in T-shirts with socks around their ankles (not my style, though).
Tartan hose is a big expense (at least from my perspective) and for the most part unnecessary.
Flashes also are not essential.
But, having said that, it would be worth investing in socks that reflect an Aran pattern, at least for more formal occasions. And I would never tell a kilted man in tartan hose that he was overdressed.
I have already ordered two pairs of flashes. I do want to do this kilt thing the right way, even if it’s without all the bells and whistles.
Regards,
Mike