Looking to purchase a new first time Kilt.

[Jock Scot]

Welcome, from Inverness-shire.

As much as I would love you to spend your hard earned loot in Scotland, there are some fine kilt makers-----"top drawer"---- on your continent and whilst there are "top drawer" kilt makers in Scotland there are, I am afraid, some pretty grim ones too. So do your research carefully! I know that you are new to all this kilt and kilt attire stuff, but if I were you, I would save your money on fly plaids. They really are not necessary and are frankly a real bind to wear. Good luck.

[BCAC]

Larry
Firstly
Secondly I would suggest looking at the vendors on this site or if you have a local tartan shop you should check them out as well. In my experience it is better to look for one piece at a time rather than purchasing a package outfit and risk looking like a cookie cutter Scot. I would also suggest looking at the 1 kilt 10 looks thread, here is a link to it:
http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...-attire-46888/

Steve alluded to a kilt maker in Upstate NY, he is talking about Barbara Tewksbury, she has made 2 kilts for me and I would suggest talking to her about your kilt as to my mind hers are the best bespoke 8 yard hand sewn kilts to be had on the market today.

Maybe say equal first there Glen (don't want to ruffle any feathers, eh?). Personally I can't see how anyone can do better than Paul Henry and maybe Matt Newsome. In fact it is quite difficult to design the "best on the market".

[McMurdo]

Maybe say equal first there Glen (don't want to ruffle any feathers, eh?). Personally I can't see how anyone can do better than Paul Henry and maybe Matt Newsome. In fact it is quite difficult to design the "best on the market".

I did say to my mind, it is my opinion and I have the right to it. I have 3 kilts from Matt however they are 4 yard box pleated kilts which are different from the 8 yard kilt I was speaking of. I stand by my comments but thanks for your opinion.

[bonniegraham]

You will surely find answers to any question you might have about kilt purchasing here! Don't rush it. Inquire and try out items. Don't be slow to return them if you find you don't care for some aspect. Are there highland games or celtic festivals in your area? You can try on articles for sale at the vendor booths to see what you like or don't like or learn about the best size for you.
If you don't want to spend top-dollar, try used. If you are looking for a particular tartan, look online to see if the clan has a quartermaster or kilt exchange within the clan. Try eBay, but only if the seller accepts returns.
You've waited this long to get kilted, so be sure what you end up with is just exactly what makes you happy and proud!

[tulloch]

Greetings, Larry, from the highlands of Central Massachusetts. For that kind of money you could go to Harris, oversee the hand-weaving of a custom run of a tartan, and have it made. I would do that.

[manavark]

Thank you Tulloch, a woman named Linda Clifford is the one I was referring to that wanted almost $3000 to make me a complete outfit. But I thought that was a joke at first, but it wasn't, I told her I was looking for something in about the $15 range, that is fifteen dollars. ha I don't mind paying, but I expect quality received, I am a Missourian and we are the show me state and always cautious about buying something online site unseen. I have had many things look good in pictures, but when you put hands on them, they quickly fell apart. Also, I am just not sold of this hand made bit, I seen a hand made kilt and was not impressed at all. But that is our part of the country, hand made in anything is not that impressive anymore, I guess we just don't really get off on made by a craftsman, when machine can make it more precise and accurate. But thank you, I appreciate you taking time to advise me.

[manavark]

Thanks Jock, I just though the fly plaid looked good, but you know my wife looked at one and she said from the first, that wearing that thing would be like draping a blanket over your shoulder, guess she showed more since than me. Thank you for your advise and taking time to help a novice, it is much appreciated. Larry

[Father Bill]

Welcome to the "Great Rabble!"

[plaid preacher]

Greetings, Manvark, from north of the 49th.

I'm afraid your "show me" state motto is not going to serve you well in the world of the kilt. The good kilts that we all love are custom made, so you will never see the final product until the very end of the process. That's why "the jones-ing" is so intense - it is the desire to finally see and touch what we have only dreamed of. That being said, find a good kiltmaker - either local or via correspondence/web. If your kiltmaker is local then you can visit their shop and "hand" the fabric, and see the colours and variations from mill to mill. But if there is no one close who is "top-drawer" then listen to the reviews here. The last thing you want to do is throw the kind of money that a custom made kilt costs and then not be happy with it. And there are real artisans out there. I promise you will not be disappointed.

[TheOfficialBren]

I recommend USA Kilts. I've dealt with them twice. Excellent products that are well-made, fantastic customer service, and very reasonable prices.

If you're expecting anything of quality in the $15 range then your expectations are unrealistic.

Plus one about fly plaids. They're cumbersome and a bit silly.