Really newbie question

[tulloch]

Welcome from the highlands of Central Massachusetts. I recommend you get in touch with Matt Newsome at New House - link at the bottom of the page. He can set you straight.

[Kiltedjohn]

Welcome from the West Midlands of England.

[RGRatSea]

Greetings Kinsman,
I tend to agree with those advocating for the heavy weight wool, 8 yard kilt. I started with a light weight blend of about three yards sewn by my wife (her first kilt project). As we lived in the tropics it was comfortable and passed muster, even after moving to Oregon. My next was a blend 8-meter kilt sewn by a kilt maker. This proved to be a very nice kilt but I later wished I had had it done in better quality fabric as the cost of the sewing would have been the same either way. The image that accompanies this message is me wearing this kilt, in Stewart Hunting, at the Wallace monument in Stirling, Scotland.
Finally, while in Inverness, Scotland, I had a an eight yard, 16 oz. top quality wool kilt made (all hand sewn, 9 stitches to the inch) as my "real kilt". This has the weight, the motion, and the overall look you can live with and pass through the generations. It holds its pleats well and is indeed a bit warm but not overly so. As I have no first hand knowledge of the kilt makers in North America I can make no representation in that regard (the lady who sewed my Stewart Hunting has retired). Fortunately, you have all the resources of this forum to assist you. Choose carefully and wear your kilt with confidence and pride, and a slightly cocky smile.

Best regards.

[TheOfficialBren]

"5-yard Wool Kilt" made by USA Kilts made with 16oz wool in the tartan of your choice. I have one. I swear by it.

[James Hood]

Others have rightfully sung the glory of the excellent kilt.

Not an opposition voice, but a parallel; for games and bashing around, add couple cheapies, e.g. solid cotton/blend utility and a "dog walking / barbeque-ing / errands / yard party" tartan. Stillwater's Standard is about a hundred and beats getting some nefarious substance on your tank. Solid colour utilities are all over. 5.11's is top drawer for the pricce, there are others, REI, Utilikilt....

Best of fortune and welcome from metro Chicago.

[MacLowlife]

It seems to me you have to make The Big decision- will you go with a factory made kilt or one made for you. After that, things will be fairly simple. I do believe, the more you wear your kilt, the more your notions of the ideal may change. In that case, why not consider a good-to-decent ready made one first.

[WillowEstate]

Hi Frank and a warm welcome from sunny Queensland!

For the purposes of what you said, for your "signature" kilt, I'd go with the general, consensus, wool, heavy - 16 ounce, 8 yards, made to measure. It will last a lifetime and you won't be disappointed.

If you also want to wear a kilt in slightly "messier" situations, get a cheaper budget kilt to wear alongside your woollen one and you'll be set.

[Bob C]

My sister lives very near you. I would not want wool anywhere near me during one of your 100+ degree summers. I've tolerated it at 80 degree games here in NY, but would not say it was comfortable. I know I'm not helping much. Good luck with your choice!

[Leatherneck Donald]

First - Welcome!

Second - you'll never be disappointed with a bespoke "tank." You ought to visit Scotland House in Colonial Williamsburg.

Third - are you planning on being at the Richmond games in October? Stop by the Clan Leatherneck Society tent and say hi.

[RGRatSea]

As an added thought, whilst traveling in Scotland we saw shops catering to tourists and such, selling complete outfits, kilt, Prince Carlie jackets &etc for a package price of £69.00. I would not say they were prime goods, but in the shop window on a mannequin they looked acceptable. The value in the tourist market is they set a base price as a way to evaluate the better goods. Shops there are, as here, free to price as they think the traffic will bear. I bought an attractive (in its simplicity) skean dubgh for £32.00 one place while I had passed it over in other shops asking £49.00. As to a better grade of kilt, kilt alone would be offered, off the rack, at £69.00. As we were there for four months we did not worry about the conversion and called all money units "dollars" which only occasionally led to confusion with the shop keepers.
Another option, charity shops (thrift shops). We wandered Stirling with friends and came across a proper heritage kilt in a charity shop window and Barrie glommed on to it even before he tried it on. The price was £40.00. It had been resized too small for him but once they put the strap back to its original position it fit champion. Better yet, the tartan was Bruce Memorial, fitting as we were there for the Bannockburn 700 Year Anniversary.
Finally, either side of the Atlantic try locating a formal dress shop and ask about rental (hire) kilts for sale. At one games I came away with a used but workable evening sporran for $5.00USD. This is fur front, silver cantle lacking only a chain and strap. By the way, a chain and strap can easily be fashioned from two small choke chains from the Dollar Store and a thin belt from the Salvation Army or equivalent. A little cutting, a few tack stitches and Bob's your uncle. This style of chain doesn't use the cheesy snap hooks that have rough spots, burrs, that cause the damage to the kilt front apron.

Go forth kilted and be happy - Ryc