Want to kilt up...need advice. NOOB post!

[ShaunMaxwell]

If you're not certain of the spelling (Lowder), I wonder if it might be Lauder?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lauder

If that's the case, you might consider one of the Berwick District tartan options:

https://www.scotweb.co.uk/tartan/Berwick-District/31435

As for Smith, I have a kilt in Marton Mills 16 oz. Smith ancient colors, which I think is nice:



I agree that it's always preferable to wear a tartan you have a connection to if at all possible.

Good luck to you!

SM

[iKiltIt]

If you're not certain of the spelling (Lowder), I wonder if it might be Lauder?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lauder

If that's the case, you might consider one of the Berwick District tartan options:

I seem to remember my Grandmother had a book that she wrote and had traced her family tree as well as my grandfathers family tree all the way down to me (she did this genealogy for me so I would know where I am from) and I remember seeing the name Lauder in there somewhere. I also remember her saying that we had Irish blood somewhere, but Im not sure exactly from where. Maybe it came from the Haley side (her maiden name)? I guess I'm just conglomerate. LOL.

**Edit...just called my mother and she confirmed the name Lauder is in that book. She still has it and is sending it to me.

[Wareyin]

Well met new friend. I see you are in Georgia. Take a look at Atlanta kilts out of Suwanee, GA. There might be something you can find for the "starter" kilt. I have friends here that claim Smith clan ties. If you don't like that tartan, choose an area affiliated or regional tartan that applies to you or just grabs your fancy. The selection is bigger than people think (or feel cubby-holed into). Welcome and good luck with the hunt.

Photos are always sought after by the Rabble when you decide.

Atlanta Kilts is the only local place I've found where one can purchase kilts, but I did not have a very good experience with them. There are several online retailers that actually offer a wool kilt (13oz) for comparable prices to the acrylic that Atlanta Kilts sells, and wool won't wrinkle if you look at it cross-eyed like the acrylic will. I bought my regular kilt at the Stone Mountain Highland Games, which is coming up in October. There is also UTKilts, and of course the USA Kilt Casual has looked quite good on a few of the gents at Atlanta Kilt nights.

[iKiltIt]

Atlanta Kilts is the only local place I've found where one can purchase kilts, but I did not have a very good experience with them. There are several online retailers that actually offer a wool kilt (13oz) for comparable prices to the acrylic that Atlanta Kilts sells, and wool won't wrinkle if you look at it cross-eyed like the acrylic will. I bought my regular kilt at the Stone Mountain Highland Games, which is coming up in October. There is also UTKilts, and of course the USA Kilt Casual has looked quite good on a few of the gents at Atlanta Kilt nights.

Thank you Wareyin! I've seen more than one post about Atlanta kilts. I'm not even thinking about going there. Besides, it would be just as easy for me to order online as far as it is for me to get to Suwanee. Truthfully, the more I see about USA Kilts, the more I'm convinced that they are going to get my money. Customer service is HUGE with me.

[Stoff]

One thing that I always consider when getting something special to wear; DIY (Do It Yourself). I happen to be a tailor so some DIY is easier than another, but, consider it. In fact, I made my entire rig.

Just a thought.

Stoff

[Joshua C]

I agree with the above post about a possible Lauder connection for Lowder. If you have a connection to Lauder, I would take a look at the Lauder district tartan, as well as the Maitland tartan. The Maitland Clan includes Lauder and some variants.

[Wareyin]

Ok first post here (glad I found this group). I have questions that I hope you guys can answer. I've been doing research on kilts because I want one for my 50 year old self, and because I just discovered my Scottish/Irish roots. My last name is Smith and I know there is a Clan Smith from Scotland. My maternal Grandparents are where my Scottish heritage comes from though. My Grandmother was Haley and my Grandfather was Lowder. My question is, I can't find any tartans from those clans. Can I wear whichever tartan I like the look of or by unwritten rule are you supposed to wear clan tartans?

Also...although I really want an 8 yard Great Kilt, that will be for something special before I can buy one. I'm looking for something more modern with the buckles and something that won't break the bank. I don't want to spend a mint on one, but don't want something "cheap" either. What do you recommend and where are good places to buy one? I only have a limited budget and want to get the Sporran and hose and flashes as well as the Sgian-dubh and kilt pin. I'm assuming this could all add up to quite a bit. Any thoughts?

You are correct that all the accessories plus the cost of a kilt can add up to quite a bit. There is no need to buy everything at once, sometimes it is best not to jump into things and regret a purchase. Take your time, find what you like, and save up for it. You might find (like I have) that your tastes change the more you get exposed to other people who actually wear kilts, rather than the televised/book ideal.

I offered a few ideas for kilts that aren't too pricey already, but my advice would be to focus on sporran and hose before anything else. I've worn a sgian dubh once, and don't care for it, my hose stay up even without flashes, and kilt pins are just a little bit of bling you can focus on after you get the more important things. Unless you will be going to somewhere you'd wear a tuxedo in saxon dress, a day-wear sporran will do just fine, and reasonably priced hose can be found at places like sockdreams. I'd advise against white hose, but that's just a matter of personal taste.

Good luck, and have fun!