I'm out to purchase my first kilt.

**ForresterModern** · 9th June 09, 05:44 AM

If you can find the tartan you want built into a kilt at a price you can afford, I would go with the 16oz wool (16oz PV doesn't really exist---the big unicorn of non wool kilts). Full 8 yd kilts can weigh anywhere from about 2.5-4.5 pounds (I weighed and measure 9 of mine a couple months ago) in either 13 or 16 oz fabric. The 16 oz fabrics just tend to have a better hand and drape of fabric than do the 13s, although both are great.

As far as your starter "kit" is concerned, as Puffer says ghillies are part of the total look but not absolutely necessary, depending on your intended usage of the kilt. I would also include kilt flashes (which sometimes come with the kilt) and a decent sgian dhub in your starter package. Otherwise your list sounds good to me, especially the handknit hose.

Things start getting interesting when you start working on expanding your kilt apparel for the above the waist part of your dress outfit (dress vs daywear vs casual daywear vs uber-casual daywear----see Panache's and McMurdo's sticky thread on 10 different ways to dress up a kilt). Enjoy shopping and buying what you believe you need and like.

By the way, Tartanweb is also a good retail kiltmaker, and they have 8yd 16oz machine sewn kilts listed on their web site in Gunn tartans in Lochcarron Strome for $266US or in Marton Mills Jura for $243US, plus figure about another $30 or so for shipping. I have a couple very well made and well fitting kilts from them, and another in a custom weave 16oz fabric in progress as I write this. Similar Gunn Modern 16 oz kilts in Marton Mills or Lochcarron from Scotweb are $320 or more respectively, although that price includes shipping. 8yd Gunn Moderns in 16oz from Heritage Of Scotland run about $291US (Batley) to $298US (Marton Mills) to $312US (House of Edgar) and they don't even list Lochcarron as one of their options. Hope this helps.

**The Guy in the Kilt at UC** · 9th June 09, 05:49 AM

All I can say it my wool kilt is much more comfortable that my PV kilts. The material is itchy at first, but the fit is much better in the long run.

Congratulations on your upcoming nuptials!
Cheers

**lethearen** · 9th June 09, 08:58 AM

I think I saw your location was Idaho? I doubt 16 oz would be too heavy (read: warm) for you there. The weight itself really isn't all that much, heat being more the factor in my opinion. The 16 oz will have a good feel and swing to it, and you have built-in air conditioning anyway. If you were in the hot & humid South, too much more warmth might be more of an issue. Not sure even then, as I haven't really experienced any problems thus far in Dallas. But everyone's tolerance to heat is different

**Highlander31** · 16th June 09, 08:09 PM

Congratulations on your upcoming nuptials. If you can afford it, go with the 16oz wool. I've worn my tank in 0 degree weather and in 100+ temps. While I wasn't perfectly comfortable at the extremes, it wasn't so uncomfortable that I needed to change either.

**Macthenife** · 26th June 09, 12:48 PM

Well friends, I've finally done it! I purchased my first kilt. While it is different than what we have discussed in this thread, I had to stop the years and years of wishing and talking about it and I just jumped in when the opportunity presented itself and I did it.
Phogfan86 was selling a SWK Black Shadow Heavyweight kilt in my size and for a price I can work with and I decided to pick it up. It is supposed to go in the mail today. Now the wait begins.
I still have plans of purchasing a tank for my wedding in the spring but I couldn't wait any longer going without a kilt. This will be my first of many I'm sure. Now I will soon be a true member of this great group. Thank you all for the great advice you have given me. I'm sure I will need a lot more of it.

Slainte!

Shawn

**ForresterModern** · 26th June 09, 02:39 PM

Congrats. you must learn the first rule of xmarks, however. NO PICTURES? IT DIDN'T HAPPEN!!

In your case, since you are a relative newbie, we will let you slide until the kilt arrives.