Brand new to kilts...

**Alan H** · 24th April 09, 12:28 PM

I'm glad you opted for the "kilt upgrade" from the thrifty. While it's tough to beat a $39 kilt for the "first plunge", the "upgrade" is a much nicer product and you'll wear it longer.

Get a wide belt and sporran to wear with your boots and you're out on the town, casual.

you know, we're all going to want to see a couple of pictures!!

**Foosinho** · 24th April 09, 02:12 PM

Originally Posted by Jock Scot

I quite understand what you are saying and whatever you choose to wear on your head(in spite of my own views!)is entirely your own affair. Can I point out though that a balmoral is the most general purpose Scots bonnet you can have.Formal,informal,sporty the balmoral it is quite at home with any and all situations..

Thanks for the advice.

I always welcome input, and there is much I do not know.

Originally Posted by Alan H

you know, we're all going to want to see a couple of pictures!!

Don't worry, they are coming. I need the kilt first!

**Foosinho** · 25th April 09, 09:22 AM

It came! I've got to take care of some more chores, but the box has arrived! I did unpack everything to take a look at it, and I think the kilt should fit OK. I'll put it all together and get some pictures later today.

My first impressions are pretty good. It's undoubtedly not as sharp and nice as a good wool kilt, but it's heavier than I anticipated. I'm already glad I decided to jump up to the Economy; the buckles will look a lot better there than not, I think.

**Dan R Porter** · 25th April 09, 06:17 PM

The upgrade was a great idea. I started with a thrifty, now I am stuck on USAK semi-trads. Though I will be getting a thrifty to bum around the house/camp in. Enjoy it and don't think it will be the last kilt you purchase. it won't be. I can't wait for the photos!

**Foosinho** · 28th April 09, 02:17 PM

Finally undid the stitches and took some pictures today. I've got a sporran hanger coming too - I don't like how the sporran bunches the kilt under my gut.

It looks better with my checked shirt than I thought it would! It's comfortable, heavier material than I expected, and now that I've undone the temporary stitches it hangs and swings better.

This'll be fun.

**Jock Scot** · 29th April 09, 06:13 AM

Might I suggest that you raise the kilt so that the bottom of the kilt is no lower than the centre of your kneecap. In fact, some would suggest, no lower than the top of your kneecap.It is entirely up to you of course, but you may decide that you like the "higher" look which is, dare I say it, more traditional. Anyway,have fun! Oh! It may solve your sporran worries too.

**Foosinho** · 29th April 09, 08:51 AM

Originally Posted by Jock Scot

Might I suggest that you raise the kilt so that the bottom of the kilt is no lower than the centre of your kneecap. In fact, some would suggest, no lower than the top of your kneecap.It is entirely up to you of course, but you may decide that you like the "higher" look which is, dare I say it, more traditional. Anyway,have fun! Oh! It may solve your sporran worries too.

Thanks!

When I stand normally (without shifting my weight), it feels like the kilt is falling mid-knee. I will probably play a little bit with positioning until I get it "just right". Plus, I'm going to tighten it one notch; things were a little bit "slippery", and it might have shifted down a smidgen when I was taking the photos. Unfortunately, one more notch is as tight as this kilt will go without alterations, so if I lose any more weight (which I haven't in a while) I may be buying a smaller size sooner rather than later (or altering this one).

**Jock Scot** · 29th April 09, 11:03 AM

Originally Posted by Foosinho

Thanks!

When I stand normally (without shifting my weight), it feels like the kilt is falling mid-knee. I will probably play a little bit with positioning until I get it "just right". Plus, I'm going to tighten it one notch; things were a little bit "slippery", and it might have shifted down a smidgen when I was taking the photos. Unfortunately, one more notch is as tight as this kilt will go without alterations, so if I lose any more weight (which I haven't in a while) I may be buying a smaller size sooner rather than later (or altering this one).

You may find that extra girth may be needed as you move the kilt upwards.

**Bugbear** · 29th April 09, 01:03 PM

Ask The Wizard of BC, but there should be a soft spot between the top of your pelvis bones and the bottom of your ribs that the kilt squeezes.

**Foosinho** · 17th May 09, 10:54 AM

Well, the first time I was planning on wearing it in public, I got sick and skipped going to the pub. Today was my fallback, and I got completely dressed in a very casual outfit (boots, hose pushed down, kilt, sporran, and untucked black "Dr. Girlfriend" t-shirt), and chickened out. Going to the pub today to watch the Columbus Crew soccer game in jeans and a t-shirt. The fact that my wife is less-than-supportive doesn't help me wind up the courage. I think I look good in it, and I expect it'd be well-received, but still - stepping out that far from the "norm" does take a little courage the first time.

I guess my first time out in public will have to wait until the Dublin Irish Festival the first weekend of August, unless some of the other Ohio types have a Columbus/Central-Ohio kilt night.