Favorite source for shirts?

[Taffy Jack]

Yo, Rabblers:

Having found not nearly enough occasions to strap on my expen$ive and highly prized tank, I'm getting around soon to ordering a washable item from Sport Kilts that I plan to wear more often. Ergo, I'll need more non-tuxedo, decent-looking shirts.

It occurs to me that I've been out of the "decent-looking shirt" game for quite awhile now as I'm post-corporate, no longer a soldier of any stripe, and frequently engaged in grubby activities. These days, most of my casual dress and business-grade shirts are Goodwill finds.

I've been gifted a couple of Orvis shirts that look well with my kilt, but the brand seems costly to me. In a few days, I hope to receive a pair of the newly stocked "grandfather shirts" that are currently on sale at USA Kilts; I'll share my experience of those when they're in-hand received.

In the meantime, any recommendations for preferred shirt suppliers? My wife, dear as she is, is even more of a slob than I am, so no useful help is available from that source.

Any tips welcome. Thanks, Rabble!

Cheers,

Jack

[Dollander]

First off, if you want something washable, I'd recommend going a step up from the Spork Kilt to a USA Kilts' Casual model. I have one of the former, and I pretty much reserve it for the gym...or to throw on when there's an unexpected knock at the door as one might with shorts or a bathrobe. I'd consider it well worth the extra $40 for the USAK Casual, as it's much more suited to be worn as regular clothing. While I don't own one, I have seen them in person, and I've made myself several kilts from the exact same fabric.

For casual dress, any shirt you can wear with trousers can be worn with a kilt, provided the pattern doesn't clash. I may not be the greatest example, but for normal, day-to-day wear, I just go with darker-colored pocket t-shirts and plain sweaters, depending on the temperature. So if that's a little too casual for your tastes, those Goodwill finds you mention would be perfectly fine. There's nothing wrong with those grandfather shirts if that's what you like, but don't feel like you need to have a "kilt shirt" just because you're wearing a kilt.

[Taffy Jack]

First off, if you want something washable, I'd recommend going a step up from the Spork Kilt to a USA Kilts' Casual model. I have one of the former, and I pretty much reserve it for the gym...or to throw on when there's an unexpected knock at the door as one might with shorts or a bathrobe. I'd consider it well worth the extra $40 for the USAK Casual, as it's much more suited to be worn as regular clothing. While I don't own one, I have seen them in person, and I've made myself several kilts from the exact same fabric.

Thanks for that tip, Dollander. I've kinda been pining for a kilt in Psychological Operations tartan, though -- and haven't found it available anywhere but, er... "Spork." Given your input, it may be that I pick up a USAK Casual instead, just for quality and comfort, but then I'll have to make actual decisions as to pattern...

My third kilt will likely be selected less for symbolic significance than for good looks and practicality. At that point, I may hie off to see the Wizard in Victoria. I'd like, in general, to wear fewer pants. Quite tired of pants, actually -- especially in the heat! Not a big fan of UK-type wear, however. If I want to wear a shop apron, I already own two or three.

For casual dress, any shirt you can wear with trousers can be worn with a kilt, provided the pattern doesn't clash. I may not be the greatest example, but for normal, day-to-day wear, I just go with darker-colored pocket t-shirts and plain sweaters, depending on the temperature. So if that's a little too casual for your tastes, those Goodwill finds you mention would be perfectly fine. There's nothing wrong with those grandfather shirts if that's what you like, but don't feel like you need to have a "kilt shirt" just because you're wearing a kilt.

Excellent; thanks. At 40 bucks a pop for a cotton/linen blend, though, I think I may like those granny shirts pretty well for summer.

I'll continue to keep a weather eye on Goodwill, too.

Again, my thanks.

Cheers,

Jack

[Dollander]

Oops...thanks for catching that typo. While not as nice as Marton Mills PV, I certainly wouldn't compare the quality of Sport Kilts' lighter poly blend to disposable cutlery.

[Nomad]

If you can pick something up in their sales Hoggs of Fife http://Fifecountry.co.uk are a good bet, unfortunately they are coming to the end of a big sale, so all of their linen shirts have gone.

A good one where prices are lower is http://Hollandscountryclothing.co.uk , they offer different brands as well as the odd Hoggs item.

Dont know if postage makes them an unviable option, but maybe worth consideration.

[tweedhead]

I like Joseph Turner, you can pick up some very high quality shirts for £20 when they hit clearance. There's a sale on right now and some of their casual shirts are around that price point, but look to their clearance section at the end of the year and they have tattersall and formal shirts for that price too.

[Tarheel]

For once I'm glad to be the runt in family. 90% of my male relatives are 6 feet 3 inch plus in height and 220 pounds average in weight. I am the only one that can get "off the rack" clothes. Shirts available to me must meet the 17 inch neck and 35 sleeve length to feel right. Bless all those that fill the shape I did not inherit.

[Taffy Jack]

In a few days, I hope to receive a pair of the newly stocked "grandfather shirts" that are currently on sale at USA Kilts; I'll share my experience of those when they're in-hand received.

Received a couple of granddaddy shirts (timely, as I've recently become a grandfather), and FWIW, I quite like them. Ordered one in blue and wore it for our anniversary party; I'm saving the creamy white one for whatever kiltish occasion next presents itself.

They look good with jeans or the kilt, and feel terrific. For forty bucks a pop from Rockstar (USA Kilts), I'd recommend them to anyone.

Cheers,

[Taffy Jack]

For forty bucks a pop from Rockstar (USA Kilts), I'd recommend them to anyone.

Quick note: If you order one of these, DO follow the site instructions and order a size above your normal size, if you're American in any way.

At ~5'11" and 220 lbs., I wear an XL in pretty much everything, but a double-extra-large in these shirts fits me perfectly.

Cheers,

Jack

[PatrickHughes123]

Quick note: If you order one of these, DO follow the site instructions and order a size above your normal size, if you're American in any way.

At ~5'11" and 220 lbs., I wear an XL in pretty much everything, but a double-extra-large in these shirts fits me perfectly.

Cheers,

Jack

Yeah, I'm 5'11, my Ghillie Shirt is in XL.