The KISS Rule & Getting Started Wearing the Kilt

First Steps in Wearing the Kilt? How do you start wearing the kilt? What do you really need in order to wear the kilt? Just the kilt? How should you prioritize your kilt purchases, including accessories, if you are on a strict budget?
We will always say the very first and most important thing you need is confidence. Everything follows from that. However from a financial standpoint you don’t need too much scratch to start enjoying the kilt as a regular part of your wardrobe.
* Tartans in this video:
Rocky: Stewart Hunting Weathered Tweed
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Erik: Scott Green Weathered in PV
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Started in 2003, USA Kilts is a team of kilt makers and artisans located in Spring City PA. In 2017, we made it our mission to build community and bring kilts and Celtic culture to the forefront with our YT show: Kilts & Culture.
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[@DetNavillus]

I live in the Washingtons, DC area and see men in kilts weekly at the dances held by a local Scottish country dance branch. There are branches of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society all over the world. There are two branches in our area alone. Beyond being a natural place to wear a kilt, Scottish country dancing is a great place to have fun and meet nice people.

[@tjevans9893]

Excellent advice about wearing the kilt around the house or somewhere familiar at first to get comfy with it. I was asking myself, "Am I actually gonna have the guts to wear the kilt I ordered?" Feeling much more confident with these tips. Thanks, guys.

[@gailstewart2859]

Being a Scot I can honestly say you can wear what ever you want with a kilt. I sometimes wear my kilt with my motorbike rally t shirts or motorbike rally hoodie tops with leather walking boots. No one cares what you wear with the kilt as long you wear it with pride

[@Mark-jb1fj]

But Gail is a girls name?

[@la_old_salt2241]

​@@Mark-jb1fj Not necessarily.

[@glennmullis1477]

I agree with you guys 💯%. I live in Matthews, NC and I wear mine everywhere. I started by wearing to the gas station and the grocery store. I got lots of positive comments ☺️

[@pobrien864]

I am right next door in Mint Hill NC and am kind of waiting to lose some more weight before jumping in and getting a full kilt outfit. I do have a pride kilt that I wear once a year, although I just wore it to a Halloween themed wedding and I also got many great compliments.

[@the-kilted-trucker59]

The only time I am not in a kilt is when the weather is in the 30's or below.

[@stevenwaldrop7853]

I love these videos. The advice about joining the K&C FB group is spot on. I have learned so much from the other members. Almost everyone in the group is patient and willing to give pointers to new kilters.

[@kd0r]

I was glad this turned from wearing for an event to wearing for more everyday stuff, like going to the store, etc. Thanks. David

[@redscale82]

Wearing my kilt I like to dress up a bit with gillie shirt, hoses, flashes and oxford brogues mostly because I don’t wear it that often. Always wear it at whisky fairs. Also I agree with you guys. Go with your budget, play around with it to test the ground to find your style.

[@Ld19701116]

Simply put yes I agree simple as possible. And just do it that's how I started if u like it great if not no big deal. I started with a "bargain" kilt my self.

[@mblaydoe]

Rocky I hope you get to feeling better, you sound a bit rough. I recommend a nice hot tea with lemon, honey, and Scotch.

[@the-kilted-trucker59]

I started with a utility kilt for hiking and camping. Bought 2 economy kilts for work, more comfortable (truckdriver). Now I have 3 pair of pants goodwill got the rest. 17 kilts later and I don't want to go back. Plus I like the reactions from the ladies 😉.

[@Herbster41]

I work in law enforcement and wear a lot of stuff made by 511. My wife bought me their "Commando Kilt" for father's day last year. I fell in love with the thing and bought a second one in the other color they offered. Most comfortable articles of clothing I own, hands down, and I get a lot of compliments on them.

[@Beer-can_full_of_toes]

I think me and Rocky are kindred spirits is some way. As the make out point subject was broached I almost said out loud exactly what he said. And it is correct. Kilts are great for make out point! Lol

[@whiskeyvictor5703]

1) get a great kilt in PV: much cheaper than wool, doesn't need to be tailored/fitted, doesn't have to be dry-cleaned. Also get a nice, broad leather belt to hold it all together. 2) If that appeals to you, and you want to go further, then think about a filabeg (dress kilt) in wool for more formal occasions.

[@clarenceshotwell8158]

I started out buying a cheap $20.00 kilt from ebay. Once I realized how much I enjoyed wearing it, I bought more and better. I'm up to 12 kilts now and had to buy an Armour to house them all.

[@karlr750]

I would caution against spending too much on a first kilt. Something like a 5 yard PV kilt might be the best option. It's rather economical (compared to other kilts). It's not the ideal kilt for a formal or semi-formal event, but I've pulled it off before. (I own an 8-yard wool kilt and a 5-yard wool kilt, but my wife wanted me to wear a blue kilt to wear her blue dress, so I wore my casual PV kilt.) When I got my first kilt, I didn't know how often I would want to wear it. I didn't know how I would prefer it to fit. (For me, snug at the waist, looser at the hips.) I didn't know what circumstances I would typically wear it in. After I got my first kilt, I discovered that it didn't fit quite right. I also discovered that I wore my kilts for *most* social occasions. I also discovered that I mostly wore it for casual social occasions. Therefore, I most often wear my casual PV kilts, but my wool kilts still get a fair amount of use … and I knew that when I bought them. For me, it worked out best to start with a less expensive kilt, then work up to a more expensive one. I certainly don't feel like the less expensive one was a waste.

[@kilteddwarf]

for a pit: kilt + belt (and get something, that allows you to store your phone and wallet securely on your belt (not a sporran, it can get ripped of in the pit...) or have a friend...), also don't use your best kilt for that and underware is recommended in the pit (and a must, if you go crowdsurfing, does also count for women wearing a dress...)

[@JR-bj3uf]

My first kilt was my band uniform. My second and my personal kilt is a Lamont tartan. I bought this one second hand as the previous owner had out grown it. I gave $60 for the kilt and the accessories and it fits great.

[@la_old_salt2241]

The library is a good first public spot also.

[@homerclark9553]

Great advice. I would start out with your new off the rack kilts for first timer.

[@USAKiltsOfficial]

Glad it was helpful!

[@1981stonemonkey]

All accessories except the flashes, that should match the kilt tartan, can be orchestrated around a higher-end kilt. If you think ahead, of course, and buy accessories sensibly i.e. not the cheapest you can get. So after getting basic kit together on a lower budget, just buy a nicer kilt once more money is there. It will fit right in. Then save some more money and get the jacket and vest. That´s how I´m doing it.

[@douglasw.plummer8138]

I would agree. My first kilted day was working on a basement project at home on Halloween 2022. All day in my 8 yard Angus kilt, belt, buckle, hunting sporran, hose, garter ties and work boots with a charcoal gray long-sleeved 3 button Henley shirt that nicely matched the hose was interesting. Reaching, hammering, sawing, lifting, picking up and putting down, and moving a half a pallet load of 2"X4". Getting in and out of the sporran for my pocket knife, marking knife, pencil and kerchief. Going upstairs for lunch. Walking the dog around the block. Sitting down and standing up is interesting and different. Even a little concerning with a cup of coffee in hand. It's not really possible to sweep the pleat, hold the coffee and push down the sporran with only two arms and two hands. I also went out to get the mail and passed out candy that night at the door. I need to point out here that my wife teaches 3rd Grade and works at our local health center part time in the evenings. (She worked her evening job last Halloween.) The next day when my wife came home from work she said that her students told her that "the guy passing out candy at", her house "was wearing a skirt". I will also tell you that my wife still does not care for me to be wearing the kilt except at and around home, in my little workshop. She has said that when I have a SAMS meeting or, function or, a Highland Games event to be at then, that might be different. We'll see how this all progresses in time. It is a kick in the head. I love it.

[@tylersuttle5825]

I started out with a Polyviscoe aka PV, or Casual kilt. Something I could wear when competing in the highland games and just to casually wear, and throw into the washer later. Plus, I got the Economy day sporran, simple belt and my clans crest buckle. Definitely dont regret it. Since then, I've progressed slowly without breaking the bank.

[@feardoesstuff1660]

For me it was quite by accident. A long time ago I was in a friends wedding. For the men they bought a bunch of tartan and had kilts made for all of us, purchased all of the accessories and gave them out. We got to keep the kilts and kit afterwards. I took every opportunity to wear the kilt, bought a few more and found opportunity to wear them. With the advent of more casual everyday kits and utility kilts I always had an occasion to be comfortable. The thing that always drew me to it was the level of comfort and "I don't care" that came with it. So now, more than 30 years later I am 90% un-bifurcated garments. When someone asks the inevitable questions I usually just put my hand out, introduce myself and say that most of all I am comfortable and wish them a good day. So yes, the best way to start wearing a kilt is to just start wearing a kilt. Pick something that suits you, your budget/activities and get your first one. Then both start wearing it and searching around for your next purchase to go with it, as well as with the next kilt you are going to buy. One of the most important things in my opinion is to not get caught up with restrictions on "tradition" unless that is your ultimate goal. The stylings and reasons for the kilt, and any un-bifurcated male garment throughout history have changed so much. In antiquity and throughout humankind's progression through style. Don't pay attention to the gatekeepers and do you. For me it is almost always kilt hose appropriate for the season, nice footwear appropriate to the day, kilt to match, depending on pockets in the kilt or not I will wear a sporran*. Shirt to match mood and rest of the outfit, last of all belt to match the footwear because I am weird like that. *sporran to match the belt and footwear, again, because I am weird like that. Last of all, don't be a weirdo. It does not matter what you are wearing under your clothes that is up to you. However, nobody wants their family or kids to see your under-bits. Do not risk a felony public indecency charge, dress activity appropriate over and under.

[@johnbonner4430]

I guess my journey to kilt wearing is more extreme than some. I joined a Pipe and Drum band in my area to learn how to play the Bagpipes. The band issued kilt was a great way to introduce myself to kilt wearing. Then I made my own personal kilt for everyday wear, though I don't wear it every day.

[@kayasufisouldundee]

As a scots irishl man from the uk i have zero issues with people having the kilt but do not get a clan kilt unless you are from that clan.

[@frankmckinley1254]

Rocky the cough/sore throat will get better. I have been there so I know the misery. So try and have a Happy New year.

[@WheresJoseToday-im1gr]

First time I wore a kilt I went simple: Black Watch kilt, brown boots (shoe lace, ankle type), kilt belt, sporran, nice material short sleeve shirt with collar and v front. I was a little nervous but it went away pretty much immediately. Why? Most people acted like it was nothing they even noticed, those who did either smiled or said "nice kilt". Let me say, women especially found it interesting; lots of smiles, looks, and even being stopped at a parking lot and later at a store by older women saying how wonderful it was to see a man wearing a kilt. Big factor: get in at least decent shape. Women see a man in a kilt who is muscular, in shape-they look at your legs and arms, and they LIKE IT!!!! I saw an example of what NOT to do: a man wearing a kilt, huge belly, kilt hanging below his knees, huge puffy leather jacket, Australian type leather brimmed hat, and COWBOY BOOTS!!! I was in utter shock and wondered if he had any mirrors at home! Worse, how did his wife not tell him how utterly TERRIBLE and RIDICULOUS he looked! So... get in decent shape, keep it simple, use common sense, show confidence, and a beard doesn't hurt either.

[@Gerry1of1]

I treat a kilt like I do blue jeans - sure you can dress them up with a blazer... or just casual as hell with a rock concert t-shirt. Wear what makes you feel comfortable.

[@straycat1674]

The first step, he’s doing it now. Learning before he acts. In other words do you research. Find out the dos and don’ts. Find out the etiquette. Find out how it’s actually worn. And not just by checking up as one single source. But multiple just in case that first source is wrong. Then ask yourself, what’s my budget? If you don’t have to go kilted right away, you can actually start buying the accoutrements and accessories first over time if you are not concerned with getting the kilt to soon. This way when you get the kill you want, you have everything already. The kilt typically can be the most expensive part of it. Or you can go the other way around and get the kilt first. This really is up to the individual. Of course resources like this are great for finding out where to get your kilt, The optimal material you should get your kilt made of, and the online sources that might be best. Social media will be able to tell you what brands not to buy. What countries not to buy from if you want to look at having a better chance of getting a more quality and longer lasting product.

[@straycat1674]

I’m in the fact is you can get all the accessories for just barely over 100 bucks sometimes less. A kilt pin easily gotten for 10 bucks or less, belts and buckle 25 to 30, flashes eight dollars, tilt hose another $20-$30. All depends on the quality you want to get. How quickly you wanna get Kilted up and how rough you are with your stuff. You can go on eBay or Etsy and find everything you want for Right around $100 give or take. Or much less depending on the quality.

[@NicholasproclaimerofMessiah]

Seems like carefully preparing to be satisfied with the first kilt, is a key step. If the kilt looks tacky (acrylic, etc), it's going to be difficult to build up the courage to wear it in public, and then it may feel embarrassing because it's tacky, which can give a needlessly bad impression. Seems to me that it's important to give the kilt a fair chance, which a tacky kilt won't do.

[@colinp2238]

I suppose a good entry point could be a utility kilt? They are usually less expensive and can get the wearer used to wearing a kilt without the accessories. to get them into wearing tartan, a clan or family, or even gereric, tartan necktie. That way the person can start feeling his/her it's alliegence towards his clan/family roots. Sometimes it can be hard at first. Even this last Hogmanay I was in my local Royal British Legion club in a suburb of London, fully decked out in trews, Crail jacket, tie and waistcoat, I was asked by a woman what the significance was in my choice of attire. she obviously didn't know about Hogmanay despite the reference to it every year on British TV. I speak with an English Midlands accent and that threw her even more, but I did not go into that, not wanting to confuse her. Bliadhna mhath ùr dha na h-uile.

[@shooterm2534]

I have always wanted a kilt due Tony strong scottish heritage. however I am unsure what one to get, My family name is Murray and have always been told are apart of the Murray clan bur after deep family research I have discovered the murrays in Dornoch were under the clan Sutherland. Which were also Murrays at one time. Last name is Murray so now I'm torn.

[@sundaesx]

i dont wear kilts, I will never wear kilts but I am here for the kilt knowledge.

[@joegroves1519]

If you’re “never” going to wear a kilt, why bother???

[@Lensmaster1]

@@joegroves1519 it never hurts to learn new things.

[@pilotoclaudia]

Happy New year 2023, form México. Question: The kilt is for women?? I What to buy a original kilt, and old the videos in the web área for men noticias for a women??

[@Ld19701116]

No sir, The kilt is actually for men. Women do wear them, but they also do have specifically for women a kilted skirt. I hope that helps

[@whiskeyvictor5703]

Earasaid for women; kilt for men (traditionally).

[@the-kilted-trucker59]

Just take the leap with an economy kilt, wear it at home, then to the store or to gas up the car. Then just build up to the rest of your kit. Then you'll find that your kit needs a little more, then more. It's like priggles, can't stop at just one.

[@healer246]

Start with a casual kilt. It can be dressed up and no one will know it’s not a fancier kilt

[@pilotoclaudia]

An sobre my english is not very good

[@feardoesstuff1660]

No problems with the english! The Kilt is traditionally a male garment, there are female versions of it as well as female dresses and skirts styled like kilts or patterned in the same culture and time period of classic kilts.

[@lecaton5973]

Start with PV, EASY to clean, thus wear everywhere for a month. You won’t buy another pair of pants.