Good Starter Kilt for a First-Time Kilt Buyer?

[@ChrisVanMiddelkoop]

My first kilt was many years ago when I took a trip to Edinburgh. I bought a kilt, flashes, hoes, and a sporran for around 400 bucks. It no longer fits me but it was a single right hip strap with leather straps and no fringe. Pretty simple and black watch. I did wear it a lot. after I grew out of it I got a USA kilts PV kilt and have wanted to get more. I wear it out and it honestly looks great when you wear a belt with it. honestly most people wouldn't even know the difference between a cheap kilt and an 8 yard wool kilt. I would say buy a kilt you can afford to wear out in public.

[@stevenwaldrop7853]

This advice is spot-on. My first kilt was the cheapest one I found on the internet. The quality, fit, and look were disappointing. Save up if you have to so you can get good quality.

[@MrKandu4u]

I like Rocky's line "Good Kilts aren't cheap and cheap Kilts aren't good". I'll be ordering my first kilt from these fellas soon as I heal from an operation I've just had. I've had some correspondence with Ian and am totally sold on this store and their customer service. We had a mix up in communication at first and I thought here we go again as customer service in most stores has been crap since the lock down. However, not with these folks and even though I was a prick at first because of the communication breakdown and had to apologize I'm totally sold on doing business with them as they're above top shelf and I'm looking forward to Ian's suggestions and purchasing my first outfit from him, he's a real pro and I trust him thanks Ian.

[@ronaldmcrae4896]

I have four 16 oz 8 yd kilts and love them but I also bought a couple of Semi Traditional kilts from these folks and would recommend them as a starter. Look good, hold pleats really well and doesn't break the bank.

[@karlr750]

I would recommend a PV casual kilt for a first kilt. After getting my first kilt, I discovered that I liked my kilts a bit more snug than I originally expected. I also discovered how regularly I like to wear kilts. A casual PV kilt, however, is good enough that I still wear them quite regularly. I even wore one to a "black tie optional" event. (My wife wanted me to wear a blue kilt, so I would coordinate with her dress, and that ruled out my wool kilts.) I might buy a third casual PV kilt. I also wear my wool kilts for nicer occasions, but I bought those after learning precisely how I prefer the fit.

[@healer246]

If the casual kilts looked and felt the same as a semi traditional or something I’d agree. They don’t though and that’s why I got rid of mine.

[@richardwhite3924]

My first two kilts (I got them at the same time) were Clan Lamont and Irish National, both in wool. I have been wearing them for over 10 years. Since then, I have acquired a number of other kilts and utilikilts. Looking into my bedroom closet, I have one pair of Black dress pants, one pair of blue jeans, two pairs of sweat pants and everything else (other than shirts and an Argyll jacket and vest combination) are kilts or utilikilts. As I write this, I am wearing a kilt in the American Patriot tartan.

[@barbaricyawper14]

My first kilt was an 8yd 16oz wool kilt from USAKilts and it's been great! I've bought other kilts (5yd 13oz wool, PV, etc.) but nothing beats the 8yd 16oz for that first full experience.

[@USAKiltsOfficial]

Awesome! Thanks!

[@markgoodwin5918]

My first kilt was Spirit of Scotland in 2019. Full 8 yrd, handmade, premium. If I was getting into kilting, I was getting the highest quality I could. (I get stuck in that cycle of, "I'm already spending $xxx, but it's only a lil more for y." repeat ad naseum.) Absolutely worth it. The first time I put it on, immediately became my favourite attire. I then began hunting for more: Maple Leaf premium, Elliott Ancient and rare premium, a 5 yrd Bucannon Blue, R'Lyeh premium and lastly just this January, 7th Centennial Declaration of Arbroath. Last year I also picked up 3 PV casuals in Kilt & Culture, Sterling (Purple), and Celtic Nations, as well as a pair of utility kilts and an athletic kilt. Spend. The. Money. These are durable heritage items that will last generations. Sure, if you're dipping your toe in, a casual is a great investment. If you suspect you could be a serial kilter though, save up for one more month. .... Of course, if you're a serial kilter, it's just like ink or vinyl, expensive addictions. /chuckle

[@piccalillipit9211]

The difference between a hand made garment that fits and a mass-produced one that does not is SIGNIFICANTLY more than the cost difference. I know not everyone can afford it, but if you can, save up and buy the right item.

[@mose717]

My first kilt was bought in the mid 90’s from a lady at the Texas Renaissance Festival. Her shop was called Unicorns and Dragons, She took my measurements and mailed it to me. It was a wool blend in Blackwatch. Wore it as a costume and casually for many years. Still have it though it seems to have shrunk in the closet.

[@la_old_salt2241]

It's weird how that works, isn't it?

[@artmusicalley9751]

Listen to these guys! They have it spot on. Anything worth doing is worth doing well.

[@daledavidson7266]

Hi guys, I myself went with the hi end kilt (Davidson modern) this one I've had now for almost 2 years and still looks great. Enjoy ya'lls videos, I've learned alot. Looking forward to the next. Old Hickory, Tn. 🇺🇸🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@MarcelGomesPan]

My first kilt was a regimental weight in the Clan Gordon/Gordon Highlanders tartan. I bought it second hand and have worn it a lot since the early 90’s. I bought it in Edinburgh. Unfortunately it no longer fits me. Btw: I often combine my kilt with a commando sweater like the one Erik is wearing and matching green flashes.

[@DIRTFan107]

My first kilt is the only one I have it is made of wool, and I got it from a vendor that is kind of local to me here in NY even though their store is located 3 hours or just over 3 hours away from me. I got it from Scottish Store Online. They attend both events that I go to every year, the Central NY Scottish Games in Liverpool, NY & Niagara Celtic Heritage Festival in Lockport, NY. I plan to buy another kilt made from a lighter weight material for the summer. It is in the Clan Gunn Tartan.

[@brianp493]

First kilt was acrylic Utility kilt from Utah. It was just good enough for me to know that I liked wearing a kilt. It’s since ended up crumpled up in my closet somewhere. Still haven’t invested in a wool kilt, but I have 2 PV kilts, one from USA kilts, and another from a shop in Gatlinburg and I love both. Coming to see you guys in October to be properly measured and order an 8 yard kilt and I’m so pumped!

[@richkestrel7416]

Getting the measurements right is the *hardest* thing about buying a kilt... particularly your first kilt! Honestly, it's a bloody nightmare. I know Rocky and Eric will not like me suggesting this, but I bought my first kilt - a black utility kilt - in a "standard size" from a company in Utah _so that I could return it if I got the measurements wrong_ . Waist hips, length... it ain't like buying a pair of jeans (and to be fair, USA Kilts say that all the time!). Anyway I measured my waist, got the utility kilt. When it arrived, I found that it was (1) a little too big in the waist, and (2) a little too long, so I returned it. I then bought another utility kilt from that same company (yes, I know the company, but in deference to the fact that I'm posting on USA Kilts' video, I'm not going to name it here) in the size that I was able to determine from my "failed" first attempt. This one fits very well, and I've worn it to several events. I'm happy with how I "got it right"... and happy with that company for sorta helping me _get_ it right with their return policy. Now, when I move up to a real kilt, I must admit, USA Kilt's Semi Traditional Kilt will probably be it. But honestly, I think I'll have to find a reason to be in Spring City PA and get _them_ to do the measurements to make _sure_ it's right! 😃

[@djturnz]

There are many items that I will buy the budget version of just to make sure I'll use it. I always make sure that I know what details or features make it the "cheap one", so that I know if that ends up being an issue, I'll know that the better one won't have that issue. Occasionally the cheap one just lasts forever, but not often. I bought a $120 Utility Kilt from a store going out of business, for $20. I'll be wearing it for the first time next week for an event.

[@patrickmooney4135]

You should sell those British Commando Sweaters. Just saying. 🙂

[@la_old_salt2241]

I second that motion.

[@andrewkonopik]

That is a nice sweater. Agreed.

[@wilfredosoto2722]

My 1st kilt was my Army kilt, bought from a company called Sports Kilt. I bought it for its versatility at the time in the early 2000’s. My wife at the time (she passed away in 2016) was Scottish/Welsh and she loved it so much that she had me wear it for our wedding. It’s light weight and has Velcro to secure it and the straps as well. The pleats are not great, but I bought it with the intention of going hiking and such, so I wasn’t expecting the best. It has a hidden pocket and still looks great though I wouldn’t wear it to a formal event. Our wedding was a renaissance themed wedding, so most of our guests and family wore some kind of costume, but we had 12 men in kilts too. I’ve since then learned more about kilts and have 7 of different grades of cloth and tartans. I’m looking forward to getting that American Dream tartan, in 8 yards. That will be my favorite, for a while at least.

[@timokeefe2126]

Soooo, I have yet to buy my own kilt. I did rent a kilt once and have wanted to own my own. I am planning a visit back east in September and plan on stopping in to see your shop and order my first. Now I have to decide which tartan to choose. That’s the big decision 😃

[@Luv2tickt]

Got a used kilt from a place in Sarasota. It was a Dress Gordan, 16oz, 8 yarder. Wonderful kilt and I think I paid about $200 or so back in 1995. It looked as good almost a quarter century later when I sold that to actually get a kilt from USA Kilts.

[@pipsheppard6747]

The very first kilt I bought from a vendor at the Savannah Scottish Games about 1986. When I discovered USA Kilts about three years ago, I began ordering more... about 14 or 15 of them of various types (PV, Semi-casual, wool....) I cannot even remember which one of my USA Kilts was the first!

[@bowlingwithdon3963]

My first kilt was the American Heritage casual kilt with the Day Sporran. I've worn it to the bar for drinks, to the football games at The Dome, and I've worn it going out to eat. It goes great with my Blues or Battllehawks team shirts, it's super chill with my Star Wars shirt, and if I want to "dress it up" a bit I wear one of my EMS tactical sweaters and a tie, a navy blue version of the sweater in this video. It's great for walks, too! Can't wait to get my next one.

[@user-mn5ee9hy5c]

First kilt was purchased from an Army surplus shop in Perth early 1980s. A Godon Highlanders regimental tartan. This was to wear on a holiday in Spain, it was very heavy but looked great on, I sweated buckets wearing it. Sold it for what I paid, can't remember now how much that was and got a made to measure Clan Gordon kilt from Tayside Kiltmakers West Port Dundee.

[@richardrubert1359]

First kilt - 8 yard wool Wallace. Still have it.

[@donaldking5791]

My first Kilt was from from the Ren Fest here in GA. I liked it and wore it and decided to go visit the local kilt shop. I then went to Atlanta Kilts down here in Atlanta and was a rental kilt in Black Watch and Grey Watch. My wife and I are celebrating our 10 year anniversary with a renewal vows. I had Atlanta kilt make me a kilt in my grandfathers name, Leith. His father came from Scotland. I have ordered kilts off line with mixed results. I am looking to buy another kilt in poly-viscose from yall or Atlanta. Of course I toy with the idea of going to wool. I have not decided yet.

[@outpostraven]

I bought a black utility kilt as my first one. Immediately wished I had just bought tartan one. Got my next kilt from USA kilts. Got casual kilt with the Leatherneck tartan. Soon after that wished I just bought a five-yard will one. That's on order now

[@CoreyBrass]

My first kilt was a duck cloth utility kilt for about $70 USD. Then I got an acrylic "tartan" kilt. I like it but it isn't my favorite. I still haven't got my 3rd kilt as I've ordered if for my wedding and it is a 5 yard kilt. I took advantage of the sale at USA Kilts and 4 of the in stock casual kilt and love those. I also bought an 8 yard ex-hire kilt from Scotland and love that. If a guy wanted a tartan kilt, I'd recommend the casual kilt or potentially the ex-hire kilt for a 1st kilt.

[@michaelgmillhollin2818]

I admit.....*sigh*.....I fell for the trappings of a "cheap" acrylic utility kilt (which now hangs on a rack at the local Goodwill). It was a case of I want one and I want one now so on line I went with little to no research ahead of time other than knowing my basic measurements. But, I will say that as I look back at it, I am glad I made that choice because it did kick-start my drive to kilted. Because of that first choice my research expanded, it brought me to USAKilts through videos such as this one. As I learned more (and am still learning) my choices in regards to new kilts have included a lot of pre-selection research. I learned about tartans and their meanings, many do's and don'ts of being kilted, and well...the list could go on. I've also expanded beyond just kilts such as the various accessories and even tartan ties. To date, from USAKilts I have accumulated eight Casual and/or Semi-Traditional Kilts and currently have two wool kilts on order. I've also a half dozen more (PV and wool) from other reputable kilt makers, so I'd say I have more than atoned myself for that very first uninformed kilt purchase.

[@DavidMartin-ox6xz]

I just ordered mu first one last week and I went with the casual kilt. I am extremely excited to get it and wear it.

[@USAKiltsOfficial]

Tell us what you think when you receive it!

[@DavidMartin-ox6xz]

@@USAKiltsOfficial I will. I just got an email about it shipping out.

[@neekniggit3606]

My first two kilts were the 5.11 tactical kilts. One in Multicam and the other tundra green. I am looking to take the next step and get my family tartan and get a couple of kilts made from that material.

[@1981stonemonkey]

I got it all figured out after listening to about 50 of your videos, and some assorted websites here and there. 1) On my social security budget, I´ll get a cheapish PV tartan and cheapish utilikilt. The tartan kilt will have to be box pleated for longevity (turn pleats inside out after enough wear and tear). I may even sew it myself at work, if indeed kiltmakers ask a premium because it´s so rarely done these days. 2) Over time, I´ll invest in not cheapish but nice accessories like sporran, belt and buckle, kilt hose and pin. 3) When more money comes, I´ll swap the cheapish PV tartan kilt for a woollen one. I´ll buy the accessories thinking ahead of time with the nicer kilt in mind, so they fit together. And of course I´m keeping the utilikilt to do hikes and festival and stone lifting stuff in. 4) I´ll invest in a jacket and vest and a dress shirt and sporran later, should formal occasions come my way again. That´s my master plan.

[@rangermo82]

Great to see my favorite Wooly Pulley Sweater. You rock it well.❤

[@adamclancy3037]

My first kilt was a Irish heritage PV kilt, and I wear it when ever I can.

[@themooseisloose111]

My first kilt was an olive green utility kilt I got from Gatlinburg, TN. I got that cause I wanted something that I could wear anytime and not worry about it as much as my tartan ones I went on to get later on. That and I was going to wear that more with my Scout uniform as well.

[@USAKiltsOfficial]

That is definitely a good way to start!

[@joep.22]

Bought an acrylic on amazon just to see what its like and to get an idea for measurements. Just ordered a pv casual on usakilts. I can't wait! I'll order a custom one after this one. Totally agree that acrylic sucks😂

[@USAKiltsOfficial]

We can't wait for you to receive your first USAKilt!

[@Hammerli280]

I can't speak for anyone else, but the USAK Semi-trad was what I started with. It's versatile...dressy enough to pass for formal occasions, inexpensive (and washable) enough for rough wear.

[@williamwrede3136]

Marine Corps Tartan was my first. Then I got a cheaper hybrid one of the same...wore it twice, and I'll likely never wear it again. Great idea in concept, in execution the different fabric weights don't play well together.

[@stevesyncox9893]

I like the custom logo sporran.

[@tjevans9893]

First kilt's a full wool, Scottish made Blackwatch. I'm a 29" waist and got it on sale for $79. It had been hanging in the shop for years because of it's size. Happened with my 2nd purchase as well so I paid $160 for what should have been $900. Winning.

[@alekskensington5494]

Today I got a kilt from up your kilt at PA Ren Fair and was not cheap but I loved the whole experience now I'm wondering how I can wear it more seeing as I just bought a $150 kilt with a $50 belt essentially. I really liked it but was very new to me!

[@Hammerli280]

Now, a question of my own: I've got a 16-ounce tank that has never quite fit properly. I've got kilt strap extenders, but I really need only an inch or two. How can I get the anchor points for the straps moved? My own sewing skills and gear extends to sewing on buttons and tacking hems.

[@markchriestenson3257]

My first kilt was a black duck cloth utility kilt. 5 years later I'm still wearing it. It is starting to pill a little bit. But it's hard to see. If you are that close it, then you have issues lol.

[@martinmorehouse9645]

I bought 60/40 camouflage cloth to make my first two kilts. That way I better understood fitting and sewing, and ordered tartan fabric for my first real kilt. Still made mistakes with this one, but it's much better.

[@JR-bj3uf]

My first kilt was a band kilt. You may think this would be great but band kilts tend to be bought to a price and you end up wearing the kilt that's close to your size. Then I kept my eye on the classified sites and found a very nice wool kilt in a non family tartan for a great price. The owner had out grown it but it fit me really well. I gave him money and I played the pipes for his mom so it was all good. I still have it and I were it when I can. It swings better (according to my wife) than my band kilt which is a polyester blend. I purchased a Polyviscose kilt (not from USA Kilts) and I do not like it. Its fine and looks OK but it doesn't swing right.

[@jamielee4403]

My first kilt was giving to me it was made in the 1970s wool and made in Ireland I've had it for about 20 years

[@markgoodwin5918]

I would suggest getting tartan flashes at the same time. That way, they are cut from the same bolt of cloth as the kilt, and won't be any possible variables if you get them later. If your new to kilting, whether for special events, or everyday, I recommend putting it on some day you are just in your home. Most of the day. To get comfortable, you have to learn how to wear it. They hold around your stomach, not your hips. It seems like a minor, "of course," point, but it changes your posture and how you move. My wool kilts are about 3lbs. Before belt, buckle, and loaded sporran. Putter around the house, but also lounge. Learn how to kick back in a kilt, how to sit, and if you are going regimental, dear gods, learn what you CAN'T do in polite company. ;)

[@GergC0521]

First kilt was a cheapy and have worn it several times. But ready for an upgrade.

[@scottmasson3336]

Not really helpful but I got my first kilt aged three years old. It was made by a kiltmaker in Glasgow who lived in a tenement. I actually do remember being measured for it. Macbeth tartan. She also made my second kilt when I was older, Ancient Green Scott. Both kilts were handed down then passed on to others. My third kilt was when I was at teaching college and was made by a kiltmaker who produced them for Royal mile shops. He had a little workshop away from the centre of Edinburgh. My present kilt was made for my wedding thirty years ago by a kiltmaker who worked from home in Fife. She had my brother and I back for two fittings before we got them. I still fit that kilt so have not considered having a new one. Here in Scotland it has been the 'tradition' for some people to give a son his kilt outfit as an eighteenth or twenty-first Birthday present. My son has just turned eighteen and I put his kilt outfit together by buying a good kilt and handing down some of my kit.. Handing down is a great way of perpetuating father and son ties.

[@mikaeltillenius8751]

I think that you should get a belt and a sporran with your first Kilt, good ones but not expencive, you can always update your things one by one, if you like it, my first (2) Kilt was a acrylic, I will buy me a real Kilt, Ghillie brouges and a Prince Charlie jacket as fast I can do it in real life since I want to try the shoes and the jacket before I buy them! 🥃😉👍 🌴☀️

[@williambailey9888]

I got a Celtic Nations tartan kilt from USA Kilts

[@JaredGillespie]

Any tips for researching specific clan/family tartans? I've been fascinated by the history but cannot trace my specific line very far. I've seen three different tartans and two seperate crests for my family name alone, and it's a relatively obscure clan. It's been fun finding out where I come from, and what I've discovered so far. Conflicting stories and scant info makes it hard to find out more. Many generations were forced to move during upheavals of the time, and different family members were at different locations depending on who was fighting who.

[@richardwhite3924]

If deciding which Clan tartan is confusing for different family reasons, but your linage is definitely Scottish, consider getting your first kilt in a more generic tartan such as Honor Of Scotland.

[@Hexsyn]

I own 4 tartan kilts, the best of which is a premier 8 yard 16 oz baird kilt from you, and the worst of which is a buget $99 blackwatch affair from highland kilts. I also own 2 utility kilts from DNKE but doesnt factor into this comment. My point is that for somebody in my position, i really would like an option in the $200-250 range from you guys. I consider my baird kilt to be wedding/black-tie quality and reserved for special occasions, but at the same time my cheaper kilts are lower quality than i would like for every-day wear. Maybe i am missing an already existing option out there, but from where i stand now, i would really like to have a mid-range option that has a bit of a qualiry feel to it but is also not so dear that i am heaitant to wear it on a regular basis, and to the point of this video, would make a good option for somebody who is starting out and wants something that is a bit upscale but also a bit more affordable than your own 5 yard wool kilts at $350

[@USAKiltsOfficial]

That would be our Semi Traditional kilt: www.usakilts.com/kilts-and-packages/kilts/semi-traditional-kilts/semi-traditional-kilt.html

[@Hexsyn]

@USAKiltsOfficial no idea how the hell I've missed that, thank you! Edit: figured it out. I do vaguely remember checking these out on the website way back when I was looking to buy my first tartan kilt from any maker, but I put it out of my mind because, at the time, I was specifically looking for a baird pattern, which is not offered in that range. I'm thankful for you reminding me of this option now that I am broadening my collection though!

[@kitse_xiii8334]

My waist fluctuates so much, I wish there was like, a velcro wool or casual wool (though I don't think this would make sense business wise!)

[@la_old_salt2241]

Try their PV casual kilt just for grins, you might like it.

[@straycat1674]

The fact is, 99.9% of the attention you get is going to be positive. Most people recognize what it is and will not get on your case for wearing a skirt.

[@SkylerLinux]

I'm hoping someone could point me to a good Kilt shop in BC Canada.

[@the-kilted-trucker59]

I started with a utility Kilt, then moved to regular kilts.

[@frankmckinley1254]

I got my first Kilt from you folks. 👍

[@coryphillips1783]

I wish that wearing a kilt was like wearing a pair of jeans for men all over. I love the breezy feeling they provide. Not sure why men do not wear them regularly. They would need to be causal and practical, with side pockets and 2 in the rear like jeans have in order to grow in popularity.

[@the-kilted-trucker59]

My pv kilts are for the work week, (trucker). The wool kilts are off time and social events. Serial killing trucker!

[@USAKiltsOfficial]

I think (hope) you missed a T in that last line.

[@the-kilted-trucker59]

@@USAKiltsOfficial well spell check is a bitch, and if I'm driving I don't always catch things like that.

[@Nunya_Bidness_53]

I prefer a black leather miniskirt with black fishnets over red nylons & some patent leather stilettos. Of course, I'm not Sottish...

[@woltews]

get a great kilt 1- you like to where it you can where it for life 2- you do not like to where it, and it becomes a blanket

[@Mantra963]

😇🥰🥳🥰😇