I always joke that the biggest newbie mistake occurs when you are wearing a kilt for the first time and you drop something in a public place. Learning how to pick the thing you dropped up without excessive exposure is important.
Or just wear underwear under your kilt if you’re concerned and who cares if anyone cares; there’s no such thing as the tartan police, only self-righteous bullies.
@@stonemarten1400 local law. Where I live you are not allowed to wear (or not wear) clothes with the intention to provoke or disturb the public. And it is up to the police officers that comes down to investigate where the line is drawn. Try arguing to the police why mooning people every time you bend over is not disruptive to those around you.
@@MrEmiosk Understandable, however the wording is "intention to provoke...". It will be much harder for the police to determine (and consequently press charges) about your intention(s).
My wife and I got married at a Ren Faire. She was having her hair done at a First Come First Serve hair dresser. My best man and I RAN in kilts and sporans. We had ro be funny looking as we held our sporans out in front of us like a cafeteria tray as we ran. We WERE the first ones there though! :-)
The point of not needing everything at once is great. I started with the kilt this last year and have added a belt. I'll continue to pick up other pieces as time goes on.
You nailed every one of the kilt mistakes I would have noted. I think the backwards kilt and unremoved basting stitches are the most embarrassing mistakes. Unfortunately I see both mistakes every year. I always try to inconspicuously let the person know so that they can fix it before being even more embarrassed. I have another big mistake that drive me nuts. You don't wear a formal sporran (with the silver cantle and fur) in a day or casual setting (like at highland games or with general day wear), and you don't wear a casual day sporran with a Prince Charlie formal or even with semi-formal dress. The running and jumping with a heavy or loaded sporran is definitely a mistake that every man makes...but JUST ONCE!
I wear the fur sporran cause I like the look of them There’s no point in wearing a kilt ... and trying to be subtle Like what ? May as well look like you’ve killed a fucking buffalo for a pocket
@@microwave4928 I respect that attitude haha, go big or go home... I don't do any of the accesories personally, stuff gets tucked into the rise above my belt, I can't legally wear a proper knife in the U.K. so I don't try to halfarse it, otherwise my Profilepic would be on the back of my belt. I can't stand long socks or shoes either and it's very rare that my top/shirt has sleeves, Weddings and funerals mostly.
@@microwave4928 the letter of the law is that the sgian and dirk are permissible as part of the Highland trad dress, I have requested clarification on what that actually is but am yet to get an answer, so I just wear a modern nonlocking folder to be safe. And sadly I'm near Nottingham currently, in the Southernlands haha.
I bought my first kilt (or tartan) for my wedding a couple weeks ago. Got the full suit at once with everything. It turned out perfect from USA kilts. They did call and correct my size cause I measured wrong. These guys are 100% the best at what they do. It was perfect and the wedding photographer was excited cause it was the first kilt she had seen at a wedding. I'd love to send you guys the pictures.
Also reviving a now somewhat zombie thread... I go a more practical route - I wear ballistic nylon MOLLE pouches on the belt. Small ones, one on the side, a wallet replacement, for phone, ID, etc, and, when needed, a slightly larger one, at the lower back, for more random stuff. Instead of hose and shoes, a pair of dark grey boot / work socks, overlaid with slightly longer, thinner dark grey dress socks (with which I wear the flashes), and a pair of zippered jump boots, shined to a high polish. This goes well with all my kilts (especially with matching flashes). I also wear a small to medium dive knife, and a folding pocket tool, in a single, two-pocket sheath, on the belt, instead of a sgian dubh in the sock (hose). Together, it looks sharp, is a bit more modern, and is very practical.
This year a our local Renaissance festival I had to talk to five gentlemen who where wearing their kilt pleats in the front and gently explain that the pleats go in back. Seems something I've seen more of the last couple of years.
My big mistake was getting a "festival kilt" off the rack - at the festival. It didn't fit "quite right" although not really bad. Next to that, failing to learn "proper care and feeding" of the kilt - how to keep it in good repair and looking nice.
My father in law gifted me his Black Watch kilt and accessories he got over 50 year ago. Now I wear it a couple times a year with his clan pin on his birthday, and to a festival held every year near my home. I love it. It weighs a ton.
My son, Scott and I (also Scott) were just properly measured and then bought our Murray Clan kilts from the Ottawa Irish and Scottish store, now awaiting delivery.....!
I am glad there are so many things on the internet where you can learn from and not making any mistake when you are a newbie. You guys were a big help !
It used to be the proper style to wear your pants up above the naval too, but men figured out that that was uncomfortable and silly. Still kilt "aficionados" have locked into the style as it was decades ago and refuse to allow the kilt to evolve beyond that point.
The only thing I recommend is that when you order your kilt, order your flashes at the same time so that they come off the same roll of tartan and therefor match properly.
As an Irish/Scot, I've worn kilts for over 50 years, and I wear both cream and coloured hose (not at the same time obviously)! Cream hose doesn't make my outfits look cheap, or is this an American thing?
I bought a custom made kilt up front. Belt and semiformal sporran. Wore informal with soccer socks, wingtips and sweater until I found a deal on an Argyll jacket.
Spot on regarding white/cream hose, although plenty in Scotland like them for dress/dance occasions. Wear either a waistcoat (vest) OR a belt, not both at the same time (see 6.34). Don't jump straight into a Prince Charlie jacket - for one, an Argyle or Crail style is much more versatile (can be worn with or without a vest, for example), and for two, a PC jacket is *very* formal, so everything else needs to be just right or you look like a rental. And don't over-Scot every accessory - you're wearing a kilt(!) so you don't need lots of Celtic this or saltire that or clan crest the other. Lastly, there is nothing "true Scotsman" about going commando, wear what you like under the kilt, but I'd suggest a dark colour!
If your kilt is made from wool and you live in an area that has wool eating moths, remember to protect them from being eaten. In my area we have two types but carpet moths are by far the most common, the ones that carry around little silk casings like sleeping bags to protect themselves in, and they will decimate unprotected wool. Unless I am wearing it regularly, in which case it's hung up to air when not in use, I protect my wools from carpet moths by storing them in something that can be closed - doesn't have to be sealed, just closed so it isn't drafty in there - then I add a couple of drops of cedar essential oil to something in there, maybe a corner of the container, maybe a piece of cardboard folded so the oil can't get on my wools, or perhaps a small piece of wood the oil can soak into, whatever you like. In my experience this completely protects wools from the moths, I just refresh the oil every few months. HOWEVER! if you have pets be careful and research essential oil toxicity to pets before you try it. Animals in general are more sensitive to things like that then we are, though how toxic the reaction can be varies by the type of oil and the type of animal. Cedar has a few varieties and from what I remember some are worse then others for animal toxicity. (Side note, if you have pets be careful of synthetic fragrances too, I've heard horror stories of pets dying after the owner gets a new air freshener before).
Sorry to necro this, One thing I didn't see in the comments; My first kilt was a Utilikilts "Mocker". That kilt has stupid deep pockets. (I was a firearms instructor at the time) The pockets would make a full size hand gun "vanish". I went to a Ren Faire with a small steel object in one of the pockets.... Passing some Scottish dancers, I was pulled in to dance. My wife was howling after I had been jumping around for about 30 seconds. The pockets are much like a sporran gents... and every bit as dangerous.
The Mocker was also one of my first kilts, I still have it (can't stand the exterior "flappy" pockets on ANY of the utility kilts), and you're spot on - one could disappear all sorts of things in those pockets.
When I got my first kilt later in life, some of my Scot friends had told me you just had to go "commando" (No underclothes) to be true. I did that and quickly found that I needed to put rocks in my sporran to keep certain matters down, so I was wearing it a bit low.
Measurements,whenever practical, are always better done by the kiltmaker. If you are on a limited budget, sports socks (soccer) make ideal stop gaps for kilt hose until your budget allows you to get better. No-one will notice the difference unless you are at a Clan meeting or gathering, but it's rare that anyone will comment. Never, and I mean never, get the bright blue Saltire buckle even that it's the last one in the shop.
My first "good" kilt was too big (not from USA Kilts) and self measured. I added some size for the beerfest bloat, and was always too large. I'm getting professionally measured for my first wool kilt and as all my others have been too short, or so I feel. I also agree the non-cream hose. I've always went charcoal or try to contrast my shoes...I tend to shoot for oxblood color shoes. Thank you for the recommendation on not jumping...and running. I've been fortunate to not to that and plan on remembering that.
I can attest to the mismeasuring part - I got lucky and my first kilt fits only slightly snug while on the last hole, but I either gained 1.5 inches in the waist over 6 weeks (not impossible) or I just screwed up. For this reason, I think it's good advice for one's first kilt to be casual, so you know if tweaks need to be made for the next time if you decide to level-up
I purchased a kilt pkg from USA Kilt. I have two comments: 1) I am delighted with the pkg. 2) I never had any qualms about wearing it in public. I was 100% comfortable in public.
I seen so many Twitter people just wearing kilts wrong or calling them skirt that drives me up that wall. I'm american but my heritage is irish and it just passes me off seeing idiots. I also seen people wearing wrong clans colors to their family too.
Waited a long time for my kilt as I am not very well to do. Your advice is spot on, I purchased just what I thought was necessary . I was told to think of highland dress as fashion not costume,and as I was always considered a snappy dresser this worked out . Some advice, a nice sport coat is fine and unless you are going to a ball a prince Charlie is overdress. Ghillie brogues were originally a working shoe, although today they are all the rage. My dress brogues(which I already owned) look wonderful, although they did not fit with the super thick cream coloured kilt hose that came with my outfit, I purchased some charcoal hose in the right weight and they look fine. As a final note just remember, are you going to the games .Church, or a dress ball and you will be fine.
Yes and no. A kilt is an article of clothing which people use for everything but in reality it's the equivalent of a pair of suit trousers. Would you go out in woolen suit trousers and a t-shirt with hiking boots? As for your situation, you could also look at getting tartan socks, there is no reason they have to be thick, I suspect most guys go for thick socks because they're subconsciously concerned that thinner socks will look too much like female attire, same for the guys that wear boots instead of shoes/brogues but it sounds like you've got that covered.
If you want to wear cream hose there is nothing wrong with it. You may feel that contrast is required when your wearing a dark Prince Charlie and a dark navy blue clan pattern kilt! Finally another thing is to wear your sporran over the right hip when seated. There is nothing worse when dis-embarking from the wedding car with your sporran hampering you or even tearing your precious investment. This is standard highland regiment practice!
One warning from my pipe major years ago now - and he would be wearing a kilt 3 days out of 7, sometimes more, each week. Don't use a chain with your sporran but use a leather strap instead. The chain wears through the kilt and it becomes very very expensive. Which was why the majority of the pipe bands in our area used leather straps rather than a chain for our sporrans. So did any of the dancers [highland and country] as well for exactly the same reason [they are a real pain to darn invisibly, speaking from bitter experience].
Thanks for the great pointers. Wore a kilt to my grandson’s baptism two weekends ago and promptly ordered a package from USA Kilts the next day. Made one or two errors (cream hose and kilt pinning, not the running or jumping😱) Looking forward to getting it all in and starting my journey of kilt wearing.
I bought my first kilt this year. Found helpful info on measuring. Bought the basics. Wore my sport coat and a black vest with black dress shoes. Planning on buying more kilts in the future
Got my second kilt ever. When I didn't like any Sgian Dubh's I found for less than $70, So I'm spending $100 to start making knives. and spending large amounts of time carving the coin for the handle in the shape of a Claddagh.
I agree with most of the comments.. I sort of disagree with the no white or off white colored hose.. I do pipe and wearing a light colored pair of hose Is somewhat expected. And it doesn't look bad either (ope, I know I know it's cheesy, but what da hey). Also, my spell checker did eventually change hoes back to hose.
I bought my kilt many years ago now & got professionally measured by the maker to avoid any girth or length disasters. However I have found a problem is that the natural wool has a tendency to shrink over time & it now fits much more snugly than when originally made 30 years ago.
Okay, surprised at the advice about not putting the kilt pin through both layers. I thought a pin was intended to help keep your kilt closed and not flapping around. Please help me understand better so I can do better.
I've heard you guys mention the basting stitches a few times now. I got my first kilt ever and was all set to take them out, and there are no basting stiches. I've been paranoid ever since that they're somehow on it somewhere that I can't see or don't notice and I look like a fool. ^^;;;
Not all kilts come with them but you'd know if you have them, they hold the pleats together so instead of the cool swish effect it's more restrained like a pencil skirt lol. I braved a smaller kilt recently and almost thought I'd overestimated my workout results until I saw the bastes, snipped them off and phew, Cinderella moment haha!
Hello guys. Now I have a question and it has nothing to do with the premise of this video ok? Have you done any videos on the great kilt? I can imagine that it would add a significant amount to the cost but as you say, that can be another piece that you add later. But I am thinking you'd want it made at the same time the kilt is made so there aren't differences in colors or whatever. I have just never seen anyone do a video on the great kilt. Is it a separate piece? How do you wear it? Any reason a person may" NOT", want it? Thank you for any info before hand.
How about thinking you need a sword? I go to Highland games in the US, this doesn’t happen in Canada, and lots of people seem to feel they need a cheap fantasy sword to look the part. It really changes an outfit into a costume which is a bad look in my opinion. Kilts aren’t costumes in the Halloween sense.
A dirk would be the thing that should be worn to such events, this was of singular importance to men back then. I think a sword would be pretentious unless you were forming an honour guard or were going for an earlier style dress. Arguably it could be appropriate for formal occasions but would require the appropriate white tie equivalent shirt, jacket etc. A quality basket hilt too with scabbard and baldric, not some cheap fantasy tack and certainly not a giant two handed sword.
@@Catubrannos you talk of “back then”. When you wear a kilt you aren’t a recreating a look from three hundred years ago (unless you are a reenactor), kilts are modern, just like trousers. We don’t walk around in top hats because it was important to men “back then.”
@@kiltymacbagpipe I'm referring to those who wear swords to things like Highland Games. If they're trying to evoke some martial image of the past then all they need is a dirk rather than a sword as the dirk was more important than a sword. I say this because I've seen men with swords at events but no dirk. For a more formal occasion I would regard a dirk as more appropriate than a sgian dubh which I think is a silly accessory. As for wearing the kilt as normal attire then wearing it with t-shirts is akin to wearing woolen suit trousers with a t-shirt. Also please don't pretend that it's the equivalent of shorts, it really isn't and it's image will always be grounded in the martial image of the Highlanders which is why it has such appeal and why there are rules around wearing it - rules which are really just those set down by the British Army in the 19th century.
I’m sort of responding more for anyone reading this to see than to you directly but; in Scottish Highland games you are extremely unlikely to see anyone wearing a dirk, unless they are in some form of military parade / exhibition, or a high clansman or chieftain, especially if they are the host. A large majority of people will wear a sguindubh, but if they don’t it’s likely because they know it can be pretty impractical to wear while moving around a lot, even with good garters to hold it in place. Whilst sure, you could wear a dirk, I feel it would largely still feed into a fantastical idealisation of the outfit, rather than simply the style and tradition of the outfit. I’ve got two lovely dirks, one ceremonial and one more practical, and I’ve rarely worn one to a games, largely because no one else does, and a fair part of fashion is trying to fit in well, the same way I’d never go wearing white socks. If I saw someone with a dirk, sure I wouldn’t judge them, but they’re pretty uncommon now in Scotland, so that may come across..
I'm Asian, and not relate any caucasian races or never set foot on any western countries, but fascinated in kilt and like to wear it, I had 5 yards black watch tartan kilt with black kilt sock + cheap pvc sporran, and wear it when I had the opportunity. do you have any tartan that's recommend to me and suit for me? royal stewart also good but too flashy in my opinion.
I have a utility type kilt. I measured IAW the directions. I'm 72, 6'4", 275#. Yes I have a bit of a beer belly. I find I can't keep the kilt from falling to the position of belted pants, that is low in front and high in back. How do you keep a kilt from riding down with a build like mine? Thanks, David
I'm 6 foot, and I thought 24 inches is good but I don't think 25 inches would hurt. Running with a sporran on I noticed isn't a good idea, unless you wear a kilt all the way up then the sporran sits slightly higher.
I was called a couple of times since I'm 6' 1" and specified a 26" length. But I'm just old and the you tend to lose height in the torso more than the legs.
Talking about sporran to buckle distance: I've worn the kilt regularly for years. As a man of some girth, I find the sporran belt tends to hang too low no matter what I do, and it accentuates the curve of my belly in an unflattering way. The only way I've found to combat this is to move the little leather loops on the kilt belt so they're 3-4 inches on either side of the buckle and pass the sporran belt through them. That keeps my sporran up where it's supposed to be ... a few inches from the buckle. Is this a faux pas? Any other ideas for fixing the problem?
No offense, but I brought my tartan no expense spared. I played bagpipes for my ex-girlfriend’s son wedding. I chose the New York City tartan because I’m not Scottish or Irish. Even my sgian dubhs had to look cool too. Nothing plastic…!!! I went to a custom knife shop and commissioned one to be made with an elk antler handle. Everything was the best, right down to my ghillie brogues. I was the best dressed at the wedding and I’m glad I went all out. It’s something that I truly cherish and remember for the rest of my life. Jim ( in heaven ) from Long Island Bagpipes did all the measurements and my kilt came from Scotland in just 2 weeks flat. I plan to buy a couple more kilts to change my look .
I was told my casual kilt size would be 2 sizes up from my pants size. So I bought it without being measured. It turned out in reality to be 3 sizes from my pant size. Had to go back and be measured. He still insists it is only 2 sizes up, but it did not work that way for me.
My Dad's is a Ferguson Tartan, my brother has possession of that. My grandmother was a McCartney out of Glasgow and apparently Sir Paul's former wife won't let that be available to other members of the Clan. Or at least that's the way I heard it.
I am not Scottish, so I do not wear my kilt a lot- in fact, I've been away from playing the pipes for almost a decade and so have only worn it a few times since. Between disuse, weight fluctuation, and kids taking and losing stuff, I'm almost starting over. The boys are now old enough to head to somewhere else when I'm playing (if it's too loud) so I'm getting back to it finally. Thanks for the tips- and in case the range has widened, is it ok for me to wear other things than the Black Watch or Royal Stewart these days?
My wife measured me and bought me my first kilt. She measured my pants waist not natural waist. I found out about this mistake, but I would feel it would be weird to make the transition now. Plus, what would I do with the kilts I already have?
I live in Canada and the kilt makers I go to are Scottish but I also have a four yard box pleated kilt made by a woman trained by Mat Newsom in the USA , a kilt maker in Vancouver ,Canada and she also went to Scotland to learn more of her trade . The kilt she made is absolutely 1st class . I hate when Europeans think they are the only ones with skill . That is absolute rubbish .
I wore a kilt type thing once an all black utility one and i wore it as i wear my jeans because i hate the look of something high up it reminds me of simon cowell.
1:05 Ah, America. Only in a culture where the waist is usually packaged and smothered in a belly + love handles, would one's jeans size be smaller. And yes, I´m conscious of my generalization. Now get me a size 30 instead of a jeans 32. Also 3:15 I´m on social security, so I´m looking to buy a second hand one, probably viscose / polyester, with velcro closure. Why not replace it later with a woollen one with leather straps & buckles later?
I'm 6 feet 1 inch tall and 205 lbs, my kilts all have a 26 inch drop because of my height. All of my kilts go down to just above my knees which, for me, is preferable. Anything less than a 26 inch drop and I would possibly have a Marilyn Monroe moment if it was windy.
What happens if you ordered your kilt, then lost some weight and the waist isnt the same? Do you just tighten the belt or do you need to pull it together?
another faux pas would be wearing the kilt too long, from many Scottish friends its better too short than too long, but as a "casual" dress wear how you like, apart from back to front, I wear mine short, from a x dresser it suits me, to dress traditionally and get it wrong is deemed very disrespectful, and is very strict.
Isn’t the “mini-kilt” the traditional legnth that British officers used to wear befote they changed it? Read that it was to help avoid getting snagged in brambles, and as a side effedt they weren’t allowed to climb tram stairs.
I always joke that the biggest newbie mistake occurs when you are wearing a kilt for the first time and you drop something in a public place. Learning how to pick the thing you dropped up without excessive exposure is important.
Or just wear underwear under your kilt if you’re concerned and who cares if anyone cares; there’s no such thing as the tartan police, only self-righteous bullies.
I got really good at kneeling really fast for this very reason 😀
@@stonemarten1400 local law. Where I live you are not allowed to wear (or not wear) clothes with the intention to provoke or disturb the public. And it is up to the police officers that comes down to investigate where the line is drawn. Try arguing to the police why mooning people every time you bend over is not disruptive to those around you.
@@MrEmiosk Understandable, however the wording is "intention to provoke...". It will be much harder for the police to determine (and consequently press charges) about your intention(s).
@@Azhreii you're right, but self righteous power tripping police can willy nilly decide they don't like you and ruin your day.
Measure twice, cut once. Great reminder! 🇺🇲🏴
Wore my first kilt (a utility kilt) to walmart shopped for an hour got several smiles.
What sort of smiles?
@@reubenk1615 scottish smiles
Walmart sells smiles now?
@@SatsumaTengu14 unless you work there. 😁
My wife and I got married at a Ren Faire. She was having her hair done at a First Come First Serve hair dresser. My best man and I RAN in kilts and sporans. We had ro be funny looking as we held our sporans out in front of us like a cafeteria tray as we ran. We WERE the first ones there though! :-)
I tell the lad with the pleats in front not to fret we all have days when our arse is on backwards. It's simple to fix, have a wee dram and try again.
The point of not needing everything at once is great. I started with the kilt this last year and have added a belt. I'll continue to pick up other pieces as time goes on.
You nailed every one of the kilt mistakes I would have noted. I think the backwards kilt and unremoved basting stitches are the most embarrassing mistakes. Unfortunately I see both mistakes every year. I always try to inconspicuously let the person know so that they can fix it before being even more embarrassed.
I have another big mistake that drive me nuts. You don't wear a formal sporran (with the silver cantle and fur) in a day or casual setting (like at highland games or with general day wear), and you don't wear a casual day sporran with a Prince Charlie formal or even with semi-formal dress.
The running and jumping with a heavy or loaded sporran is definitely a mistake that every man makes...but JUST ONCE!
Semel Tantum...
:-)
Could almost be a clan motto haha, Clan Cotmanads!
I wear the fur sporran cause I like the look of them
There’s no point in wearing a kilt ... and trying to be subtle
Like what ? May as well look like you’ve killed a fucking buffalo for a pocket
@@microwave4928 I respect that attitude haha, go big or go home...
I don't do any of the accesories personally, stuff gets tucked into the rise above my belt, I can't legally wear a proper knife in the U.K. so I don't try to halfarse it, otherwise my Profilepic would be on the back of my belt.
I can't stand long socks or shoes either and it's very rare that my top/shirt has sleeves, Weddings and funerals mostly.
@@OldNavajoTricks
In Scotland you’re legally allowed to wear a dirk and a sock knife if you have a kilt on
@@microwave4928 the letter of the law is that the sgian and dirk are permissible as part of the Highland trad dress, I have requested clarification on what that actually is but am yet to get an answer, so I just wear a modern nonlocking folder to be safe.
And sadly I'm near Nottingham currently, in the Southernlands haha.
I swear, sometimes I feel like i'm the only person on Earth that actually likes Cream colored Hose.
I bought my first kilt (or tartan) for my wedding a couple weeks ago. Got the full suit at once with everything. It turned out perfect from USA kilts. They did call and correct my size cause I measured wrong. These guys are 100% the best at what they do. It was perfect and the wedding photographer was excited cause it was the first kilt she had seen at a wedding. I'd love to send you guys the pictures.
Please do! Send them to sales@usakilts.com
Your advice about (not)jumping applies equally to dancing. When dancing I always spin my sporran round to my left side
I think cream hoses are brilliant because they make for a nice contrast
I disagree about cream kilt hose. I think they are just fine and I wear them all the time.
same here
Buy in parts/sections, especially accessories and the most important part is the kilt itself, you will always upgrade later when budget affords it.
those book covers are amazing, great addition to your wonderful room
Also reviving a now somewhat zombie thread...
I go a more practical route - I wear ballistic nylon MOLLE pouches on the belt. Small ones, one on the side, a wallet replacement, for phone, ID, etc, and, when needed, a slightly larger one, at the lower back, for more random stuff.
Instead of hose and shoes, a pair of dark grey boot / work socks, overlaid with slightly longer, thinner dark grey dress socks (with which I wear the flashes), and a pair of zippered jump boots, shined to a high polish. This goes well with all my kilts (especially with matching flashes).
I also wear a small to medium dive knife, and a folding pocket tool, in a single, two-pocket sheath, on the belt, instead of a sgian dubh in the sock (hose).
Together, it looks sharp, is a bit more modern, and is very practical.
This year a our local Renaissance festival I had to talk to five gentlemen who where wearing their kilt pleats in the front and gently explain that the pleats go in back. Seems something I've seen more of the last couple of years.
Thinking you have to have everything lest you 'do it wrong...'
Do you want a kilt outfit?
Or to be a kilt-wearer...
My big mistake was getting a "festival kilt" off the rack - at the festival. It didn't fit "quite right" although not really bad. Next to that, failing to learn "proper care and feeding" of the kilt - how to keep it in good repair and looking nice.
As a seamstress and hitmaker, I would say you nailed this one!
My father in law gifted me his Black Watch kilt and accessories he got over 50 year ago. Now I wear it a couple times a year with his clan pin on his birthday, and to a festival held every year near my home. I love it. It weighs a ton.
My son, Scott and I (also Scott) were just properly measured and then bought our Murray Clan kilts from the Ottawa Irish and Scottish store, now awaiting delivery.....!
Hi Scott which tartan did you get? There are different branches of the Murray Clan.
I got the best kilt I could afford and got budget stuff as the essentials. It was painfully expensive still, but I think worth it.
I am glad there are so many things on the internet where you can learn from and not making any mistake when you are a newbie. You guys were a big help !
It used to be the proper style to wear your pants up above the naval too, but men figured out that that was uncomfortable and silly. Still kilt "aficionados" have locked into the style as it was decades ago and refuse to allow the kilt to evolve beyond that point.
This is why I went a long way out of my way to go to USA Kilts and have THEM measure me for my first kilt.
If you are going to do it, do it right ! 👍
Don’t buy an acrylic blend!!! That was my mistake. Buy wool ONLY.
The only thing I recommend is that when you order your kilt, order your flashes at the same time so that they come off the same roll of tartan and therefor match properly.
6:00 - bought dark green hose to go with my Black Watch Kilt - good call!
Sound advice. I'm glad I made the trip up to ya to get measured for my kilts.
iim 6 ft tall, mohawk, beard, love heavy metal. cant wait to get a kilt and wear my slayer shirt with it. hahahaha
As an Irish/Scot, I've worn kilts for over 50 years, and I wear both cream and coloured hose (not at the same time obviously)! Cream hose doesn't make my outfits look cheap, or is this an American thing?
69 or 70 years ago when I was a young girl I had a plaid skirt that was made like what I now know was a kilt. I loved that skirt and wore it often.
Well young lady it is time to acquire another kilt.
I bought a custom made kilt up front. Belt and semiformal sporran. Wore informal with soccer socks, wingtips and sweater until I found a deal on an Argyll jacket.
Spot on regarding white/cream hose, although plenty in Scotland like them for dress/dance occasions. Wear either a waistcoat (vest) OR a belt, not both at the same time (see 6.34). Don't jump straight into a Prince Charlie jacket - for one, an Argyle or Crail style is much more versatile (can be worn with or without a vest, for example), and for two, a PC jacket is *very* formal, so everything else needs to be just right or you look like a rental. And don't over-Scot every accessory - you're wearing a kilt(!) so you don't need lots of Celtic this or saltire that or clan crest the other. Lastly, there is nothing "true Scotsman" about going commando, wear what you like under the kilt, but I'd suggest a dark colour!
If your kilt is made from wool and you live in an area that has wool eating moths, remember to protect them from being eaten.
In my area we have two types but carpet moths are by far the most common, the ones that carry around little silk casings like sleeping bags to protect themselves in, and they will decimate unprotected wool. Unless I am wearing it regularly, in which case it's hung up to air when not in use, I protect my wools from carpet moths by storing them in something that can be closed - doesn't have to be sealed, just closed so it isn't drafty in there - then I add a couple of drops of cedar essential oil to something in there, maybe a corner of the container, maybe a piece of cardboard folded so the oil can't get on my wools, or perhaps a small piece of wood the oil can soak into, whatever you like. In my experience this completely protects wools from the moths, I just refresh the oil every few months.
HOWEVER! if you have pets be careful and research essential oil toxicity to pets before you try it. Animals in general are more sensitive to things like that then we are, though how toxic the reaction can be varies by the type of oil and the type of animal. Cedar has a few varieties and from what I remember some are worse then others for animal toxicity. (Side note, if you have pets be careful of synthetic fragrances too, I've heard horror stories of pets dying after the owner gets a new air freshener before).
Thanks guys! I really appreciate the tips. Clan Gunn
Sorry to necro this, One thing I didn't see in the comments; My first kilt was a Utilikilts "Mocker". That kilt has stupid deep pockets.
(I was a firearms instructor at the time) The pockets would make a full size hand gun "vanish". I went to a Ren Faire with a small steel object in one of the pockets.... Passing some Scottish dancers, I was pulled in to dance. My wife was howling after I had been jumping around for about 30 seconds. The pockets are much like a sporran gents... and every bit as dangerous.
The Mocker was also one of my first kilts, I still have it (can't stand the exterior "flappy" pockets on ANY of the utility kilts), and you're spot on - one could disappear all sorts of things in those pockets.
Running with a sporran full of change.
It… wakes you up. 😂
I made sure that when I was ready to buy a kilt I researched how to measure myself properly so I didn't make any simple mistakes like sizeing
This is helpful. I'm sitting on the fence. I want a kilt for a festival but not sure about wearing it in public, just being honest.
When I got my first kilt later in life, some of my Scot friends had told me you just had to go "commando" (No underclothes) to be true. I did that and quickly found that I needed to put rocks in my sporran to keep certain matters down, so I was wearing it a bit low.
Have a pair of oatmeal hose, love 'em.
And you could always make porridge from them in a survival situation.
2:06 Agreed - Not so. Your advice is spot-on. Go into it gradually and do not be intimidated.
Measurements,whenever practical, are always better done by the kiltmaker.
If you are on a limited budget, sports socks (soccer) make ideal stop gaps for kilt hose until your budget allows you to get better. No-one will notice the difference unless you are at a Clan meeting or gathering, but it's rare that anyone will comment.
Never, and I mean never, get the bright blue Saltire buckle even that it's the last one in the shop.
Thanks guys I found this helpful.
My first "good" kilt was too big (not from USA Kilts) and self measured. I added some size for the beerfest bloat, and was always too large. I'm getting professionally measured for my first wool kilt and as all my others have been too short, or so I feel.
I also agree the non-cream hose. I've always went charcoal or try to contrast my shoes...I tend to shoot for oxblood color shoes.
Thank you for the recommendation on not jumping...and running. I've been fortunate to not to that and plan on remembering that.
I can attest to the mismeasuring part - I got lucky and my first kilt fits only slightly snug while on the last hole, but I either gained 1.5 inches in the waist over 6 weeks (not impossible) or I just screwed up. For this reason, I think it's good advice for one's first kilt to be casual, so you know if tweaks need to be made for the next time if you decide to level-up
I purchased a kilt pkg from USA Kilt. I have two comments: 1) I am delighted with the pkg. 2) I never had any qualms about wearing it in public. I was 100% comfortable in public.
I seen so many Twitter people just wearing kilts wrong or calling them skirt that drives me up that wall.
I'm american but my heritage is irish and it just passes me off seeing idiots.
I also seen people wearing wrong clans colors to their family too.
Small kilts essentially are skirts for guys. Robes are dresses for guys. So?
Waited a long time for my kilt as I am not very well to do. Your advice is spot on, I purchased just what I thought was necessary . I was told to think of highland dress as fashion not costume,and as I was always considered a snappy dresser this worked out . Some advice, a nice sport coat is fine and unless you are going to a ball a prince Charlie is overdress. Ghillie brogues were originally a working shoe, although today they are all the rage. My dress brogues(which I already owned) look wonderful, although they did not fit with the super thick cream coloured kilt hose that came with my outfit, I purchased some charcoal hose in the right weight and they look fine. As a final note just remember, are you going to the games .Church, or a dress ball and you will be fine.
Yes and no. A kilt is an article of clothing which people use for everything but in reality it's the equivalent of a pair of suit trousers. Would you go out in woolen suit trousers and a t-shirt with hiking boots?
As for your situation, you could also look at getting tartan socks, there is no reason they have to be thick, I suspect most guys go for thick socks because they're subconsciously concerned that thinner socks will look too much like female attire, same for the guys that wear boots instead of shoes/brogues but it sounds like you've got that covered.
If you want to wear cream hose there is nothing wrong with it. You may feel that contrast is required when your wearing a dark Prince Charlie and a dark navy blue clan pattern kilt! Finally another thing is to wear your sporran over the right hip when seated. There is nothing worse when dis-embarking from the wedding car with your sporran hampering you or even tearing your precious investment. This is standard highland regiment practice!
One warning from my pipe major years ago now - and he would be wearing a kilt 3 days out of 7, sometimes more, each week. Don't use a chain with your sporran but use a leather strap instead. The chain wears through the kilt and it becomes very very expensive. Which was why the majority of the pipe bands in our area used leather straps rather than a chain for our sporrans. So did any of the dancers [highland and country] as well for exactly the same reason [they are a real pain to darn invisibly, speaking from bitter experience].
I'm 6'3" and 175lbs, tall and skinny with long legs, so I always have to get longer kilts.
Thanks for the great pointers. Wore a kilt to my grandson’s baptism two weekends ago and promptly ordered a package from USA Kilts the next day.
Made one or two errors (cream hose and kilt pinning, not the running or jumping😱) Looking forward to getting it all in and starting my journey of kilt wearing.
I bought my first kilt this year. Found helpful info on measuring. Bought the basics. Wore my sport coat and a black vest with black dress shoes. Planning on buying more kilts in the future
How much did the kilt put you back? Was it a casual or formal one?
Got my second kilt ever. When I didn't like any Sgian Dubh's I found for less than $70, So I'm spending $100 to start making knives. and spending large amounts of time carving the coin for the handle in the shape of a Claddagh.
Excellent advice guys. Cheers!
I agree with most of the comments.. I sort of disagree with the no white or off white colored hose.. I do pipe and wearing a light colored pair of hose Is somewhat expected. And it doesn't look bad either (ope, I know I know it's cheesy, but what da hey). Also, my spell checker did eventually change hoes back to hose.
I bought my kilt many years ago now & got professionally measured by the maker to avoid any girth or length disasters. However I have found a problem is that the natural wool has a tendency to shrink over time & it now fits much more snugly than when originally made 30 years ago.
That may be an “inside job”.....
Are you sure it is not girth expansion over time as opposed to shrinkage?😉
My late uncle served in the Black Watch - the hem of his kilt was slightly higher than traditional!!
Okay, surprised at the advice about not putting the kilt pin through both layers. I thought a pin was intended to help keep your kilt closed and not flapping around. Please help me understand better so I can do better.
I've heard you guys mention the basting stitches a few times now. I got my first kilt ever and was all set to take them out, and there are no basting stiches. I've been paranoid ever since that they're somehow on it somewhere that I can't see or don't notice and I look like a fool. ^^;;;
Not all kilts come with them but you'd know if you have them, they hold the pleats together so instead of the cool swish effect it's more restrained like a pencil skirt lol.
I braved a smaller kilt recently and almost thought I'd overestimated my workout results until I saw the bastes, snipped them off and phew, Cinderella moment haha!
No pockets! I'm 6' 8", would like to rock it here in Boston when the weather warms! 👍❤️🙏
Hello guys.
Now I have a question and it has nothing to do with the premise of this video ok?
Have you done any videos on the great kilt? I can imagine that it would add a significant amount to the cost but as you say, that can be another piece that you add later. But I am thinking you'd want it made at the same time the kilt is made so there aren't differences in colors or whatever. I have just never seen anyone do a video on the great kilt. Is it a separate piece? How do you wear it? Any reason a person may" NOT", want it?
Thank you for any info before hand.
How about thinking you need a sword? I go to Highland games in the US, this doesn’t happen in Canada, and lots of people seem to feel they need a cheap fantasy sword to look the part. It really changes an outfit into a costume which is a bad look in my opinion. Kilts aren’t costumes in the Halloween sense.
A dirk would be the thing that should be worn to such events, this was of singular importance to men back then. I think a sword would be pretentious unless you were forming an honour guard or were going for an earlier style dress. Arguably it could be appropriate for formal occasions but would require the appropriate white tie equivalent shirt, jacket etc. A quality basket hilt too with scabbard and baldric, not some cheap fantasy tack and certainly not a giant two handed sword.
@@Catubrannos you talk of “back then”. When you wear a kilt you aren’t a recreating a look from three hundred years ago (unless you are a reenactor), kilts are modern, just like trousers. We don’t walk around in top hats because it was important to men “back then.”
@@kiltymacbagpipe I'm referring to those who wear swords to things like Highland Games. If they're trying to evoke some martial image of the past then all they need is a dirk rather than a sword as the dirk was more important than a sword. I say this because I've seen men with swords at events but no dirk. For a more formal occasion I would regard a dirk as more appropriate than a sgian dubh which I think is a silly accessory.
As for wearing the kilt as normal attire then wearing it with t-shirts is akin to wearing woolen suit trousers with a t-shirt. Also please don't pretend that it's the equivalent of shorts, it really isn't and it's image will always be grounded in the martial image of the Highlanders which is why it has such appeal and why there are rules around wearing it - rules which are really just those set down by the British Army in the 19th century.
I’m sort of responding more for anyone reading this to see than to you directly but; in Scottish Highland games you are extremely unlikely to see anyone wearing a dirk, unless they are in some form of military parade / exhibition, or a high clansman or chieftain, especially if they are the host. A large majority of people will wear a sguindubh, but if they don’t it’s likely because they know it can be pretty impractical to wear while moving around a lot, even with good garters to hold it in place.
Whilst sure, you could wear a dirk, I feel it would largely still feed into a fantastical idealisation of the outfit, rather than simply the style and tradition of the outfit. I’ve got two lovely dirks, one ceremonial and one more practical, and I’ve rarely worn one to a games, largely because no one else does, and a fair part of fashion is trying to fit in well, the same way I’d never go wearing white socks. If I saw someone with a dirk, sure I wouldn’t judge them, but they’re pretty uncommon now in Scotland, so that may come across..
I just love you guys so much!!!
I'll never wear a kilt, but I love this channel. Really interesting.
Never say never.Fate loves a challenge.😉
Most utilikils I wear is worn from the waist but a belted plad or traditional is when I wear from the belly
What you are supposed to do: buy kilt and grow outfit
What I did: buy kilt and grow out of it.
I'm Asian, and not relate any caucasian races or never set foot on any western countries, but fascinated in kilt and like to wear it, I had 5 yards black watch tartan kilt with black kilt sock + cheap pvc sporran, and wear it when I had the opportunity.
do you have any tartan that's recommend to me and suit for me? royal stewart also good but too flashy in my opinion.
Maybe Pride Of Scotland. it's a dark purple and black tartan
I have a utility type kilt. I measured IAW the directions. I'm 72, 6'4", 275#. Yes I have a bit of a beer belly. I find I can't keep the kilt from falling to the position of belted pants, that is low in front and high in back. How do you keep a kilt from riding down with a build like mine?
Thanks,
David
I have knee length and thigh length as a feminine male. My great kilt is capable of both.
Good information.
I'm 6 foot, and I thought 24 inches is good but I don't think 25 inches would hurt.
Running with a sporran on I noticed isn't a good idea, unless you wear a kilt all the way up then the sporran sits slightly higher.
I was called a couple of times since I'm 6' 1" and specified a 26" length. But I'm just old and the you tend to lose height in the torso more than the legs.
The first kilt I ever bought was seriously over priced and way too lightweight. It was however measured right and a good fit.
Talking about sporran to buckle distance: I've worn the kilt regularly for years. As a man of some girth, I find the sporran belt tends to hang too low no matter what I do, and it accentuates the curve of my belly in an unflattering way. The only way I've found to combat this is to move the little leather loops on the kilt belt so they're 3-4 inches on either side of the buckle and pass the sporran belt through them. That keeps my sporran up where it's supposed to be ... a few inches from the buckle. Is this a faux pas? Any other ideas for fixing the problem?
No offense, but I brought my tartan no expense spared. I played bagpipes for my ex-girlfriend’s son wedding. I chose the New York City tartan because I’m not Scottish or Irish. Even my sgian dubhs had to look cool too. Nothing plastic…!!! I went to a custom knife shop and commissioned one to be made with an elk antler handle. Everything was the best, right down to my ghillie brogues. I was the best dressed at the wedding and I’m glad I went all out. It’s something that I truly cherish and remember for the rest of my life. Jim ( in heaven ) from Long Island Bagpipes did all the measurements and my kilt came from Scotland in just 2 weeks flat. I plan to buy a couple more kilts to change my look .
I was told my casual kilt size would be 2 sizes up from my pants size. So I bought it without being measured. It turned out in reality to be 3 sizes from my pant size. Had to go back and be measured. He still insists it is only 2 sizes up, but it did not work that way for me.
My Dad's is a Ferguson Tartan, my brother has possession of that. My grandmother was a McCartney out of Glasgow and apparently Sir Paul's former wife won't let that be available to other members of the Clan. Or at least that's the way I heard it.
Remembered I forgot to remove the stitches 😅😂 first time I wore my kilt.
Like, good information
I am not Scottish, so I do not wear my kilt a lot- in fact, I've been away from playing the pipes for almost a decade and so have only worn it a few times since. Between disuse, weight fluctuation, and kids taking and losing stuff, I'm almost starting over. The boys are now old enough to head to somewhere else when I'm playing (if it's too loud) so I'm getting back to it finally. Thanks for the tips- and in case the range has widened, is it ok for me to wear other things than the Black Watch or Royal Stewart these days?
I understand anyone can wear any kilt, as long as it’s done with respect. New to kilts and researching lots.
My wife measured me and bought me my first kilt. She measured my pants waist not natural waist. I found out about this mistake, but I would feel it would be weird to make the transition now. Plus, what would I do with the kilts I already have?
biggest 1st time buying a kilt mistake is buying 1 from outside of Scotland and Ireland
I live in Canada and the kilt makers I go to are Scottish but I also have a four yard box pleated kilt made by a woman trained by Mat Newsom in the USA , a kilt maker in Vancouver ,Canada and she also went to Scotland to learn more of her trade . The kilt she made is absolutely 1st class . I hate when Europeans think they are the only ones with skill . That is absolute rubbish .
Buying from a place that claims to be “authentic”, but their company exists in Pakistan.
I wore a kilt type thing once an all black utility one and i wore it as i wear my jeans because i hate the look of something high up it reminds me of simon cowell.
Pleats in front. Seen it way too often
I had my first kilt measured by a guy at the store. He measured over my layers, and it is too big. I have to get it fixed by a tailor
1:05 Ah, America. Only in a culture where the waist is usually packaged and smothered in a belly + love handles, would one's jeans size be smaller. And yes, I´m conscious of my generalization. Now get me a size 30 instead of a jeans 32.
Also 3:15 I´m on social security, so I´m looking to buy a second hand one, probably viscose / polyester, with velcro closure. Why not replace it later with a woollen one with leather straps & buckles later?
Because cheap cloth is not heavy enough and flies away
I'm 6 feet 1 inch tall and 205 lbs, my kilts all have a 26 inch drop because of my height. All of my kilts go down to just above my knees which, for me, is preferable. Anything less than a 26 inch drop and I would possibly have a Marilyn Monroe moment if it was windy.
I’m feeling lucky to be a female. All I need to worry about buying is the kilt and kilt pin.
What happens if you ordered your kilt, then lost some weight and the waist isnt the same? Do you just tighten the belt or do you need to pull it together?
I have a big belly so I wear suspenders is that the wrong accessary?
another faux pas would be wearing the kilt too long, from many Scottish friends its better too short than too long, but as a "casual" dress wear how you like, apart from back to front, I wear mine short, from a x dresser it suits me, to dress traditionally and get it wrong is deemed very disrespectful, and is very strict.
well, im incapable of running and jumping so i should be good.
Isn’t the “mini-kilt” the traditional legnth that British officers used to wear befote they changed it?
Read that it was to help avoid getting snagged in brambles, and as a side effedt they weren’t allowed to climb tram stairs.
What is the expected price for a decent kilt, medium quality, average size, knee covered, a common tartan, nothing extravagant?
Should a 70yr 5'5" woman wear a long or waltz length plaid skirt and men's jacket or not, to a Scottish party?
Wearing a kilt isn’t a big leap for me. I have been wearing buckskin leggings and breechclouts for a little over a year now.
so can I wear the Stewart Royal since they were my great"""" grandparents. My grandfather married a Hennessee which goes back to royalty.
"I'd like to go to Scotland. And be so very bad. And wear a micro mini kilt. Of plaid."-- John S. Hall