After the Kilt Sniggers - Comes the Tartan Question

I want a kilt - can I have it in Tartan?

Simple answer is yes.

The same as anything you buy for sustained use, you have a few choices to make. But nothing too taxing.

The most common misconception that people have is that if there is a particular tartan design they like that is associated to a specific family - or clan as they are called in Scotland - then they aren't allowed to wear it.

Well, not strictly true! Not anymore, anyway.

Understandably, if you are planning on dining or socialising with any severe traditionalists then you might be wiser to avoid wearing a clan tartan if you aren't actually entitled to by family connections.

But in the main stream - this isn't an issue that will affect most of us.

But there are other choices you need to be aware of, such as what weight of tartan kilt do you want?

The choices are light (6 - 12oz), medium (13 - 14oz) or heavy (15 - 18oz).

The light kilt is highly suitable for hot climates and for the more relaxed functions. The drawbacks to a light to medium weight kilt is that it won't "hang" and "move" like a medium to heavy weight kilt will do.

Bear in mind that the design of a kilt has the pleats to the back and moving forward to the sides. The front is a flat hang. The heavier the kilt, the more natural movement and straightness you will enjoy.

On average most people opt for a medium, unless they know they will be using the kilt for specific official functions or outings.

The specific mill from which your kilt is coming also has a small bearing, in that not all of them either stocks the design of tartan you prefer or make that design in the weight you want. One way to combat this is to determine the mill that you'd like your kilt to come from and then find out what specific selections they offer.

Another alternative is to have the kilt custom made for you - but that can be rather expensive!

Conversely - you don't have to have Tartan you know!

Gaining in popularity and awareness are the Irish and Welsh kilts. The Irish are more widespread with a wider range of choices and they come in plain tartan designs or just simple one color kilts.

It's far more common for an Irish kilt to reflect a particular county, city or state as opposed to a family or bloodline. There they wear it to emphasise their county of origin.

Choosing and wearing a kilt can be fun and dashing. Take your time with the choices to make sure you have one that you feel comfortable in and that gives you a personal sense of pride and you'll find you gain an awful lot more from wearing it than any pair of jeans!

Rufus Steele is a long time write-a-holic who now adds to his fun by writing for various websites.

You can read more of his kilts based articles on Good-Kilt.com

---

Are You An Amber Gal?

Amber is a beautiful gift from mother nature. It comes... Read More

Colored Contact Lenses, the Hottest Trend in Cosmetics is Spreading Like Wildfire Across the Fashion

A cross between cosmetics and vision correction, everyone from movie... Read More

Look Fashionable At The Beach!

It's that time of year when we pack up our... Read More

Womens Sandals Add a Touch of Elegance and Sex Appeal to Your Feet

Womens sandals are no longer simply the rubber thong style... Read More

Dolphin or Not a Dolphin?

Dolphin or not a dolphin? That is the question! You... Read More

Celtic Jewelry - A Beautiful Mystery Unraveled

Celtic jewelry like the Celts themselves has a rich history... Read More

Pull Off a Blazer with These Five Steps

The key to this season is to mix it up.... Read More

Jewelry and Gemstone Care & Cleaning Tips

Diamond earrings, emerald rings, ruby bracelets, sapphire pendants; no doubt... Read More

Colours of Contact Lenses

Colours of Contact Lenses - Get Lost in those Purple(?)... Read More

Tips To Expressing Yourself With T-Shirts

T shirts can provide a lasting impression on your life... Read More

Diamond Stud Earrings: Elegant Unisexuality

A diamond stud earring is made up of just one... Read More

Women?s Guide: Fashion Trends for Summer 2005

If you are like me and many others the warm... Read More

Ten of the Most Famous Diamonds and Who Owns Them

There are more than three hundred fifty named diamonds famous... Read More

Leather Jewelry - a Touch of Forbidden (and Friendship)

Most people will agree that leather jewelry is great. Whether... Read More

Fashion Tips: 5 Ways To Look Fabulous in White

Do you see white in your future? No, I'm not... Read More

Lion Jewelry: The Pride of Royalty

"I'll show you who's boss!" is what the sight of... Read More

Body Art

There are several forms of body art. Body art can... Read More

Cat Jewelry: Freeing the Inner Feline

"Cats are possessed of a shy, retiring nature, cajoling, haughty,... Read More

Tattoos; Not Just for Drunken Sailors

Tattoos are not new. They have been around longer then... Read More

Bling Bling on a Budget

A nice piece of jewelry can brighten up your entire... Read More

Rhinestones Have A Glittering Past

Rhinestones have a glittering past. Originally rhinestones where referred to... Read More

Womens Fashion Ponchos Get Sexy This Summer

Ponchos have come down from the high plains and back... Read More

Gemstones Natural vs Synthetic

What is a synthetic gemstone? A synthetic gem is created... Read More

Five Must-Knows When Getting a Kanji Tattoo

Japanese tattoos are cool. But if a personal translator is... Read More

Lipstik Clothing Is At The Top When It Comes To Fashion Forward Childrens Designs

If you have a little girl, you will absolutely love... Read More

Baby Jewelry: Infant Fashion as Keepsake

Matching jewelry for mommy and baby is always a cute... Read More

Staying Professionally Chic In The Heat

Whether you live in a warm climate year round or... Read More

Get in the Fashion Loop with a Brighton Handbag!

Brighton handbags come in many extraordinary styles and designs making... Read More

Guess Handbags Are A Popular Fashion Accessory!

Guess is a widely recognized brand name that most people... Read More

Louis Vuitton Handbags

Louis Vuitton is a name recognized throughout the world. Known... Read More

Sterling Silver Jewelry Today

Sterling silver jewelry: silver and gemstone rings, sterling silver earrings,... Read More

The History Of Jewelry

Rhinestones have a glittering past. Originally rhinestones where referred to... Read More

Turn Back the Clock with Throw Back Jerseys from the NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, and College Sports

Throw back jerseys are all the rage across the United... Read More