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

---

Forget the Tie - 5 Unique Fathers Day Gift Ideas

Father's Day is just around the corner. Here are some gift ideas sure to put a smile on dad's face.1. Forget the TieVintage cufflinks, studs, watches and... Read More

Is Your Designer Handbag Authentic?

You pay a pretty penny for a Gucci bag or any other designer handbag be it Fendi, Prada, Chanel or Dior. Your friends are drooling over that... Read More

Using Silver to Enhance Fashion on a Budget

Fashion is not about being safe, no. It is about having fun with style. We think silver is the perfect compliment to your wardrobe's style. Yes, a... Read More

Are You Good-Looking Enough For Your Job?

Beauty has muscle. Beauty captures our attention and pulls us in?Beauty is only skin deep, but it counts almost for everything. Especially , within the first few... Read More

Lingerie as Fashion Statement

When Madonna first wore her sexy underwear as outerwear our parents were astonished and we thought she was soooo daring. Today a camisole or corset in public... Read More

Safety Glasses Can Be Fashionable

Safety glasses have evolved from the days of poorly fitting plastic protection we used to put on our eyes. Today, we expect more from eyewear and eyeglass... Read More

Gemstones Natural vs Synthetic

What is a synthetic gemstone? A synthetic gem is created in a laboratory under controlled conditions. The gem is grown from a natural gemstone "seed". By controlling... Read More

Roberto Cavalli: The Fashion King

Roberto Cavalli was born on November 15th, 1940 in Italy. He came from a modest family with strong artistic talents and traditions. His grandfather had been an... Read More

The Secret to having these Ten Pairs of Shoes

Whether you love shoes or not, there are ten shoes every woman should have.Did you know there are actually only a basic 8 shoe designs and every... Read More

The Charming Narciso Rodriguez

Narciso Rodriguez was born in New Jersey in 1961 to Cuban parents. He studied at Parsons School of Design in New York, and upon graduation worked for... Read More

Chandelier Earrings: Cascading Elegance

Earrings come in many forms, and the complexity of the style reflects the sophistication of the wearer's taste. One of the most elegant and complex designs is... Read More

The Ugg Boot and More!

The Ugg Boot is one of the most popular types of footwear on the market right now. Anyone who is not familiar with them should consider slipping... Read More

Womens Fashion Ponchos Get Sexy This Summer

Ponchos have come down from the high plains and back into high fashion on to the catwalks this season.Women's fashion ponchos featured strongly on the catwalks this... Read More

Kennith Cole Shoes

The Kenneth Cole men's shoes Reaction collection offers men everything from thong sandals to stylish dress shoes. This grandiose collection of footwear comes in all different varieties,... 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 States. They are big business, too. Go into the top throw back jerseys stores in Philadelphia, Atlanta,... 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 clothing by Lipstik. This trendy designer clothing line is geared towards the feminine styles that little girls... Read More

Mens Dress Shoes: Details that Define Quality in Mens Fashion

Every man should know the mens dress shoes details before even considering buying their dress shoes. It is important to understand that these details define the quality... Read More

7 Keys to Powerful First Impressions

Image Development is the science and art of creating a Powerful First Impression. In the first thirty seconds people make judgments about you on a subconscious level,... Read More

Diamond Earrings: Superiority and Endurance

"A diamond is forever," as the old saying goes. The late actress Marilyn Monroe said it best: "a diamond is a girl's best friend." So much tribute... Read More

Tribal Tattoo Designs

For centuries, tattoos symbolized the membership in groups, families, but for a few years, tattoos have become more popular. It is possible that many people have them... Read More

Take Advantage of Hot Weather Before It Ends ? A Swimsuit For Your Body!

Instead of sitting indoors in the air conditioning, get outside and enjoy the fresh air ? take advantage of the beautiful summer days before they are all... Read More

Tips in Choosing the Right Kind of Sunglasses

Today, sunglasses have become everyone's bestfriend. We never leave home without them. We carry them just about anywhere our lives take us. We never miss out on... Read More

Anklets Ahoy!

"Hail to that foot of the lusty beloved which hits the head of the lover, that foot which is adorned with red paste and jingling anklets is... Read More

Freshwater Pearl Necklace Sets Foundation for the Perfect Look

Have you been searching for that certain piece of jewelry for that one special occasion? Or that certain necklace to top off your outfit for a day... Read More

Ankle Bracelets: Accessories to Pamper and Adorn Your Feet

Feet are among the most the most beautiful parts of a woman's body. This fact is often overshadowed by modern media, which highlights women's faces and torsos,... Read More

The Pearl Necklace -- A Timeless Beauty

It has been said that of all the pieces of jewelry in the world, a pearl necklace is the only thing that a woman should not be... Read More