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Not to be overly obvious or anything, but the old adage “you get what you pay for” is as true when shopping for a kilt as at any other time. You're not going to be very happy with the cheapest kilt you can find on the Internet (and take it from us, the scratchiness of bargain wool can drive a man insane). With an expenditure of several hundreds in the balance, spending a little bit on a book and doing some research before you shop could save a first-time kilt buyer big money down the road. (AnIrishChristmas.com recommends the most authoritative work in print on the subject, So You're Going to Wear the Kilt! by J. Charles Thompson.)

Even top authorities on the subject are just people with their own set of opinions and biases. You're the one who will be wearing it, so your opinion counts the most. In choosing a kilt and accessories to wear with it, go with whatever makes you the most comfortable, physically and psychologically.

Whether you are having a kilt custom-made to your specifications, or buying one ready-made, here are the key decisions facing you:

• Purpose: everyday wear, formal occasions, hunting, etc.

• Type of Material: worsted wool, twill weave, denim, canvas, etc.

• Fabric Weight: typically, 10 oz., 13 oz., or 16 oz. to the yard

• Fabric Design: traditional tartan plaid (choice of clan), solid color, tweed, etc.

• Fabric Colors: ancient, modern, and weathered tartan styles

• Pleating Style: knife or box; pleated to the stripe, or to the sett

1 | 2 | 3 | > Next: Decisions, Decisions