A friend's wedding

[Galant]

Alright guys, some assistance needed. I have a friend of mine who is getting married in almost exactly one month. I just heard today that he might be planning to be kilted to the hilt for the event. He's a McElroy, but as of now I'm not sure which part of Scotland his family came from. Tartan?

He's in the Navy and will be stopping by Scotland soon. He was thinking o picking up a kilt there, although I thought it might be cheaper for him to get one in the USA. Not sure how much he wants to buy, but I thought it might be an idea to get a kilt and rent the rest. Any recommendations on how to get the gear?

How cheaply can he put this together?

More info as I get it. Thanks.

[Niblox]

....just as long as you don't get any misprints and all the guests turn up with garden implements....

Tell your friend to go to a decent kilt shop (Like Scotia / Caledonia Kilts in South Queensferry, near Edinburgh, or in Edinburgh itself, he could try Kinloch Anderson down near Leith, or Geoffrey Taylor on the Royal Mile). Average cost for a decent outfit starts from £500-600 upwards. Bear in mind that the kilt will be the most expensive item and if he wants to wear it again later, he might as well get one that lasts a few years. If he is looking for something more unconventional, 21st Century Kilts (part of Geoffrey Taylor's) will fit the bill - leather, denim, camo, tweed, silk kilts...they even do a Rizla-coloured one as well!!

Tell him to avoid the cheap £50 kilts in the tourist trap shops - not only are these garments nasty, they look horrible because they don't even hang well.

It's the same story the world over - "you pays your money and you takes your chance"

Hope this helps

Niblox

[GatorUK]

If a kiltmaker in the US could do it in that amount of time I would advise to get it here. Depending on where he stopped in Scotland there is no guarantee the kilmaker could get it to him in that short of a turn around. Also, 500 pounds for a kilt is probably about 875 dollars and that does not include the 17.5% vat.
Alexis Malcolm may be able to do it if she is not backed up. I followed her measuring instructions for my kilt and it fit perfectly when I got it. Her prices start around $385 for a traditional kilt and she will work with you to try and meet your deadline.
As for a tartan recommendation, I would recommend the U.S. Navy Edzell tartan. It is generally accepted as official tartan for the Navy. If he doesn't want to go to the expense of the Prince Charlie jacket right away, he can wear his Navy Mess Dress jacket with the kilt as it has the same cut as a Prince Charlie and the Navy tartan kilt is usually authorized for wear with the Mess Dress Jacket at official black tie functions such as the Navy Day Ball, so he will get some extra wear time for the kilt.
He already has acceptable shoes, so the only other expense will be for hose and a fly plaid if he wants one, belt (since you normally don't wear a vest with the Mess Dress jacket), buckle, and sporran.

[macwilkin]

Hector Russell in Toronto rents kilts & other kit:

www.hector-russell.ca

Cheers,

Todd

[arrogcow]

While he should stay away from the cheap "tourist" kilts, if he does not care too much about the tartan, he should see about ex-hire kilts from most any reputable kilt maker. Most only sell at certain times of the year, but I got lucky and got a killt, never worn, but off the hire rack, from Thomas Gordon in Glasgow for about $300.

Adam

[Geoduck]

North Channel Kilts here in Seattle provides kilt hire, too. They also make kilts on site and may be able to get him taken care of in a more timely fashion. Plus, they seem to be pretty good folks.

[Galant]

Okay guys and gals, your help is needed. I feel like I'm making an announcement for the 'A-Team'!

My friend is going to first see if he can find someone selling and off the rack or used kilt in good condition, in his size. His waist is 36, and at the navel 38.

If you have one or know of anyone who does could you let me know?

Right now, any tartan will do, he'd just like to be kilted.

Responses ASAP as you're able. Thanks.

[M. A. C. Newsome]

I have a couple his size available:

Gift Shop Specials

The Colquhoun sounds like it might fit him best, but he may also be able to squeeze into the Royal Stewart. And if he doesn't think it is too big, the Hunting Stewart outfit is a great opportunity to get a whole outfit at once.

Aye,
Matt