Are kilts only for the rich? rant.

[hospitaller]

Lately I've noticed a trend here.

Let me explain, we all know kilts and everything related to kilts are expensive.

Then again, regular clothes can range from cheap to stupidly expensive.

For instance a typical work outfit for me would cost no more than $60. That includes a $10 shirt, $15 pants, $20 shoes, $5 socks and a $10 tie.

A 'weekend' outfit is even cheaper at about $50, that is a $15 tshirt, $20 jeans/shorts, and maybe $20-25 snickers/running shoes.

I'm sure those who are better off can afford a $500 suit, $100 shirts, $50 ties and $200 shoes.

Not the vast majority though. Yet, we still manage to look as good as those in the fancy outfits, and unless you want to be flautning your clothes' brand, either outfit is almost identical.

Now, kilts.

Well putting the 'wool is the one and only fabric for a kilt!' argument and focusing on cost alone, why is it that lately I'm seeing a few posts and comments that are somewhat looking down on people's only alternative for a kilt, and that is, cheap yet good looking material, such as acrylic and/or PV ?

Believe me, if the less afluent in this world could afford to spent hundreds of dollars for a single kilt, we would.

But we can't, so we don't. And that doesn;t mean we are any less of a kilted man than those of you wearing $1000 worth of fabric in a single outfit!

I am just as proud wearing my $100 entire outfit.

And don't get me going on the $50 kilt pin, or the $60 hose...or the $300 for a sporran?

Jeepers, I am not a leathersmith, and I am not a taylor, but by golly lately I've seen my skills increase by a tenfold by the simple fact of having to buy my own CHEAP fabric to make my own kilts. And going to Tandy to get enough leather to make 5 sporrans for less than theprice of a single store bought sporran. And my sporrans will be all custom made to my own liking!

In short and to finish this 'rant', please, PLEASE let's not succumb to the dark side of 'kilt snobility' and start to look down or make snarky comments at the efforts of those trying to wear a garment that has the same humble origins as the cheap fabric some of us are using to make our own.

slainte tae yall

[Finn]

Hear! Hear!

Though, I don't feel too slighted, except by the anti-UK vibe that sometimes runs through.

[macwilkin]

I'm sure those who are better off can afford a $500 suit, $100 shirts, $50 ties and $200 shoes.

Respectfully, Hector, this is a bit of a chestnut.

I am by no means wealthy, yet I do value quality garments, including Highland attire. According to my grandmother's definition of frugality, you buy the best so you don't have to keep buying replacements.

Are there those who look down their nose at the so-called "cheap" material -- yes, there are. But there are also those who do the same towards those of us who are more "traditional" in terms of our Highland kit. It goes both ways.

Regards,

Todd

[hospitaller]

Respectfully, Hector, this is a bit of a chestnut.

Probably so. But then again, probably not.

I am by no means wealthy, yet I do value quality garments, including Highland attire.

We're in the same boat. I also value Highland attire. I just can't afford it.

I also like Maseratti cars but I can not afford one, so I drive my trusty Toyota beater.

Are there those who look down their nose at the so-called "cheap" material -- yes, there are. But there are also those who do the same towards those of us who are more "traditional" in terms of our Highland kit. It goes both ways.

Regards,

Todd

Well I am sure there are those who look down on those who buy expensive outfits, I just haven't seen them in this forum. I have seen comments the other way around though.

I guess my point was missed. I do wish I could afford a wool custom made tank, with a full polar bear mask sporran...but I can;t. I just don;t want to be looked down or commented down upo, of all places, in this very forum. Not just 'me', but all of us who do.

That's all.

slainte

[macneighill]

There are so many good responses and opinions/views. But, I wanted to assure you, from my standpoint . . I could care less what one wore. As long as it looks good and, one is happy with it .

Ultimately, its your choice and, no one can take that away from you. As stated above, I for one will never look down on anyone, whether they've spent $1000 or $100 for a kilt. Its their kilt, who am I to judge?

Me personally, I bought an 8 yard, 16oz worsted wool in my Clan tartan. Why, because I had the money at the time. If I didn't have it, I would have definitely looked for an alternative. This being my only kilt for now, I really wanted it to be a good, quality kilt to start off with. But, if I couldn't afford it then, I couldn't afford it. I most definitely gave no thought of what others might think (nor, did I care, to be honest). I figure, if someone has a problem with my kilt, then they can buy me the best one on the market :mrgreen:.

[Doomsday]

Me personally, I bought an 8 yard, 16oz worsted wool in my Clan tartan. Why, because I had the money at the time. If I didn't have it, I would have definitely looked for an alternative.

Hear, hear, I had the same experience. About six years ago I bought my first kilt from Geoffrey tailor, the best kilt that money could buy. At the time I was single and working full time with no debts. I could afford it. Now, however, I am married and have a two and a half year old boy. I cannot afford to buy a kilt like that now. So, i go to Joann fabrics and buy what I can afford and then sew it up myself. I will wear my "cheap" homemade kilt with just as much pride as I will wear my "8 yard, 16oz worsted wool in my Clan tartan." Anyone that "looks down" on a man because he cannot afford the best, for whatever reason, and as such creates for himself something that he can afford truly needs to rethink their priority's in life. However, having given my little rant, I have to say that on this forum, at least, I have seen an overwhelming acceptance of those who cannot afford the, best of the best. And, if you've made your own kilt than, more power to ya. There are not all that many people who can say the same.

[Bugbear]

Does it matter?

* I'll edit this in here. My first thought was "Oh... here we go again." Then I felt very tired...

[Fedgunner]

Inhale 2,3 4, Hold, 2,3,4, Exhale, 2,3,4, Hold, 2,3,4... repeat a couple times.

I own 3 wool kilts, 1 "tank", one from NeoKilts, and 1 from Stillwater. I own 2 Polyviscose kilts from NeoKilts. I own 3 cotton kilts, 2 Utilikilts, and 1 home made X-Kilt.

My sporrans follow the same pattern, from a Stillwater economy to a sealskin semi-formal.

All have uses and all get used!

The cost matters not, it is the enjoyment you get from it.

[macwilkin]

Inhale 2,3 4, Hold, 2,3,4, Exhale, 2,3,4, Hold, 2,3,4... repeat a couple times.

I own 3 wool kilts, 1 "tank", one from NeoKilts, and 1 from Stillwater. I own 2 Polyviscose kilts from NeoKilts. I own 3 cotton kilts, 2 Utilikilts, and 1 home made X-Kilt.

My sporrans follow the same pattern, from a Stillwater economy to a sealskin semi-formal.

All have uses and all get used!

The cost matters not, it is the enjoyment you get from it.

Well said.

T.

[Panache]

I have great respect for the traditionalists on this forum.

They wear the kilt not because it is handsome or comfortable, but because it is a link to their Scottish Heritage. Their choice of tartan is based not on looks but on their connection to that pattern as it reflects their family/clan.
They may not wear their kilts often, but on the special occasions when they do they will do it well. To them the kilt really means something and they are none to interested in modern variants.

Is it any wonder that these people save their pennies and when they buy their kilt and kit they want the very best. Quality tartan wool is the best material for a traditionally made kilt.

If you don't believe that just ask Barb, Matt, Steve, Rocky, Pete, or any other of our professional kilt makers.

Now I personally wear my kilts for a wide variety of reasons and wear them often. Kilts are to me like golf clubs and one wears the right one for what one is doing. I see the value and utility in Sport Kilt and Stillwater's offerings as well as the great craftsmanship in a hand sewn kilt made from the very best tartan as my Galbraith and XMTS kilts are. At either end of the spectrum are strengths and weaknesses (that's why I like my mix). If I am going to Burns Night you can sure bet I will be wearing my 16 oz. XMTS custom run wool tartan in a hand sewn military box pleat kilt. If I am going hiking in the woods I will wear my trusty, battered, but much loved SWK Hunting Mcleod standard. On a hot summer night for Scottish Country Dancing I always go straight to my USA semi-traditional kilt. Etc...

Among the Nor Cal Rabble it really doesn't matter who made your kilt or what is it made of. We are just happy to see people wearing them , looking good, and having fun.

People should be allowed their opinions, and try to be respectful of one another.

Fed Gunner wrote this as I was typing and it sums everything up perfectly

All have uses and all get used!

The cost matters not, it is the enjoyment you get from it.

Cheers

Jamie