eBay Kilts?

[D McD]

So, I'm hoping to buy a first "experimental" kilt - by that I mean, I'm wanting to see if I dare wear it, and feel comfortable with it, and so on. (Excuse my timidity!)

I'm looking for something low cost, because it is something to test and try, not a lifelong treasured item. And with a measurable chance I might wear it once and never again, best not to spend too much on this "proof of concept".

I've been beguiled by kilts on eBay for as little as around the US$20 mark. But, oh my gosh, what can you actually get/expect for $20. Seems an impossibly low price.

Is there a particular eBay vendor worthy of consideration?

If not, which of the many online vendors would be good as a low cost entry-level starter kilt?

Many thanks for any advice you can offer

Sláinte Mhath

David.

[Steve Ashton]

May I suggest that you take a look at the offerings of one of our forum sponsors. Stillwater Kilts. Their ad and logo can be found on the right side banner.

Yes, these will be made in Pakistan and most will be made from Acrylic fabric. But if you know that up front and are OK with it you can't go wrong.

[D McD]

Hi

Thanks for pointing me in the direction of Stillwater Kilts. I went and looked. They've got some good products and prices.

But, here's the thing. Some sites ask for four measurements - waist, hips, fell and length. But Stillwater just asks for waist.

I worry that this would not give as good a fit as a provider who allows for all four variables.

Can anyone comment on that?

Tks

David.

May I suggest that you take a look at the offerings of one of our forum sponsors. Stillwater Kilts. Their ad and logo can be found on the right side banner.

Yes, these will be made in Pakistan and most will be made from Acrylic fabric. But if you know that up front and are OK with it you can't go wrong.

[Tobus]

Hi

Thanks for pointing me in the direction of Stillwater Kilts. I went and looked. They've got some good products and prices.

But, here's the thing. Some sites ask for four measurements - waist, hips, fell and length. But Stillwater just asks for waist.

I worry that this would not give as good a fit as a provider who allows for all four variables.

Can anyone comment on that?

Tks

David.

If you want a kilt that's going to fit you well, you need to order one that's made to these specific measurements. You're simply not going to get that from a source that is making cheap generic-fit kilts. It's that simple. You're faced with the dilemma that all new kilt-wearers face: whether to spend the money on a kilt that's going to give you a good experience, or to go with a "bargain basement" starter kilt and have a poor experience. Your choice, of course.

[ShaunMaxwell]

If your budget allows for it, you might consider getting one of the Casual kilts from USA Kilts. They are low yardage, PV (Polyviscose) kilts, and there's a limited range of tartans available. That said, at $99.99 ($10 less with the coupon code!), it's probably the least expensive way to get a kilt that's actually made to measure.

https://www.usakilts.com/casual-kilt.html

I don't own one of USA Kilt's Casual kilts, but I've had good experiences with the company (kilt hose, jacket and waistcoat and 8-yard Premier kilt).

I'm thinking this might be the least expensive way to get a starter kilt that would actually fit, and that you wouldn't be embarrassed to wear (because of poor quality) out and about.

Cheers,

SM

[Macman]

Hi

Thanks for pointing me in the direction of Stillwater Kilts. I went and looked. They've got some good products and prices.

But, here's the thing. Some sites ask for four measurements - waist, hips, fell and length. But Stillwater just asks for waist.

I worry that this would not give as good a fit as a provider who allows for all four variables.

Can anyone comment on that?

Tks

David.

If I remember correctly, Stillwater kilts are 24 inches long, top to bottom. I'm just over 6 feet, and my Stillwater kilt fits well. I recommend them and USAKilts.

[plaid preacher]

Some good guidance to date. I would add that, depending on this size sometimes you can find woollen kilts on Ebay at decent prices. I'd give a pad on the $20 ones, but do look for a universal tartan in a real kilt.

[MikeC]

The OP didnt say how much he was willing to spend. As stated above I too would stay away from the acrylic ebay $20 kilts. Having said that, i do own one, but it is use solely as a change of clothes for after i go bike riding -its nice to pull off sweaty bike shorts, and change into something cool and comfy for the ride home. Anyway, i digress...

You cant go wrong with Stillwater or USA kilts, members here have positive comments about them - I have a Stillwater kilt in my closet that I have had for years.

If you can afford it look for a wool kilt. I think there is a world of difference between wool and PV. ebay is a great place to find used wool ones, it just may take time to find size/tartan that you want. there are also a couple places in the UK that sell ex-rental wool kilts that you can find for under $200USD. Limited tartans, but usually common ones, and you can usually only order them in waste size, but I think you would still be happy.

HTH, Good Luck.

[Mike S]

I second Steve's suggestion. The Stillwater is a respectable first kilt. Especially their 100% wool models. You can get your feet wet, and not be embarrassed to wear it in public. I'd stay well away from the cheap "pub" kilts on fleabay.

[Steve Ashton]

The traditional way of measuring requires only three measurements. The Waist circumference taken at the anatomical waist, the Hip circumference taken around the widest part of the hips or buttocks, and the Drop length which is taken from the center of the top strap down to the top of the knee cap.

The traditional method assumes a 2 inch rise above the top strap and a Fell length 1/3 of the drop.

Not all kilts require or assume the same way of measuring.

Almost all of the lesser priced kilt are measured by trouser waist size. Many kilts today reference the navel in their instructions which is a bit misleading given that the navel is in soft tissue which can be widely variable from guy to guy.

So the advice we give is to follow the instructions of the person making or selling the kilt and NEVER use one makers system to order from a different maker.