Would you buy an off-the-rack kilt?

**Tobus** · 12th June 10, 07:49 AM

I see others talking about buying off-the-rack kilts. And by "off-the-rack", I mean kilts that are already made, not bespoke.

Personally, the only kilts I've ordered have been specially made for me, to my measurements, in my specific clan tartan.

But then again, I'm an odd-size fella (shorter than most, with a smaller waist size than most) and have a fairly uncommon clan association (Colquhoun). So buying off-the-rack is pretty much not an option for me.

I'm curious, though, just how common it is for others to buy off-the-rack kilts as opposed to bespoke kilts. Hopefully I can get this poll thingie working right, as I'm looking for a nice tidy percentage-based chart to show how common this is among the kilt-wearing public.

**dfmacliam** · 12th June 10, 07:55 AM

I have in the past, but I much prefer the bespoke kilts. I am a big guy and definately not the average measurements, I need a bit more in the hips, and a little longer length, than what most off the rack kilts provide.

Some people can do just fine with off the rack.

**davidlpope** · 12th June 10, 08:03 AM

If I may make a suggestion:

Perhaps you should edit your poll to inquires as to whether one HAS purchased an off-the-kilt. I'm anticipating many of the answers to this thread will be similar to what immediately popped into my head- "If the sizing was close enough", "If they had the tartan I wanted", "If it was made of good quality wool tartan fabric", "If they price was significantly lower than a bespoke kilt", etc.

All that being said, I've never bought an off-the-rack kilt because all these variables are never met.

David

**Nighthawk** · 12th June 10, 08:07 AM

I personally would, and have. I like modern kilts as much as I do traditional kilts, so I do own 2 Amerikilts, which are off the rack.

**Kaw-Liga** · 12th June 10, 08:07 AM

IF it fits - YES!

Part of being a Scot is being "thrifty".

Betting that most of us buy off-the-rack suits.

Yes, suits are easier to alter to make fit.

Kaw-Liga

**NewEnglander** · 12th June 10, 08:19 AM

If off-the-rack kilts ever came with any length other than 24" I'd love to pick up one up in Black Watch for bumming around the house. But if I need to buy the kilt and then pay to have it altered to the length I need I might as well spend the money on a bespoke kilt. But that doesn't stop me from searching ebay in vain in the off chance there's a Black Watch kilt out there with a 22" length.

**Chas** · 12th June 10, 08:22 AM

Well, of course I would and did - for many reasons.

When I first started to learn to drive, did I buy a new car immediately - No. I have one now, but experience has taught me what I need and what I want.

There are many unwaged or low waged members of XMarks. Would they be able to afford a bespoke kilt - probably not.

In this economic climate, food, mortgage, rent, fuel would all be paid by a prudent person first.

Before, I had my last kilt made, my best kilt was an 8 yard, 16oz, hand stitched tank. It was also ex-rental. But it cost £34 delivered to my door. Would I buy another one like that - of course. I would be stupid not to.

Regards

Chas

**Macman** · 12th June 10, 10:27 AM

Yes, I have. I got a hand-stitched one in my clan tartan from Burnetts & Struth that they had on clearance. It was half an inch shorter than what I usually order, but it looks great. Also, the SWK and Frugal Kilts fit me perfectly.

**Zardoz** · 12th June 10, 10:43 AM

I have in the past, and likely will in the future, if I have a need, or like the tartan. I have 4 Stillwaters, 1 Heavyweight wool, 2 standards and 1 ecomomy, in the closet currently. A couple of them were some of the first "real" traditional styled kilts, as opposed to Sportkilts, that I owned. I'll admit they see limited use compared to my bespoke kilts, but they have their places.

**English Bloke** · 12th June 10, 10:55 AM

I'm with you Chas and I've seen that 34 quid wool kilt of yours and you'd never know it wasn't made for you. I'm a pretty standard bloke too and can make 24" length work fine. I have bought off the rack before and would again if the deal was good.

I'm taking a rest from kilt buying for a while though. My kids are complaining about their shoes being made from cornflakes boxes and sticky tape. I've tried to tell them we all have to make sacrifices in life but it doesn't seem to be going down too well.