If what you are really looking for is a formal kilt at a good price, I'm going to disagree with some of the other members of the board here and not reccomend Stillwater kilts, or any other Poly-blend alternatives. To my eye, nothing makes a kilt look more traditional or more formal than the quality of cloth, and this means good, hard-wearing worsted wool kilt cloth.

Everything else could be spot on about the make and construction of the kilt, but if the cloth is not worsted wool, it will still have the look of a cheap kilt, especially when worn with otherwise formal kilt accessories. It just tends to highlight the fact that the kilt is not traditional wool.

So, if you want a traditional woolen kilt but at a lower cost, what are your options?

The first thing you can do is look for a second hand kilt in your size. A lot of places that sell kilts will have a "sales" page on their web site. Scour those. You have to be willing to not be picky about the tartan selection and just be happy if you find one in your size that you like.

You might want to also try contacting clan societies and see if any members have kilts they are selling.

I used to reccomend ebay and still do so long as you are discerning enough to tell a true traditional kilt from the majority of what is now being offered. There are occasionally some great deals to be had.

Also this forum has a section for people looking to buy and sell used kilts. So take advantage of that.

If you don't want to go the second-hand route, there are other options. There is a web site called "What Price the Glory" (I'm sure someone here can provide the URL or just do a Google search) that sells quality reproductions of Scottish regimental kilts at a very decent price. I have not purchased from them, but based on the reviews of those that have, I would reccomend them. These are going to be very heavy weight regimental kilts, but would do well for formal situations.

You may also consider getting a 4 yard kilt v. the usual 8 yard kilt. Not to advertise for myself (I make 4 yard box pleated kilts) but the traditional box pleated kilt is every bit as formal as an 8 yard knife pleated kilt. I got married in one! Even though it contains less material, it is still hand tailored, and it is still made from the highest quality of cloth. But you'll spend $350 v. the $500 or more you can expect to spend for an 8 yard kilt.

A lot of companies also offer some version of a "casual kilt" and these are usually 4 or 5 yards of cloth that are knife pleated and machine sewn. There are some great deals to be had here, as well. Even though I would not normally reccomend machine sewn kilts for formal wear, so long as they are made from actual woolen kilting cloth, they will still look a lot better with formal accessories than any non-woolen alternatives that are out there.

These are just a few reccomendations, but if you follow them and find something you like, you should easily be able to shave a couple hundred dollars off the price tag.