Kilts: Scottish, American or Canadian made?

**stonekilt** · 19th April 04, 01:55 PM

Hello gents,

What is your preference? The Scottish made kilt, the Canadian Kilt or the American-made kilt? Is there any real comparison? What is the reason for choosing any of the above? Workmanship? Cost? Style?

Interested to see where the forum members are getting their kilts and what they prefer to wear.

I have two Scottish made kilts, both 9 yards and very well done. I have two USA kilts and one bear kilt.

I prefer the Bear Kilt

of all the North American versions, though Bear suffers from "poplularity induced turnaround syndrome."

My Scottish kilts are well made and very proper, though also very expensive....perhaps needlessly so?

Your thoughts?

**Colin** · 19th April 04, 02:08 PM

I would love to own a traditionl Scottish made kilt. However I do not have the funds for it right now.

In the mean time I own three Bear kilts and I wear them very often. I love the fact that I can just throw it in the washer (it's in there right now) and dryer without the hefty dry cleaning costs. Bear makes a great product and he is awesome to deal with. Unfortunately he is quite popular, so kilts tend to take some time.

One day I will purchase a traditional Scottish wool kilt, but for now my Bear kilts serve my purpose, so I will just have to order more of them.

**Casey** · 19th April 04, 02:24 PM

The cost of a Scottish Kilt is prohibitive. Even if I order one form the local shop a 4yd casual wool costs over 500CAD as compared to a Bearkilt for 120CAD. Go figure. Even a wool Bearkilt is less.

The synthetic is much more comfortable.

And, believe it or not a Bearkilt is even faster to obtain. (How's my new kilt coming Bear?)

Casey

**richardljohnson** · 19th April 04, 03:24 PM

Having only 2 Scottish, 4 US made (1-Utilikilt/1-Sports/2-USAKilts) and 9 Self made (also the others I have but I forgot to count!). I have to say that the Self and 4 bought (US made) kilts I wear more, mainly because I'm not so self conscious about damage to them. The kilts I made I can fix or remake. The 4 US purchased I like because they feel good and if something happens I just do not worry about them too much. I can replace them without too much of a cost. The Scotish made I am in a panic over! I probably shouldn't be that way but that's the way it is.

As far as each kilt is concerned each is different and fits the mood I might be in at that moment. I consider the USAKilt just as good a quality as those I put 12-15hours worth of work in to make or the high dollar...or should I say pounds...Scottish kilts.

To me each kilt shows good quality work and that to me indicates a lot of concern and...here comes the mushy stuff...love put into making the kilt...pass me the tissue please!

RLJ-

**Blu (Ontario)** · 19th April 04, 04:27 PM

Interesting question. I currently have 1 tradtional 16oz x 8yd wool Canadian (MacIsaac Kiltmakers), 1 traditional 13oz x 8yd. wool Scottish made (Lochcarron), 1 traditional 11oz x 8yd poly-vis. U.S. made (Cheapkilts), 1 tradtitional length cotton blend U.S. made modern 6yd. kilt (Savannah). Each one has its strengths and weaknesses and I wouldn't want to part with any of them. Both of the U.S. made kilts are lightweight (a little thin for Ontario winters), but both are nicely made and very economical. The Scottish and Canadian kilts came with a hefty price tag but worth the premium price in every respect. My favorite is the MacIsaac kilt (my first) because of the wonderful weight and swing and Rose MacIsaac does everything by hand strictly in the traditional Scottish way. You just can't beat the weight, swing, and look of a heavy wool kilt made in the traditional way. IMHO

**Graham** · 19th April 04, 05:10 PM

Scottish for quality
USA and Canadian for price and functionality.

that was brief wasn't it?

**phil h** · 19th April 04, 07:36 PM

Originally Posted by Casey

The cost of a Scottish Kilt is prohibitive. Even if I order one form the local shop a 4yd casual wool costs over 500CAD as compared to a Bearkilt for 120CAD. Go figure. Even a wool Bearkilt is less.

The synthetic is much more comfortable.

And, believe it or not a Bearkilt is even faster to obtain. (How's my new kilt coming Bear?)

Casey

hey buddy get in line,I want my bear kilt first :x

**bubba** · 19th April 04, 07:46 PM

I have 1 Scottish made kilt, 3 homemade kilts and 3 more homemade kilts under construction. I like my homemade kilts best because they're washable and I don't worry about them.

**bikercelt1** · 19th April 04, 08:13 PM

I have both Scottish traditional and American contemporary kilts. I don't think they are really the same thing at all, different kilts for different occasions. My Utilikilts are great for daily bashing around, my USA Kilt and my scottish casual kilts are for wearing to town and my scottish traditional kilt is for "Sunday-go-to meetin'" events. They all have their place.

Jamie

**Hamish** · 20th April 04, 05:27 AM

Originally Posted by bikercelt1

I have both Scottish traditional and American contemporary kilts. I don't think they are really the same thing at all, different kilts for different occasions. My Utilikilts are great for daily bashing around, my USA Kilt and my scottish casual kilts are for wearing to town and my scottish traditional kilt is for "Sunday-go-to meetin'" events. They all have their place.

Jamie

My sentiments exactly, Jamie. I do not have any American tartan kilts or kilts made to resemble traditional kilts - sorry, but I'm prepared to pay the extra and buy Scottish! Having said that, I spend most of my days in my Utilikilts or Amerikilts and, when the weather warms up, I'll be adding NeoKilt and Mountain Kilt as further choices!