Choosing a kilt company

[Coleman]

Hi my name is Coleman this is my first post. I am a college student who wears a kilt every day now. I don't even know where the pants I had went. I was wondering if all of you guys could point me to a nice formal kilt that isn't too expensive... (broke college student who gets invited to nice occasions). I have three kilts already I had one made for me which is a blue and grey plaid, and two black ones from GotKilts.com. Thank you

[Zardoz]

Welcome to the forum!
As to a good company, I'll suggeast USA Kilts, I own several. Their vendor link is at the top of the page.

[Mr.Charles Anthony]

Coleman;
A welcome from this Member & welcome to the "Rabble"(as we are self styled) As to a 'formal kilt'-which should be a 8yrd kilt in WOOL-if you want to do it correctly, or PV & not acrylic material, for a bit less $. I say PV, as the majority view here is that PV is the better of the two choices. As to companys, I would view USA Kilts & Burnetts & Struth, both in advert banners . I own a 'wooly one' from B&S, & a PV one from USAkilts, both 4 yard models. I love them both-for different reasons.
But Check a couple other sites listed above, ask questions here, about anything, i.e do your 'homework' before you buy a formal kilt- & coat & misc. to go with it.
Bear in mind, a kilt from overseas may suffer from the broken European economy, it may cost more than the same item made in the USA or Canada.
When you 'take the ride' to buy a 8 yrd 'tank' kilt ,let us know.
For the benefit of all, what US State (or ?) are you in?
As Ever
Charles A.

[MacMillans son]

I would enthusiastically suggest Bonnie Heather Greene linked at the bottom of the page. I have three of her hand sewn traditional wool kilts, she is a first rate kilt maker with fair prices and is a wonderful lady to work with!

[cable scot]

Coleman,

Not to be a broken record,but I have ordered from both of the above and I do have to say that you WILL NOT go wrong or regret an order from them.I have also purchased from several other companies with mixed results I.E. duty fees,poor workmanship ECT. and can wholly say with no reservations order from USA KILTS or BONNIE HEATHER GREEN and YOU WILL NOT BE SORRY.

My 2p
Andy

[Coleman]

I think I am going to go with USA kilts the semi traditional kilt in the German heritage tartan

[David Thorpe]

Another *** for Bonnie. Wore my Bonnie Heather Greene Dunlop Ancient tank today. Because I could!

[Mael Coluim]

I think I am going to go with USA kilts the semi traditional kilt in the German heritage tartan

Excellent choice and you won't be disappointed!

[tulloch]

Good day Coleman and welcome from the highlands of Central Massachusetts. You are considering getting a fine garment that will be an investment. Take time to save a little for it. The semi-trad is not a real kilt in the sense that it has no steeking. A well-made kilt is a wonder. You need to see, feel and perhaps try on a well-constructed kilt. Find a pipe band in your area and ask who makes their kilts.

It really helps if you can visit the kilt maker and be measured, talk about the pleating and see sample swatches. Bonnie Heather's work is clearly excellent as is Paul Henry's, Steve Ashton's, Matt Newsome and Barbara Tewksbury's. There are others as well. I have not seen a USA Kilt in its 'hand-sewn' or 'traditional 8-yard' models but I imagine they are excellent.

By the time you buy three kilts at $150 to $200 each you will have spent enough to buy a garment that will last you decades of steady use, will constantly amaze and please you in its character and a darn good friend you will never tire of. If you are really poor but handy I have seen, with my own eyes, amazing work done by following the steps in Dr. Tewksbury's excellent book.

That is my two cents worth.

[RockyR]

The semi-trad is not a real kilt in the sense that it has no steeking.

As a small point of clarification, a kilt with the internal bits left intact (i.e. the innards of each pleat not scalloped out) does not need steeking to be a real kilt. It's still a kilt whether it's made in Pakistan, US, Scotland, etc. even if it doesn't have steeking. When the pleats are not scalloped out on the inside, they are structurally supported by the fact they're sewn in at the top (in the waistband), negating the need to steek each pleat.