Traditionals: Cost and Quality

[Rufus]

Bwahahahahah!

"Fast Times at Rufus High"

Darn David Sedaris books. They're starting to affect my writing!

[Freelander Sporrano]

Okay, here's my dream kilt. It would be a 16oz wool traditional kilt, possibly in the Irish Diaspora tartan. It would be handsewn with love by an older couple named Gertrude and Benjamin. Of course, they would go by the shorted names Trudy and Ben. After years of sewing kilts by hand, Trudy's hands will have developed a severe case of arthritus, but she continues to sew, because "this kilt is for Rufus, and he deserves it." Ben is beginning to develop cataracts from all of the squinting at tiny stitches, and is awaiting surgery at the end of the month. Trudy and Ben know that this is the last kilt that they will handsew before they retire, and so they put extra loving care into the process, making sure this is the finest kilt that they have ever produced.

When it arrives, I am flabberghasted at the beauty and quality of this amazing kilt. It is then that I notice that instead of normal thread, they have sewn it using pure gold produced by the fabled Rumplestiltskin himself. When I put on the kilt, I magically look thirty pounds lighter, and my biceps look twice as big. The pleats swing so well, and are so sharp, that I occasionally cut tomatoes by throwing them in the air, flicking my hips, and letting the pleats do their work. Of course, the kilt magically repells stains of all forms, and I never have to wash it since it always smells just like my favorite cologne.

Oh yes, this would be my dream kilt.

This "other world" you live in Rufus is there room for one more

[bikercelt1]

Criminetly Rufus! I spent a week trying to imagine my ultimate kilt and then I read your post. I laughed and choked till tears ran down my face. I laughed so hard that all the oxygen was depleated from my system causing possibly permanent short term memory loss. I wouldn't even know who I am except for the fact that my name is written in the collar of my shirt.

Yours truely,
Stafford Collection

[Mychael Sporrano]

This weekend I attended the Highland Games in my neck of the woods [Western PA]. After attending the games last year, I decided to make it a priority to become kilted for this year's gathering, so I felt a certain degree of satisfaction yesterday.


The reason I have decided to post though has to do with kilt quality. Being more of an educated buyer this time around, I kept an eye out for different tartans and styles, etc. What really caught my eye though is the amazing differences that exist in kilts (and accessories) where quality is concerned!

After the games I compared notes with my wife [who was also running about with a critical eye doing the same] and she agreed that though it wasn't always possible to figure out why some kilts didn't look "right", it is true that not all kilts are created equal.

I am not sure that it is always a case of getting what one pays for, but where my Kinloch Anderson kilt is concerned, the few extra dollars that I paid were well worth it. It makes me more than a little hesitant to try a different purveyor.

Mychael

[RockyR]

Thank you for that Mychael! I certainly asked lot's of questions and read lots of posts before deciding on Amerikilt for my first casual, While it is no match for many of the more traditional Kilts , I at least knew what I was getting into.

If my finances could handle one of the more expensive Kilts, I would buy one, but at least in the casual line, the Amerikilt was a good starting point for me, and certainly the plain color has been easier for my wife to get acustomed to then a tartan. The plain color TFCK that Martyn has is just way out of my range. I would like to AK experiment with some other materials and more pleats.

Keep posting those great observations. I am still learning, and as I even now plan for my next kilt, I want alll of that kind of input you can provide.

Have a great Kilted Day!

[Casey]

I attended my first highland games this summer and I must agree with Mycheal that there were a lot of different "degrees" of kilts.

I saw a number of very expensive kilts that were ill fitting or just not worn right.

I must say that I felt very proud to be wearing my 4yd Maple Leaftartan Classic Bearkilt. Other than some of the bands it held its own. I was the only one with the ML tartan.

Casey

[Mychael Sporrano]

I saw a number of very expensive kilts that were ill fitting or just not worn right.

I was the only one with the ML tartan.

Although I found myself very curious about sussing out the particulars, I didn't inquire as to what anyone paid for their kilt. Thus, I cannot give a cost vs. quality comparison. Based on looks, I was wondering if some of the kilts appeared less than stellar due to suspect cleaning practices or the fact that they were very old.

I never saw another tartan like mine either, which I have to admit was kinda cool.

Mychael

[James]

From the early fifties to the mid seventies I only had the one kilt, I forget the maker: but it fitted perfectly-and was worn for everything from formal 'clan' occasions to backpacking in the arctic.

A proper tailor made kilt will hold it's shape and stand up to very hard wear-and be weatherproof.

Prior to that as with most lads I had the usual family cast off kilts and hand ons: now I have one formal traditional kilt for best and hard wear-and hill walkers for daily use. Those wonderful pockets. Too having been brought up to the traditional sporran, unless a very formal occasion I now wear a side sporran.

There is a joke-I've only had good comments about such things as pockets and side sporran in Scotland and at clan events: it is others-usually not kilt wearers who go into shock at such things.

James

[GMan]

James,

WELCOME

It is so true what you said about the non kilt wearing lads going into shock about how a kilt is worn or what is worn with it.