Inexpensive, Off-The Peg Tweed Kilts?

**DyerStraits** · 7th June 18, 12:05 PM

Does anyone know if there are relatively inexpensive/"starter"-grade tweed kilts to be had anywhere, as there are with virtually every other type? Not that I'm becoming bored with tartans (well, maybe a bit) but I've been wanting to get a tweed kilt for some time now, but my Cheap Bastard Genes are put off by how spendy they invariably are, even the ready-made ones. I've searched just about everywhere, even, I confess, in Sialkot (no, I didn't actually GO there in person--you know what I mean) with no luck. Is there really that much lack of demand? I would wear a decent quality, good AND cheap acrylic/PV/wool blend tweed kilt to pieces, and would likely buy several, if they existed, and I'm guessing--and hoping--I'm not alone.

**Tobus** · 7th June 18, 12:34 PM

It's difficult to answer this question without knowing your price threshold for inexpensive versus expensive.

Is it tweed you're looking for specifically, or just a solid-colour kilt?

**Mike S** · 7th June 18, 12:43 PM

It is going to be very hard for you to beat the price Rocky offers here for a quality tweed kilt, bespoke or off the rack:

https://www.usakilts.com/tweed-5-yard-kilt.html

**DyerStraits** · 7th June 18, 01:57 PM

Originally Posted by Mike S

It is going to be very hard for you to beat the price Rocky offers here for a quality tweed kilt, bespoke or off the rack:

https://www.usakilts.com/tweed-5-yard-kilt.html

Yes, I have seen those, and that does seem to be the price to be beat, and still requires a rather large stick, IMO. So apparently and presumably there are no tweed equivalents of the very inexpensive (i.e. well under US$100.00) acrylic/PV/wool-blend tartan or solid colour kilts that are widely available. Given that all sorts of other low-priced ready-made garments (for either gender) made of synthetic and/or real wool blends are so easy to find, it seems it would not be any different for kilts, again assuming adequate demand. Are tweed kilts really such an eccentric choice that-as opposed to tweed kilt jackets--no one dares mass-produce them?

**Tobus** · 7th June 18, 02:29 PM

Originally Posted by DyerStraits

Are tweed kilts really such an eccentric choice that-as opposed to tweed kilt jackets--no one dares mass-produce them?

In short, yes. Kilts themselves are a tiny micro-niche segment of the clothing industry. Tweed kilts are a tiny micro-segment of that. No supplier is going to make large numbers of them, just to have them sit on the shelf for years and years.

Plus, keep in mind that the sub-$100 kilt market is using really cheap synthetic materials. Tweed just isn't going to fit in that price range.

**DyerStraits** · 7th June 18, 02:33 PM

Originally Posted by Tobus

In short, yes. Kilts themselves are a tiny micro-niche segment of the clothing industry. Tweed kilts are a tiny micro-segment of that. No supplier is going to make large numbers of them, just to have them sit on the shelf for years and years.

Plus, keep in mind that the sub-$100 kilt market is using really cheap synthetic materials. Tweed just isn't going to fit in that price range.

That essentially confirms my assumptions...

**D.A. Guertin** · 7th June 18, 02:59 PM

You could always just buy the material and have it custom made... I've used this site previously. Hope it helps.

http://www.buttoflewistextiles.co.uk/

**DyerStraits** · 7th June 18, 03:11 PM

Originally Posted by D.A. Guertin

You could always just buy the material and have it custom made... I've used this site previously. Hope it helps.

http://www.buttoflewistextiles.co.uk/

The thought did occur to me. My girlfriend's mother would love such a project...

**D.A. Guertin** · 7th June 18, 03:20 PM

You can't go wrong with the quality of the fabric, regardless of whether your girlfriend's mother would take on the project.

I've had him run up a custom length of 'natural' MacLeod of Lewis for me about a decade ago. I'll have to have a look around for that, now that I think of it...

**Terry Searl** · 7th June 18, 03:22 PM

Originally Posted by Tobus

In short, yes. Kilts themselves are a tiny micro-niche segment of the clothing industry. Tweed kilts are a tiny micro-segment of that. No supplier is going to make large numbers of them, just to have them sit on the shelf for years and years.

Plus, keep in mind that the sub-$100 kilt market is using really cheap synthetic materials. Tweed just isn't going to fit in that price range.

As in most things, there is quite a range in QUALITY, Kilts are no different. When prices of items are low, in new items, the first thing that is given up, in my opinion, is the quality
There is a great difference in what one person's standard of quality is compared to another person's standard........My observation is if you want a quality item to the highest standard, you should expect, and be willing to pay a higher price for it ......Satisfaction is something good quality will seldom lose. Once the money is spent the amount gradually loses it's importance BUT the quality and satisfaction will remain as long as you have the kilt and the kilt will always retain it's quality even after, if it is passed along

I have learned that it is better to wait until you can afford THE QUALITY YOU EXPECT, rather than buy lesser quality in what you can afford at the moment.
In this day and age instant gratification seems paramount and as most items are considered "throw away" Quality is often near the last thing considered .......just my opinion