Quote Originally Posted by Ivor View Post
OK fancy socks, even tartan ones, are preferred but at what cost for the occasional kilt wearer? Similarly other expensive items such as various jackets to suit every occasion and sporrans for day or evening wear. It seems that achieving the recommended dress involves considerable expense whereas one can go to a hire company and rent the desired result for considerably less.
It need not be very expensive if one is patient and willing to carefully assemble an outfit over time. While I have a few Highland dress pieces that are more dear, consider this outfit:

20221002_130933.jpg

Bonnet - homemade - about $30 in materials
Bonnet badge - vintage, $40
Tweed - vintage from a retiring pipe band member, $50
Kilt - vintage, $75
Sporran - closeout sale, $35
Hose - homemade - about $45 in wool
Shirt, tie, pocket square and brogues - all stuff I wear regularly to work so not included in the total.
Cromach - not required - $200

So about $275 (excluding cromach) and that includes several pieces you don't need (bonnet and badge, hose are a fancier pattern which takes more wool - could certainly knit a solid colour for about $20 in wool). So, a completely functional daywear ensemble, using items you probably already have, for about $180.

However, to put that all together would take time and good fortune, so if you need it tomorrow, then probably not a good option. But, if you're thinking of having a nice daywear ensemble, putting one together over a couple of years need not be extremely expensive.

Shane