Quote Originally Posted by Robin
I don't think a custom handmade kilt is "outrageous" I highly appreciate the craftmanship, the quality of the used materials and the final result.
Yes, they're expensive, but worth every penny. I'm not rich, but I'm willing to wait and save my pocket money for those real beauties.

Quality over quantity for me
The actual manufacturing cost is not outrageous, but the raw materials are. Most tartan fabric used in kilts cost (retail) about $60-70 a yard. While I realize that kilt makers can probably get it is cheaper lots, it is still a hefty part of the finished kilt. Most other fabrics can be bought for under $10 a yard (and twil, denim for under $5.00 at times). Small lots of tartan or not, there really is no good reason for the cost of the fabric.

As for my answer to the poll, I wear mostly off the rack (i.e. not custom, but still all my kilts have been very well made, not just junk), and that was the way I was before kilts as well. I have a couple of custom made kilts (tartan) that are for nice occasions, just like I had a good suit before. Daily wear, I wear a UK or SWK, just like I used to wear jeans or khakis before. I'm still happy with the construction of the UK and SWK, but they don't "fit like a glove".

Adam