Quality or quantity.....?

[macwilkin]

Somehow, not having tons of money makes me very deliberate in my purchases, rarely do I make an impulse buy.

And that is the definition of frugality. Rather than impulse buy and spend, spend, spend (which is what happens when people think they're getting a bargin) I would much rather save my money and get something that I value.

I think it's wise to point out here that the majority of us who own custom, hand-sewn traditional kilts are not rich, wealthy, etc. It's been three years since I last bought a kilt, and quite frankly, I really don't "need" another, but I want to support someone like Matt in their endeavours to preserve a bit of Highland attire history, namely the box-pleated kilt. If I was as rich as Midas, then perhaps I'd own more kilts, but until I win the lotto, or get a promotion, I'm happy with what I have.

That fact is, for most of us money is a factor. I won't waste my money on a poor quality product. But I would much rather have a lot of kilt options to wear instead of only one or two top of the line 8 yard "tanks". If I did, for fear of damaging them, I would only wear them for special ocassions (kind of like they do in Scotland)

And some of us here in the colonies, Panache. I am not ashamed of the fact that I am not a FT kilt-wearer, nor do I have any desire to be. My kilt is for special occasions, because my kilt is special to me as a symbol of my family heritage.

I stand with Robin -- you get what you pay for.

Cheers,

Todd

[Panache]

...And some of us here in the colonies, Panache. I am not ashamed of the fact that I am not a FT kilt-wearer, nor do I have any desire to be. My kilt is for special occasions, because my kilt is special to me as a symbol of my family heritage...

Todd,

I can respect that. It's the best reason posted yet for getting a custom kilt. If you want something for special occassions, a kilt that is handsome, meaningful, and makes you look your absolute best, and will last you your whole life you should get a custom kilt. A mass produced version will not be as satisfying. My one custom kilt is for those special times when I want to look my best. I'm not going to wear it to help out at my son or daughter's school. I'm not going to wear it hiking or to the park. It isn't that it my Matt Newsome kilt isn't sturdy (it is), but I wish to keep this kilt looking it's best for the rest of my life (because I'm sure it's going to last at least as long as I do).

Now I'm not a full time kilt wearer by any means. But I do enjoy wearing them out and about to the park, the store, the aquarium, Scottish country Dance classes, and whenever it suits my fancy. So I wear them at least a couple of times each week. So for me it makes sense to have a range of kilts.

So it would appear that it's not just a question of the what kind of kilt? It's also a question of what kind of use? As well as what kind of wearer?

As you are fond of saying "Horses for courses".

Cheers

[David White]

And that is the definition of frugality. Rather than impulse buy and spend, spend, spend (which is what happens when people think they're getting a bargin) I would much rather save my money and get something that I value.

I think it's wise to point out here that the majority of us who own custom, hand-sewn traditional kilts are not rich, wealthy, etc. It's been three years since I last bought a kilt, and quite frankly, I really don't "need" another, but I want to support someone like Matt in their endeavours to preserve a bit of Highland attire history, namely the box-pleated kilt. If I was as rich as Midas, then perhaps I'd own more kilts, but until I win the lotto, or get a promotion, I'm happy with what I have.



And some of us here in the colonies, Panache. I am not ashamed of the fact that I am not a FT kilt-wearer, nor do I have any desire to be. My kilt is for special occasions, because my kilt is special to me as a symbol of my family heritage.

I stand with Robin -- you get what you pay for.

Cheers,

Todd

Hi Todd, Its been four years for me since I got my first one.
Now I have two more coming. Good choices, yes I think so.
I to agree with Robin. Now I just have to make one myself

[cessna152towser]

2 x 8 yard 16 oz custom made wool kilts
2 x 8 yard 13 oz custom made wool kilts
1 x 5 yard 13 oz custom made wool kilt
2 x mass produced acrylic kilts
2 x mass produced polycotton kilts

I have listed these in order starting at the top with kilts which make me really feel good about myself and most confident while wearing. IMHO you get what you pay for. An expensive kilt for a dressy formal occasion and for wearing all year round or a cheapo one which is nice and airy for summer casual wear and light enough to take on holiday.

[macwilkin]

Todd,

I can respect that. It's the best reason posted yet for getting a custom kilt. If you want something for special occassions, a kilt that is handsome, meaningful, and makes you look your absolute best, and will last you your whole life you should get a custom kilt. A mass produced version will not be as satisfying. My one custom kilt is for those special times when I want to look my best. I'm not going to wear it to help out at my son or daughter's school. I'm not going to wear it hiking or to the park. It isn't that it my Matt Newsome kilt isn't sturdy (it is), but I wish to keep this kilt looking it's best for the rest of my life (because I'm sure it's going to last at least as long as I do).

Now I'm not a full time kilt wearer by any means. But I do enjoy wearing them out and about to the park, the store, the aquarium, Scottish country Dance classes, and whenever it suits my fancy. So I wear them at least a couple of times each week. So for me it makes sense to have a range of kilts.

So it would appear that it's not just a question of the what kind of kilt? It's also a question of what kind of use? As well as what kind of wearer?

As you are fond of saying "Horses for courses".

Cheers

Exactly, Panache! You've summed it up quite nicely! :mrgreen:

T.

[gilmore]

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.

Adam

My understanding is that there are only 5 or so sources for quality 13 to 16 ounce, 100% wool woven in the various tartans and with proper kilting selvedge. This could account for their inflated prices. If kilts, or other things made of quality tartan wool, became popular enough to warrant manufacturing larger quantities of good quality cloth in 3rd world countries at a fraction of the cost, I would not be sad if the Scottish mills went out of business.

[Rex_Tremende]

I am trying to shift toward the top of that scale. I answered based on what I have, not where I'd like to be.

Regards,
Rex in Cincinnati

[cloves]

I'm with Rex,

I had to vote at the bottom of the poll, but I'm aiming for higher!

[Kilted Stuart]

I can't get away from a custom kilt. I like the fit and finish a custom garment provides. I'm lucky enough to be spoiled by a kiltmaker. If I really need a kick around kilt I would still get a custom but go with a 4,5 or 6 yrd in PV and stick with machine sewn to also keep the cost down. I prefer 8 yrds in PV and wool.

I can't do acrylic, I can't stand the feeling of the fabric.
We took a good look at a import kilt this summer and I can't do it. There's just too much I disliked and too much missing that is standard on a custom kilt. I would rather pay a little more for a lot more.

I don't think you have to buy a handsewn (although there very nice indeed) and if your on a budjet you should stick with machine sewn kilts.

I'm for a little extra cost for a lot of custom garments.

Kilted Stuart

[arrogcow]

My understanding is that there are only 5 or so sources for quality 13 to 16 ounce, 100% wool woven in the various tartans and with proper kilting selvedge. This could account for their inflated prices. If kilts, or other things made of quality tartan wool, became popular enough to warrant manufacturing larger quantities of good quality cloth in 3rd world countries at a fraction of the cost, I would not be sad if the Scottish mills went out of business.

And that's the problem. Kilts are expensive because not many people buy them and not many buy them because they are expensive. However, with people like us growing in numbers the cost of the material will eventually come down.

Adam