The expense of it all

**FreakPower70** · 10th October 08, 05:45 AM

Having a growing interest in kilts and looking over the internet for them I find that they are very expensive. Some of the cheapest ones I have found are the Utilikilt brand which are less than traditional (which isn't a bad thing, it's just a thing). I mean, why are kilts so expensive?? Also where can one find some less expensive ones?

FP

**davedove** · 10th October 08, 05:52 AM

This has been discussed before, so if you search around you will find other threads about it.

That being said, the main reason for the cost of the kilts is the cost of the wool. A lot of the time, the wool can easily cost $65 a yard. If that's double width cloth, it will take 4 yards of this to make an 8 yard kilt, so that's $260 just for the material. If the kilt costs $300, that's only $40 for labor, usually many hours worth.

And that's a common tartan. Less common tartans may require special weavings of the material, which will increase the material cost.

**graham_s** · 10th October 08, 06:17 AM

As has been said,
time and materials.
the fabric is expensive, the construction is a skilled labour intensive job.
these things cost money.

**Packhound** · 10th October 08, 06:23 AM

If cost is an issue. Investigate making one yourself. Start off with the X-kilt. Instructions are stickied on the DIY page here. After that get Barb T's book and purchase some quality fabric from a local store. Many carry some tartan fabrics. Once you have completed a tartan kilt you will either continue to make your own and/or order one custom-fitted from one of the fine kiltmakers you can find here. Either way, you will have a greater appreciation for the skill that is involved in making a fine kilt.

Good luck to you!!

**auld argonian** · 10th October 08, 06:31 AM

I'd like to make an observation that's sort of carried over from another thread: our Scottish participants have been asked about kilt wearing over in the "old country" and one of the points that has come up is that not all Scots own their own kilt and those that do tend to have maybe one for special occasions and not a collection like some folks seem to have. If you're going to buy one and not get into compulsive kilt acquisition, it's not that bad.

That being said, a good kilt is a lifetime investment and if you ammoratize the cost over the years of use, it isn't that big of a bite. If you look at good wool suits these days you'll see that the prices are at least comparable. Granted that you can often score a suit at a discount and save some $$$ but you can sometimes pick up a kilt on ebay or find a clearance kilt from a kilt shop and get a comparable deal.

For a lot of us the scenario is that we have dipped out toe in the water by getting an inexpensive kilt made from a synthetic (lots of commentary on the best values in this area on this forum) just to see if we really want to wear a kilt...and whether or not we can get away with it and not have our families try to have us involuntary committed to an institution for the going-off-the-deep-end. Once you find out that it is a good thing (with apologies to Martha Stewart), then you know that it's safe to sink the dough into a good, wool kilt.

Yeah, the material is special and it is, as Davedove pointed out, expensive but when you own a nice worsted wool kilt you realize that you have gotten real value for money. Keep an eye open for some of the off the rack wool specials from some of the dealers and the bite may not seem so big. Stillwater wools, for example, go for about $130 US and have received rave reviews. There are other values from other dealers...just hang around the forum and keep the eyes open. If you have your cap set for a special clan tartan, though, get ready to pony up but, honestly, the pride of ownership makes it worth it.

Best

AA

**Caddy One** · 10th October 08, 06:33 AM

Only cost a little bit more to go first class............

**DWFII** · 10th October 08, 06:53 AM

I know times are tight...for everyone...but when you really think about it, given that a wool kilt can run from a low of around $150.00 to a high of over a grand, it's still pretty cheap relative to anything(everything) else.

When I bought my house...it's small but well made and tight...I paid about what a new car is selling for today. The house has appreciated almost 800% in the intervening years. I just saw a television show called House Hunters International where two young fellers in Scotland decided to buy a place in or around Edinburgh. They were looking at paying nearly a quarter million dollars for a flat with less room than my house.

What would you pay for a new car? A loaf of bread? A snowboard? A season pass to the mountain? A bottle of good single malt?

Anyone can shop at Walmart or its equivalent and buy stuff cheap...like it was still 1950...but it is cheap in more ways than one--so cheap that these goods have become the whole philosophical foundation for the "throw-away-society." They have but a brief life between the store shelf and the local landfill.

There is a very real reason why some things are priced higher than others. The term is "quality."

The real issue...that should be at the front of everyone's minds...is not what it costs but "what is it worth?" If a new car is too expensive for you do, don't shop at the dealer.

If a kilt is too expensive...

**JRB** · 10th October 08, 07:02 AM

A custom hand sewn kilt is no more expensive (and often much less expensive) than any other well made custom article of clothing. Of course it seems expensive when compared to clothing that most people buy on a regular basis. However, when you compare the cost of a kilt to the cost of a hand made to measure suit, you will see they are very similar. To find a kilt in the price range of department store clothing you'll want to look for something off the peg and made from poly-viscose or acrylic.

**Panache** · 10th October 08, 07:37 AM

Originally Posted by JRB

A custom hand sewn kilt is no more expensive (and often much less expensive) than any other well made custom article of clothing.

Just try pricing a good quality pair of lederhosen, one is looking at a minimum of $200 to $400. If you add some nice braces, the shirt, hat, and a Miesbacher jacket and you easily need to spend $1000 for a traditional German outfit.

With kilts there are some good affordable options out there. Take a look at some of our sponsors (I'd start with Stillwater Kilts and Sport Kilts). Poly-viscose is a decent alternative to wool and USA kilts has a very good selection of tartans. Finally you may decide that it is worth saving for to get a traditional wool kilt in the tartan you really want. It is up to you.

But take your time, search our forum, and do ask questions.

You will be happy with your kilt whichever you decide to buy.

Cheers

Jamie

**george7** · 10th October 08, 07:42 AM

Originally Posted by Panache

Just try pricing a good quality pair of lederhosen, one is looking at a minimum of $200 to $400. If you add some nice braces, the shirt, hat, and a Miesbacher jacket and you easily need to spend $1000 for a traditional German outfit.

With kilts there are some good affordable options out there. Take a look at some of our sponsors (I'd start with Stillwater Kilts and Sport Kilts). Poly-viscose is a decent alternative to wool and USA kilts has a very good selection of tartans. Finally you may decide that it is worth saving for to get a traditional wool kilt in the tartan you really want. It is up to you.

But take your time, search our forum, and do ask questions.

You will be happy with your kilt whichever you decide.

Cheers

Jamie

An XmarkstheGerman... now that's an idea.