Just a whiney complaint...

[Tartan Hiker]

Well said, Matt. Most folks (at least here in the States) who see us wearing a kilt probably assume we are either trying to emulate the Mel Gibson version of William Wallace or trying to look like a member of a pipe band, because these are, quite frankly, the most likely kilt experiences that the average American has had. It's natural for folks to not understand the use of a kilt as a modern clothing option. We do blur the boundaries, with leather and antler accessories, so it's understandable that some folks are confused at first. I am always quick to explain this to folks who are curious enough to ask, and that is what I would hope that we all strive to do.

And this is why I am loathe to make witty retorts to "the question", or to carry an inordinate number of blades, etc. If we are advocating that the kilt is a modern garment, our actions need to reflect that.

[macwilkin]

Well said, Matt. Most folks (at least here in the States) who see us wearing a kilt probably assume we are either trying to emulate the Mel Gibson version of William Wallace or trying to look like a member of a pipe band, because these are, quite frankly, the most likely kilt experiences that the average American has had. It's natural for folks to not understand the use of a kilt as a modern clothing option. We do blur the boundaries, with leather and antler accessories, so it's understandable that some folks are confused at first. I am always quick to explain this to folks who are curious enough to ask, and that is what I would hope that we all strive to do.

And this is why I am loathe to make witty retorts to "the question", or to carry an inordinate number of blades, etc. If we are advocating that the kilt is a modern garment, our actions need to reflect that.

Well said, Matt, Scott and Tartan Hiker, especially the post above!

Not only does the public have a perception of kilts from movies like Braveheart, but so do many first-time kilt-wearers. I think this is why we see folks showing up at formal functions like a Burns Supper armed to the teeth with a claymore over the back, dirks, powder horns, etc.

Like Matt, I'm all for historic reenacting and living history -- but it has its place, just as modern Highland attire does as well.

One final point that should be mentioned -- not every Scot wore a kilt in days of old. For those of us with ancestors from the Lowlands, Borders and/or Ulster, the kilt was associated with the "wild savages of the North". It's only relatively recently that Lowland families have adopted tartans and other trappings of Highland kit.

Regards,

Todd

[Jock Scot]

I couldn't agree more with what the last few threads have said,but there is another slant to this as well. It's the modern(old too) Scots one, alright lets stretch that to the UK and maybe Ireland too. Now, we all know that the kilt is not worn as everyday wear by many Scots and we all know that a small percentage of Scots actually even own a kilt, BUT the kilts they own and their attire is probably the best that they can afford. That means, in general terms, ONE good(expensive) Kilt, possibly ONE good(expensive?) tweed Argyll,probably ONE good(expensive?) evening jacket, ONE good pair of shoes,ONE good day sporran, ONE good evening sporran. Much of the aforementioned may well have been inherited or bought second hand, which does help.

There are exceptions of course,Hamish springs to mind and there are others too, but the small percentage of kilt wearing Scots that own their kit go for the best that they can get and that is it.

Whilst I have been on this website I have heard this cry of angst of the cost of kilt attire many times,mainly from across the Atlantic, and thought to myself "well if they just had one quality kilt ,one quality pair of shoes, two kilt jackets of the best quality instead of umpteen cheap kilts,umpteen cheap jackets,umpteen sporrans,umpteen this that and the others, then I bet the value would not be much different?" Something for new members of the kilt wearing world, in paticular, to ponder, I suggest.

[macwilkin]

I couldn't agree more with what the last few threads have said,but there is another slant to this as well. It's the modern(old too) Scots one, alright lets stretch that to the UK and maybe Ireland too. Now, we all know that the kilt is not worn as everyday wear by many Scots and we all know that a small percentage of Scots actually even own a kilt, BUT the kilts they own and their attire is probably the best that they can afford. That means, in general terms, ONE good(expensive) Kilt, possibly ONE good(expensive?) tweed Argyll,probably ONE good(expensive?) evening jacket, ONE good pair of shoes,ONE good day sporran, ONE good evening sporran. Much of the aforementioned may well have been inherited or bought second hand, which does help.

There are exceptions of course,Hamish springs to mind and there are others too, but the small percentage of kilt wearing Scots that own their kit go for the best that they can get and that is it.

Whilst I have been on this website I have heard this cry of angst of the cost of kilt attire many times,mainly from across the Atlantic, and thought to myself "well if they just had one quality kilt ,one quality pair of shoes, two kilt jackets of the best quality instead of umpteen cheap kilts,umpteen cheap jackets,umpteen sporrans,umpteen this that and the others, then I bet the value would not be much different?" Something for new members of the kilt wearing world, in paticular, to ponder, I suggest.

Hear, Hear Jock!

Todd

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

I couldn't agree more with what the last few threads have said,but there is another slant to this as well. It's the modern(old too) Scots one, alright lets stretch that to the UK and maybe Ireland too. Now, we all know that the kilt is not worn as everyday wear by many Scots and we all know that a small percentage of Scots actually even own a kilt, BUT the kilts they own and their attire is probably the best that they can afford. That means, in general terms, ONE good(expensive) Kilt, possibly ONE good(expensive?) tweed Argyll,probably ONE good(expensive?) evening jacket, ONE good pair of shoes,ONE good day sporran, ONE good evening sporran. Much of the aforementioned may well have been inherited or bought second hand, which does help.

There are exceptions of course,Hamish springs to mind and there are others too, but the small percentage of kilt wearing Scots that own their kit go for the best that they can get and that is it.

Whilst I have been on this website I have heard this cry of angst of the cost of kilt attire many times,mainly from across the Atlantic, and thought to myself "well if they just had one quality kilt ,one quality pair of shoes, two kilt jackets of the best quality instead of umpteen cheap kilts,umpteen cheap jackets,umpteen sporrans,umpteen this that and the others, then I bet the value would not be much different?" Something for new members of the kilt wearing world, in paticular, to ponder, I suggest.

I'm voting for you to be my MP. --Sorry, forgot. NO POLITICS. So in that case, all I can say is you are absolutely right on the money. Although I'm sure the "fashionistas" probably won't agree with us...

[Jock Scot]

I'm voting for you to be my MP. --Sorry, forgot. NO POLITICS. So in that case, all I can say is you are absolutely right on the money. Although I'm sure the "fashionistas" probably won't agree with us...

I have donned my "battle bowler" and have dived into my bunker, almost, as I write!

[Panache]

Good wool tartan material costs a lot to produce.

Paying a skilled kilt maker to take many hours to hand sew a kilt is going to cost quite a bit as well.

The end result, a custom made kilt is a thing of beauty and one that if properly cared for should serve you well for a lifetime. As has been said before, they are a good investment.

Now a lot of kit associated with the kilt is also hand made or a specialty item produced by few.

If you want a complete custom made kilt outfit, right now, then it is going to cost you.

However if you are patient, if you are willing to try your hand at making things, if you think outside of the box, then some of the kit for a kilt outfit can be had quite reasonably.

The secret is to knowing what items you should spend your money on (and what is important to you).

Take a look at this outfit




Tweed jacket: Purchased new at Ross for about $20, modified by a tailor into a kilt jacket for $90

Waistcoat: Purchased on clearance at Target for $7, shortened by my lovely wife for free)

Bow tie: Thrift store find $2

Dress shirt: Purchased from Mervyns on clearance $12.50

Dress Shoes: Purchased from Target on clearance for $20

Pocket square: $2 bandanna from a party supply store

Sporran Strap: $6 Clearance ladies belt modified by me with about $5 of hardware into a sporran strap

Sgian Don't: $3 in materials, made by me

The only real official "Kilt stuff" I am wearing is my kilt, flashes, hose, and sporran (and the kilt is one of Jerry's Stillwater heavyweights).

Now I am pretty happy with this outfit (including the hat that Jock Scot is sighing over right now ). The whole price of this outfit comes to around $500 (not including the hat)

Now I don't think that this outfit is better than one with a hand sewn kilt, tailored kilt jacket and waistcoat, and other pieces bought of the best quality for full retail. I bet that such an outfit would indeed look a little nicer. This doesn't make my outfit any less nice.

I have seen really bad jacket conversions here on XMTS and I have seen really good ones. The key is to try be discerning when cutting corners.

What I am trying to get at is that if one is an informed buyer, one willing to wait and look for bargains, use a little imagination and elbow grease, and most of all to be creative can find some ways to make an outfit without breaking the bank.

I think frugality is knowing what to invest in to buy the best and knowing what not to waste money on as it doesn't matter*.

Cheers

Jamie

* This is why I passed up the french pocket square sewn and embroidered by nuns in the Cognac region of France, and made from the finest and highest quality Tibetan silk obtained from free range organically fed silk worms.

[davedove]

* This is why I passed up the french pocket square sewn and embroidered by nuns in the Cognac region of France, and made from the finest and highest quality Tibetan silk obtained from free range organically fed silk worms.

Right, because everyone knows that nuns in any region of France can produce the work just as well for less cost. One simply must stick with the Tibetan silk though.

[ccga3359]

I spend $50 - $75 for a pair of Levis that will last 6 months, non adjustable or wear out. Compared to a kilt that is expensive. A top quality kilt, even worn frequently, will last decades, even generations. There is also the smaller market to deal with and the fact most of us tend to have more than one kilt, sporran, etc...

[Clockwork John]

I think frugality is knowing what to invest in to buy the best and knowing what not to waste money on as it doesn't matter.

You've really captured my attitude toward life there, Jamie. There are some things you really can't afford to skimp on. Boots and winter coats are two things I can think of off hand.

I have frequently lamented over the price of quality highland wear. I'm a working class lad with bills to pay. I can't afford a handsewn kilt, or a bespoke jacket... My most expensive kilt thus far is a Stillwater Heavyweight. I don't even own a dress sporran yet because I refuse to settle for inferior quality, but can't afford the quality I'd really like to have.

I've always been inclined to buy the best quality I can afford, and maybe even push the limits of my financial comfort if the right deal comes along. I also know a good deal when I see one.

For example, I now own a black barathea Argyll, a navy blue PC, and a vintage Harris Tweed Argyll, and I've spent less than $400 combined. I found the two Argylls on Ebay, at least a year apart, and I bought the PC at a Highland Games. A vendor had one left, in my size, for $100. I might never have an opportunity to attend a black tie function and wear the PC, but at that price, I couldn't afford to pass it up.

The point I'm trying to make is that yes, highland wear is expensive, and yes, that means some of us (myself included) may never be able to afford a bespoke doublet or an eight yard kilt from a custom woven tartan, but you can get everything you need, and probably everything you want, if you are patient and prudent, and know a good deal when you see one.

Know what you want, know how much you can afford to spend, as well as how far you can push it before your wife, parter, signifigant other, or whoever holds you accaountable for that sort of thing will hospitalize you and pawn your kilt collection to get even with you. Constantly look for deals at Highland Games, on Ebay, and even here at Xmarks.

If you give yourself enough time, and you have a certain amount of luck, you can be as well dressed as Jamie, or Hamish, or any of the other fine gentlemen here... Without breaking the bank.