"But I Don't Have Enough Money!"

[macwilkin]

I actually have a traditional kilt on order. And in truth, that's still open to debate- it's in the Colorado State tartan, and not my family tartan.

Respectfully, though...the concept of a district tartan is in someways older than the concept of a clan/family tartan -- and many clans and families wear them, especially those who may not have a tartan of their own.

I wear a kilt made from the Iowa state tartan, and still consider myself a traditionalist and an American citizen who is proud of the contributions made to the Republic by my Scottish and Ulster-Scottish immigrant ancestors. Being one doesn't exlude you from the other necessarily. My Iowa kilt was made from Scottish cloth by an American kilt maker, a perfect combination of the old world and new. A number of members here have "traditional" kilts made by Americans -- Newsome, Lare, Tewksbury, etc.

Finally, I don't Scotus was trying to offend you (or anyone else) personally. Remember, this thread is posted in the "traditional kilts" section of the forum, and so Scotus was discussing "traditional" kilts only.

As my good friend, the ex-Chief Stoker in the Royal Australian Navy said, "we can agree to disagree without being disagreeable."

Regards,

Todd

[bricelythgoe]

I am saving for a traditional kilt right now. I still have a long way to go. However, I am going to purchase one that is made here in the USA. However, I still purchased a USAK Casual for the summers here. There is no way I am wearing a 16 oz wool kilt to the Highland games or any where else when it is 80 to 90 degrees outside. I would probably not wear my really nice kilt to work either. So I see a need for the lesser expensive kilt (plus I love the fact it uses velco and not the buckles) That is what I think.

Plus, I am in the process of losing weight. Would hate to buy a kilt that won't fit a few months down the road.

[Scotus]

So let me see if I understand- the fact that I own several contemporary kilts means that I'm just too cheap or don't have the pride to buy a traditional 16oz 8 yarder? First off- I AM NOT SCOTTISH!!

First of all, calm down a bit. No need to yell. Secondly, I wasn't addressing persons like yourself who wear Utilikilts or a cheaper type of kilt because they want to; that is, because it's their choice to do so. I'm only addressing those who want to wear traditional kilts and traditional Highland attire, but continue to give the excuse that they're too expensive. In the meantime, they continue to buy cheaper ones instead of saving their money for the more expensive traditional kilt. So, in short, you did misunderstand my carefully worded original post.

My plea was for the sincere, future traditional kilt wearer to save instead of buying something cheaper, while giving the excuse that they're too expensive. I'm also addressing those who say that these cheaper kilts and Utilikilts are a way of getting people interested in traditional kilts. I think the way to get people interested in kilts is through knowledge of traditional kilts, traditional Scottish attire, and advice such as I've given. I hope to reach the person who wants and traditional kilt, yet the people on the forum might tell them to buy something made of PV or something cheaper.

I will echo what DWFII said; that is, we tend to want what we want... now! I just want people to stop thinking that traditional kilt wearers are all independently wealthy. It's all where you place your priorities in what you want to wear.

[Scotus]

So I see a need for the lesser expensive kilt (plus I love the fact it uses velco and not the buckles)

I purposely started this thread on traditional kilts in the Traditional Kilt section of the forum so that others wouldn't feel the need to defend the cheaper kilts and Utilikilts. Nor was my post on "What you like about PV kilts and velcro instead of buckles." So, comments about 90 degree weather and how much you like velcro are off topic. I was purposely trying to avoid a discussion on anything other than traditional kilts, and direct my comments to the topic of saving for that traditional kilt rather than buying cheaper.

[Nighthawk]

First of all, calm down a bit. No need to yell. Secondly, I wasn't addressing persons like yourself who wear Utilikilts or a cheaper type of kilt because they want to; that is, because it's their choice to do so. I'm only addressing those who want to wear traditional kilts and traditional Highland attire, but continue to give the excuse that they're too expensive. In the meantime, they continue to buy cheaper ones instead of saving their money for the more expensive traditional kilt. So, in short, you did misunderstand my carefully worded original post.

My plea was for the sincere, future traditional kilt wearer to save instead of buying something cheaper, while giving the excuse that they're too expensive. I'm also addressing those who say that these cheaper kilts and Utilikilts are a way of getting people interested in traditional kilts. I think the way to get people interested in kilts is through knowledge of traditional kilts, traditional Scottish attire, and advice such as I've given. I hope to reach the person who wants and traditional kilt, yet the people on the forum might tell them to buy something made of PV or something cheaper.

I will echo what DWFII said; that is, we tend to want what we want... now! I just want people to stop thinking that traditional kilt wearers are all independently wealthy. It's all where you place your priorities in what you want to wear.

Oh! I misread, then. I got the impression that you were referring to everyone who wears nontrad kilts.

And I wasn't yelling- I was being stern.

Also I am one of those who recomends PV kilts. It's not because they're cheap- it's because the workmanship of USA Kilts is top notch. It's because in climates like Denver, that are desert climates, wool in the middle of summer is just... well, let's just say that the one time I made the mistake of wearing a nice wool kilt to a festival in July, I left before lunch time because I was on the verge of heatstroke. Wool+desert= . PV+desert= You see what I'm saying? My 13 oz saffron is good on warmer days, but when it gets above 85 or 90... Yeah, I'm breakin' out the PV. And I do want to say that I will to my dying breathe steer people away from acrylic. That crap is just plain nasty.

[Laird O'the Cowcaddens]

If only want to drive a Rolls Royce, save yer pennies and wait till you can afford a good used one and drive it till you can buy a new one. If you want to drive right now, buy the best you can get for what you have and keep it running until you can buy the one you want. Kilts or Cars, every man has their fancies.

[Scotus]

Perhaps this isn't the place to go into detail about the new Utilikilt.

Correct.

[JelicoCat]

Having read thru all the replies again I still disagree with the spirit and intent of the original post as well as the letter of it. The kilt to me is not just something to be worn when getting dressed up, rather it is garment worn because of its characteristics and flexibilty. The kilt was originally and should be something that I can wear as often as possible.

Don't get me wrong. When dressing up with a kilt I look to the traditionalist on this forum for guidence and advice, but to make a public statement that implies that a certain percentage of people on this site are making false excuses with out knowing each individuals situation is insulting. When some one feels insulted he/she will react accordingly (myself included).

I will do my best to remember that this is a public forum and temper my reactions and words with more thought. I hope that I am not the only one.

[Panache]

I truly believe that there is a very good premise to the original post.

That premise is simply that a traditionally made kilt is made of better materials, with better workmanship, that will offer a better / more flattering fit, that will last longer, and look better than a mass produced kilt.

Taking these factors into account a traditional kilt offers an outstanding value.

People will note the richer colors and wonderful workmanship in comparison to mass produced kilts. Its a subtle thing, but it is there.

Yes for the same price as one traditional kilt one can purchase 4-5 acrylic ones.

In the long run how will these last?

Will you ever look quite as good in any one of these as you will in your bespoke kilt of the highest quality wool tartan?

A good quality kilt is a lifetime investment .

It can be passed from generation to generation.

They also offer some qualities that a mass produced one cannot.

The sense that one is supporting the mills that have been making tartans for decades.

The sense that one is supporting the traditional art of kilt making and keeping that art alive

The sense that one is wearing a bespoke garment designed to make the wearer look their very best

The sense that the tartan worn is something meaningful / attractive to the wearer (and that tartan was the one the wearer chose from all possible tartans available instead of limited selection of standard ones)

Those factors might not be readily noticeable to others, but they make the experience of owning and wearing your kilt far richer.

I think that Scotus was wrong to bring Utilikilts into the equation, they don't have anything to do with traditional highland dress. Because they were brought in at the start they have been a factor in this dialogue.

But he does have a very valid point that for those who wish to wear the kilt out of a sense of Scottish heritage, one is best served to wait and save for a traditionally made kilt.

It is worth it!

Cheers

Jamie

[robthehiker]

I truly believe that there is a very good premise to the original post.

That premise is simply that a traditionally made kilt is made of better materials, with better workmanship, that will offer a better / more flattering fit, that will last longer, and look better than a mass produced kilt.

Taking these factors into account a traditional kilt offers an outstanding value.

People will note the richer colors and wonderful workmanship in comparison to mass produced kilts. Its a subtle thing, but it is there.

Yes for the same price as one traditional kilt one can purchase 4-5 acrylic ones.

In the long run how will these last?

Will you ever look quite as good in any one of these as you will in your bespoke kilt of the highest quality wool tartan?

A good quality kilt is a lifetime investment .

It can be passed from generation to generation.

They also offer some qualities that a mass produced one cannot.

The sense that one is supporting the mills that have been making tartans for decades.

The sense that one is supporting the traditional art of kilt making and keeping that art alive

The sense that one is wearing a bespoke garment designed to make the wearer look their very best

The sense that the tartan worn is something meaningful / attractive to the wearer (and that tartan was the one the wearer chose from all possible tartans available instead of limited selection of standard ones)

Those factors might not be readily noticeable to others, but they make the experience of owning and wearing your kilt far richer.

I think that Scotus was wrong to bring Utilikilts into the equation, they don't have anything to do with traditional highland dress. Because they were brought in at the start they have been a factor in this dialogue.

But he does have a very valid point that for those who wish to wear the kilt out of a sense of Scottish heritage, one is best served to wait and save for a traditionally made kilt.

It is worth it!

Cheers

Jamie

Jamie, from time to time you give me a pleasant reminder of why I like and respect you so much. I agree 100% with everything you've said.