I didn't bother to list my ideal outfit because I think that we here on XMTS have a wonderful sense of "The Good Stuff"

Let's face it, there is nothing like a bespoke item made for you!

It doesn't matter if it is kilt hose, a jacket, a kilt, shoes, or a sgian dubh.

What I proposed above was a way acquire a solid collection of items that will fit in well with other people in highland attire who will be wearing bespoke clothing and not look shabby in comparison.

My goal was to offer frugal solutions to one on a tight budget who wanted to wear highland attire in a variety of situations. I also wanted these items to be useful for the owner even after they were able to afford nicer things.


There certainly are cheaper options (for instance buying a Stillwater Standard acrylic model kilt instead of the wool heavyweight). However the Heavyweight (especially with a few simple modifications) is going to look a LOT more like a traditional hand sewn kilt. It will also last and look good a lot longer than the acrylic one. Likewise, the Buzz Kidder sporran might not be the cheapest day wear sporran out there, but it will last for years and look good.

You will notice that I didn't choose a fur dress sporran to go with the formal outfit. I did for two reasons.

First, I strongly feel that the inexpensive leather ones with cantle look a whole lot better than the fur ones

Second, the leather one will work with outfits with the tweed jacket where a fur one would be a bit too fancy.

While it would be a cost savings to skip the Lewis hose and the traditional garter ties, I feel that nice hose really make a formal outfit work.

But consider how many people spend $$$ on a bespoke kilt, a beautifully made PC coatee, a fancy sporran, and brightly shined ghillie brogues to ruin everything with really cheap and thin kilt hose? Sorry traditionalists of XMTS, but to me white hose isn't the problem, cheap hose are! The better quality hose will help people noting that one's shoes are simpler (though a good polish will make them look far better) The red traditional garter ties will be a nice touch with any outfit.

Lastly, I didn't bother with the kilt pin or sgian dubh because they do make great (and easy gifts) and frankly while they are nice touches, they don't contribute that much to an overall outfit.

Cheers

Jamie :ootd: