New Kilt Advice

[pastorsteve]

I don't think I care about part machine/part hand done really.

[kennethrmc]

Well, "best deal" is a very relative term. Despite being a Scot--and a bivocational pastor with definitely limited income--I don't want to get just the least expensive kilt. I looked at a number of kilts, corresponded with a bunch of X mark advisers, and decided to have my 8-yard wool clan tartan kilt made by Kathy Lare, of Albuquerque. It is hand-sewn, and it wasn't the cheapest option. But for what I paid I don't think I could possibly get better quality. It is an heirloom. A work of art. Fits me like a glove. Several locals who have hand-sewn kilts made in Scotland by reputable makers have commented that it bests their kilts in quality and price. So...if you want absolutely primo quality, I'd recommend Kathy as best value for that level of product.

And that kilt worked great all dressed up for my daughter's wedding

[Scott West]

Pastorsteve: Congratulations on considering ordering a tank! 7 weeks ago I was measured by Matt Newsome (Scottish Tartan Museum) and ordered my tank (16oz Buchanan Hunting Modern). It is being made in Scotland by Lochcarron out of their stunning wool tartan. Cost is $536.00. If at all possible, I would highly recommend visiting a kiltmaker to be measured in person. Matt & staff were/are fantastic to work with (and the Tartan Museum is wonderful!!!). Needless to say I am getting excited as I approach "the window" when it should be finished. And being measured in person just makes the experience that much more special.

[Bugbear]

Hand sewn or partly machine sewn? You said "tank" which would tend to be hand sewn, but... maybe not always.

[Bugbear]

I suggest you also take a look at the X Marks the Scot sponsors,, like USA Kilts, the Scottish Tartans Museum, or Freedom Kilts.

[Spartan]

Steve,

I just got my first tank, and I would second the recommendation of Kathy Lare for a wool, hand sewn, 8 yd kilt. She's reasonable, and not very far from you in Albuquerque. Just down the road, so to speak. You'll get an absolutely top quality kilt.

She did my first tank in an Episcopal Clergy tartan. You can see it in this thread >> http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/m...x.html?t=45799 If you scroll down far enough in the thread, you'll find the pleat shot.

Check Riverkilt's personal profile and his photo album for Kathy Lare kilts. He has several made by her, as well as several made by USA Kilts. You can check with him about MacDonald tartan kilts -- he's a Mac Donald.

[davedove]

You'll find that the prices for kilts are pretty comparable among the different kiltmakers. The real cost is in the material and that doesn't vary much for a particular tartan. If it's uncommon for one it's uncommon for all. Any reputable kiltmaker will fit your needs, just shop around.

When comparing prices though, be sure to remember that any from overseas won't have the shipping and duty costs included in the price. So, what looks cheaper on the posted price may wind up costing more after those costs. Or it may not, just be aware.

[Kilted in Maine]

Steve,

Don't take this the wrong way but you must decide what you want first in order for others to give you some direction.

In your initial post you indicate you want a "Tank" but later say you don't care if it is hand or machine sewn.

A "Tank" by definition is the following:

A 'TANK' is defined as an eight-yard, wool, hand-sewn, traditional kilt. ie., "It's built like a tank." (coined by Jimmy Carbomb c.2005) - See FAQ section

If you truly want a "Tank" there are many vendors both retail and independent that could assist you here. But you must realize you are investing in a "top of the line" quality product. Looking for a "deal" for that type of investment may not be in your best interest.

Now, if you are looking for a machine sewn kilt, there are also many vendors that advertise here and finding a deal for this type of product may be more feasible.

Lastly, you could also consider a 4-yard box pleat hand-sewn by Matt Newsome.

So, as I indicated you really need to narrow down what you want in order to receive some productive advice.

[raibeart_dubh]

I may be looking to have a tank, wool kilt made. Who has advice on where I might get the best deal possible? Thanks in advance.

Are you dead set on a 16 oz. tank? If not, you can get a 5 yard 13 oz. casual from www.mcrok.com for around $225 U.S. I recently bought one from them and it looks and feels great. Not quite as heavy, deeply pleated, or swishy (if that's a word) as a tank but I found it very satisfactory for my first wool kilt, especially in terms of the price and quality. Delivery time is also quite fast. Mine was approximately one month from start to mailbox.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

I may be looking to have a tank, wool kilt made. Who has advice on where I might get the best deal possible? Thanks in advance.

Since you are in Colorado, I would advise you to consider having your kilt made in the USA or Canada. Kathy Lare and Barbara Tewksbury are both highly recommended by many of our members. They seem to specialize in the traditional, eight yard, knife pleat kilt. Matt Newsome is in the same league with Kathry and Barb, but his forte is the 4-5 yard "box pleat" kilt; again this is a traditional method of pleating, although not as widely seen at games, etc. Matt can also provide the more commonly encountered knife pleat kilt.

The cost of a kilt will decrease if the weight of the tartan or the length of the tartan is decreased. A 13oz kilt will cost less that an 18 oz kilt, and a four yard box pleat will cost less than an eight yard knife pleat kilt.

All things being equal I would suggest that the 16oz, knife pleat, tartan kilt is probably the best way to go. Ultimately it will hold up better than the lighter weight kilt. The trade off is that it may be hotter to wear in the middle of summer. I've owned both, and would suggest that any kilt will be too warm once the temperatures start climbing into the 80s and higher.

Fit is all important, and to get the best fit it is a good idea to speak with your kilt maker during the measuring process if you can't have your kilt maker measure you himself.

As to cost, well that is between a gentleman and his kiltmaker! That said, a kilt from the best kilt makers in North America will still be less than a comparable kilt from Scotland.

Good luck, and be sure to send pictures when it arrives.