Are kilts only for the rich? rant.

[TheKiltedWonder]

Reading all the replies I see that the majority agree with the point I was making.

We all wear what we can afford.

A few can't understand it is not a matter of choice, but a matter of fact.

But only a few got the meat of my argument, which is, if I could afford a custom made wool tank in my Clan's tartan, I would. In a heartbeat.

But I can't (And those others like me who can't as well) so my only alternative is either make my own or buy hand me downs, acrylics or PV.

I agree with the basic premise of what you wrote. Indeed, I've made a brief post with similar sentiments some months ago. However, I also read a number of posts from people who say they would love an expensive kilt, if only they could afford it. I can definitely sympathize with the sentiment, as I am in the same boat. I do own a wool kilt, but only because I lucked out and found one made for someone who never picked it up and happened to have odd dimensions that fit me pretty well. If it hadn't been for that I would have been saving for a while. So, as I can definitely grasp that for some, the choice of a synthetic material is, as you say, a "matter of fact".

But then some of these people go on to list a dozen or more less-expensive kilts which they currently own it makes me wonder: if it was solely a matter of cost, clearly they could have saved up for the more expensive kilt. Yes, they would then have fewer kilts, but they had the choice between quantity and (perceived?) quality; it is no longer a question of mere afffordability. I realize not everyone falls into this group and if the choice is food on the table or a kilt, we all know which should take precedent.

I guess the point to this rambling is to say that a person's ability to purchase a material or a style of kilt should not be used to denigrate them. However I don't think this should mean that we shouldn't talk glowingly about the style of kilt or material of kilt which we prefer. If a person is trying to decide between several kilts of synthetic material or one of wool, I think the more information the better.

[Nick the DSM]

just get what you can and save your pennies for that dream kilt you've always wanted.

[rollerboy_1979]

I don't think it matters how much it costs or what it's made of........it's how it makes you feel that matters most.

Cheers!

RB

[Big Homestead]

I don't think it matters how much it costs or what it's made of........it's how it makes you feel that matters most.

Cheers!

RB

The "mans man" opinion right there. Best line yet!

[pdcorlis]

To be honest good sir - I think this "rant" is a bit of a straw man. I read this forum daily and have done so for years. I'll admit I may not be observant enough - but I'm not sure I see any sort of trend of "kilt snobs" belittling those that choose to follow a path that includes less expensive kilts.

An expensive "tank" or traditional kilt uses a more expensive material and it is constructed differently than less expensive kilt options. It will - barring moths and maltreatment - last generations. If that - or a love for natural fibers - or a connection to your heritage - or something else makes this sort of kilt choice important to you I say - good for you!

If a less expensive kilt made from modern fibers fits your budget - or your desire to own loads of kilts - or something else makes this sort of kilt choice a good fit I say - good for you!

I say lucky us for living in a time when we have all these options. After all, if it weren't for Stillwater I doubt I'd be a daily kilt wearer today. The fact that I now wear wool kilts is my business. Will I look down on you for wearing something else - never. After all that's why they make Mounds AND Almond Joy

Sometimes you feel like nut - sometimes you don't.

[Freelancer]

To be honest good sir - I think this "rant" is a bit of a straw man. I read this forum daily and have done so for years. I'll admit I may not be observant enough - but I'm not sure I see any sort of trend of "kilt snobs" belittling those that choose to follow a path that includes less expensive kilts.

I agree with pdcorlis on this. I've read many posts on this site comparing kilt quality of construction, fit, material etc vis a vis their costs. The same comparisons which can be made for anything man made you can think of. Many have expressed their opinions and preferences for this, that or the other. But, I really cannot recall any negative, denigrating comments toward anyone for their choice of kilt or their reasons for choosing such. I do notice the generous support and accolades which the members of this forum bestow upon other. Well, perhaps it's just my rose colored glasses!

[Irish in Tacoma]

As I was walking around the Seattle Games last weekend, hauling my wallet out of my sporran for yet another trinket I just couldn't live without, I thought to myself:

"How the heck did the Scots get a reputation for being cheap when all their stuff is so darn expensive?"

Then I went and drowned my sorrows in a couple of $4 beers.

[Mark Keeney]

Sometimes we don't get what we want right away. If it is something you want use the money you would use to get that second inexpensive kilt and just save it. Find something you can give up daily to save a little. Work a little harder and earn a little extra money. It may take some time but it is worth it, because when you have finally saved enough the kilt will be ever so much better, as is everything we work hard for. Better yet save for the material and learn to make the work of art yourself.

I don't look down at anyone for what they wear. To do so would give others the power to look down on me. I work hard for what I have. It is not uncommon for me to hold onto a length of tartan until I can afford to have it made into a kilt. I would make it myself but my eyes can't see well enough to sew the stitches. I will not apologize for the things I have worked and saved for.

[Riverkilt]

I beleive I understand the point. And I agree with Todd too.

I'm 63 and didn't own a kilt until I was 58. I don't believe I could have owned a hand sewn kilt when I was in my 20s with wife, child, and entry level salary. Somehow, I was able to afford a wool tartan pleated skirt in Dress Macdonald for my then wife.

Growing up the child of depression era parents I quickly learned the value of quality over price. Most of my wardrobe reflects that learning.

I am fortunate to have found a kiltmaker that I can work directly with, saving the middle man price inflation. I am fortunate that that kiltmaker takes a down payment, allowing me to order a kilt and keep on saving while she's acquiring the fabric, I'm waiting my turn, and she's sewing the kilt up. Final payment is made on completion.

Some people go direct to a kiltmaker like Matt and then also cut back on the amount of fabric to save money and still get a wool kilt. I read raves about such kilts.

I'm fortunate to be paid every two weeks and live on a two check a month budget, meaning twice a year I get an "extra paycheck." Any detective could easily link my hand sewn kilt purchases to those extra paychecks.

I'm a bachelor now, living in a small bachelor cave.

Years ago I began saving my loose change at the end of the day. A couple times a year I take it to the Coinstar machine and usually cash out about $200 - enough for a down payment on a hand sewn kilt.

I've owned kilts in many fabrics. I own and wear the kilts I do now because that is my personal choice of the kilts I like to wear. I'm glad I checked out the variety of kilts available that I thought I may like. There are some types of kilts that I've just never had a desire to wear. But that's just me.

Obviously, there are supporters for all successful brands of kilts. Hopefully, we can enjoy kilting without coping resentments at each other. Would be sad if this board degenerated into something as silly as the Ford/Chevy/Dodge/GMC/Toyota et.al truck owners chest beating.

The rose, the orchid, the dogwood, the dandelion, the magnolia, the columbine are all beautiful in their own way. Enjoy what you can afford. Save and plan for what you want.

Ron

[Brave Andrew]

Dear Hospitaller,

"My needs are simple, I simply like the best." Sir Winston S. Churchill

I fall in line as a Kilt snob as far as what suites me best.
It is very important for me to get something I like that has quality and value.
I am a traditionalist as far as Highland dress, Scottish Attire or getting Kilted.
I have 1 perfect Tank.

When I started wearing a Kilt a long, long time ago,there wasn't anything But Traditional.
It was expensive then as it is the noo.
I am not a rich chap so over the years I slowly purchased one item at a time.

It depends what is important for you and how you want to portray your Kilted image.
You get what you pay for.

Take heed from Cajunscots wise advice from his grannie.

I don't have the time, the patience or the talent to make my own kilt or sporran.
I firmly believe we should support anyone that has taken the time to learn to be an artisian, craftsmen,kiltmaker or weaver and keep the traditional alive to the next generation to come.

Before coming to this forum, I never knew anyone owning more than 1-2 Kilts, being their
Family Clan Kilt and their Pipe Band Kilt/uniform.

So don't fall in the trap of Kilt envy, as it will drive you mad.
Take 2 weeks off from this forum, then give up wearing the kilt completely....only kidding!

Times have changed and anything goes, I guess???
I tend to be more open minded than I use to, and try not to be judgmental of others.

It took me a wee while to save my money to purchase my Kilt,as the price was dear but well worth every penny.

A few things to ponder:
Wait till you have kids and getting them started kilts and A'!
How much are you willing to spend for this addiction for the rest of your life?

We're A' Jock Tamson's Bairns,

Slange Var