Complete the outfit

[Friday]

Scotus has made a very good suggestion in another thread, to paraphrase, set your goal, establish your priorities and budget/save to reach your goal. Scotus I hope this it not to far off.

I have set my goal I want a traditional kilt outfit. Yes that is vague but that is why I may asking for help. Scotus' used the 16 oz, 8 yard wool kilt for his example and I will continue with that example.

I've looked at information on various kiltmakers and I have decided on a Matt Newsome as my kilt maker. There are a lot of great kiltmakers on this forum, but, I have met Matt and seen his qualit first hand. Based on the information on his web site a 16 oz 8 yard wool kilt will cost $537. Since I don't have the money right now I am setting a budget amout of $537 + 10% or $590.

Since I don't have the cash on hand the 10% is incase of a price rise, shipping or special adjustments. As I get close to saveing the $590 I will contact Matt work out some of the details and firm up a price.

I now have a beginning budget of $590 for the kilt.

I realise that once the kilt has been ordered and I have been given an approximate ship date I will begin watching for the kilt on a daily basis. Once the kilt arrives, I will calmly bring it into my house open the package and hang it in my closet while I bugget for the rest of the accessories.

NOT. I will tackle the driver wrench the box out of their hand run to my house ripping the package open to touch, feel and smell this work of art. I will want to put it on an strut though town with my new kilt on.

But a kilt is not the only item needed for a traditional outfit. Help me to complete the outfit. I know that this is discussed in various other threads but what would I need and what is the cost I need to budget so I can be ready to go to town when the kilt arrives. What item might I have on hand that would work until I can upgrade. What item can I buy with the plan to upgrade later.

Please remember to points as we go forward:
1) I am looking for a nice outfit I can take by beautiful wife to dinner in, but it doesn't have to be formal.
2) I want a traditional look, nothing against the casual look, I just have set my goals on a traditional look.

What do I need and what is the approximate cost?

[piperdbh]

You'll need one of the 18,953 jacket choices which have recently been discussed, some top-quality hose (PM me if you want me to make them for you), you'll need either ghillie brogues, buckle brogues or some other kind of shoes, flashes/garter ties, maybe a tie in the tartan colors, some kind of hat (I recommend a Balmoral), possibly one of the oft-heatedly-debated plaids, a brooch for said plaid, a sgian dubh, at least 46 sporrans, and a clan badge. Oops, I forgot the kilt pin.

I think that's about it.

By the way, the last time I spoke with Prof. Newsome, he accepted half of the payment up-front and the other half when the kilt is finished. I can't speak for him, but if that option is still available, it takes some of the "sting" out of the purchase price. You've made a wise choice in your selection of kiltmaker; just be prepared for a long wait. Quality is worth the wait!*

*That does not mean that other kiltmakers who produce kilts faster do not do quality work.

[Jock Scot]

It is not necessary to have a bonnet,flashes(although it is handy to have something to hold your hose up),kilt pin.So these can go on the "nice to have,in the future," list, as does dress attire.

A good pair of black brogues(black gives you more options)would be the first on my must have list after the kilt. Next a good sporran and leather strap,black again as it gives you options. A tweed argyll and waistcoat will be the most versatile jacket you will own. Hose of Lovat green or blue will get you started and a light(ish) plain coloured long sleeved shirt,plain coloured tie.There you go,the Traditional kilt attire.The rest can come in due course,perhaps over a period of several years.The thing to remember with traditional Highland attire "less is nearly always more". As to cost, I am on the wrong side of the pond to advise you.

[Friday]

You'll need one of the 18,953 jacket choices which have recently been discussed, some top-quality hose (PM me if you want me to make them for you), you'll need either ghillie brogues, buckle brogues or some other kind of shoes, flashes/garter ties, maybe a tie in the tartan colors, some kind of hat (I recommend a Balmoral), possibly one of the oft-heatedly-debated plaids, a brooch for said plaid, a sgian dubh, at least 46 sporrans, and a clan badge. Oops, I forgot the kilt pin.

I think that's about it.

By the way, the last time I spoke with Prof. Newsome, he accepted half of the payment up-front and the other half when the kilt is finished. I can't speak for him, but if that option is still available, it takes some of the "sting" out of the purchase price. You've made a wise choice in your selection of kiltmaker; just be prepared for a long wait. Quality is worth the wait!*

*That does not mean that other kiltmakers who produce kilts faster do not do quality work.

Piperdbh thanks for the offer to kilt hose but I am teaching myself. What I am trying to do is develop a fairly realistic cost for a first traditional kilt outfit based on what the average person would have on hand and what can be purchase inexpensively and upgraded later.

After the first kilt it is all downhill from there.

[lickstone]

Approx. $60.00 plus yarn. See my signature.

Scotus has made a very good suggestion in another thread, to paraphrase, set your goal, establish your priorities and budget/save to reach your goal. Scotus I hope this it not to far off.

I have set my goal I want a traditional kilt outfit. Yes that is vague but that is why I may asking for help. Scotus' used the 16 oz, 8 yard wool kilt for his example and I will continue with that example.

I've looked at information on various kiltmakers and I have decided on a Matt Newsome as my kilt maker. There are a lot of great kiltmakers on this forum, but, I have met Matt and seen his qualit first hand. Based on the information on his web site a 16 oz 8 yard wool kilt will cost $537. Since I don't have the money right now I am setting a budget amout of $537 + 10% or $590.

Since I don't have the cash on hand the 10% is incase of a price rise, shipping or special adjustments. As I get close to saveing the $590 I will contact Matt work out some of the details and firm up a price.

I now have a beginning budget of $590 for the kilt.

I realise that once the kilt has been ordered and I have been given an approximate ship date I will begin watching for the kilt on a daily basis. Once the kilt arrives, I will calmly bring it into my house open the package and hang it in my closet while I bugget for the rest of the accessories.

NOT. I will tackle the driver wrench the box out of their hand run to my house ripping the package open to touch, feel and smell this work of art. I will want to put it on an strut though town with my new kilt on.

But a kilt is not the only item needed for a traditional outfit. Help me to complete the outfit. I know that this is discussed in various other threads but what would I need and what is the cost I need to budget so I can be ready to go to town when the kilt arrives. What item might I have on hand that would work until I can upgrade. What item can I buy with the plan to upgrade later.

Please remember to points as we go forward:
1) I am looking for a nice outfit I can take by beautiful wife to dinner in, but it doesn't have to be formal.
2) I want a traditional look, nothing against the casual look, I just have set my goals on a traditional look.

What do I need and what is the approximate cost?

[McMurdo]

I would have to agree with Jock less is more, and a very good thing to keep in mind as you go forward. Let me ask, what do you have now? Do you have a good quality day wear sporran? Good quality hose? and a pair of good quality shoes? If so you are well on your way to having a Traditional Kilt outfit. As Jock said a Jacket and Waistcoat would be high on the list, I would suggest as well as the colours Jock suggested that you look at a Charcoal Gray as well. I was able to get a Charcoal Gray Jacket and Waistcoat from a local tartan shop as they were having an ex rental sale it really helped keep it on budget. My Charcoal Jacket and Waistcoat remain my most versatile in my wardrobe. I would also say a solid colour tie, using one of the colours in your tartan is to my mind the best. Something like this



or this

[Riverkilt]

The difference in "wait times" for a hand sewn traditional kilt oft depend upon controlable issues and uncontrolable issues.

Is your kiltmaker a full time kiltmaker or a part time kiltmaker? Full time kiltmakers usually get to your kilt sooner.

Is the tartan fabric your kilt is sewn from an easily available tartan or one you must wait for the mill to make another run of - or even have it custom woven.

Did the fabric, and later the kilt, have to be shipped through various customs?

Did the fabric arrive at your kiltmaker's in perfect condition or did it have to be returned due to oil stains or poor weaving?

How many other folks ordered up a hand sewn kilt from your kiltmaker just before you did? Was one an order for a pipe band?

Did you order just before your kiltmaker took ill, or left on a long planned vacation?

And, as we've seen on a recent post - did the finished kilt get shipped to the right address?

Waiting for a hand sewn kilt may be the closest any man comes to experiencing the pain of child birth other than throwing a kidney stone.

Ron
Who just figured out AFTER ordering his first PC that he'll also need a bow tie, tux shirt, studs, and $300 dress sporran....

[Panache]

If you are ordering your 8 yard knife pleated kilt through Matt Newsome at the Scottish Tartans Museum (understand he won't be making it for you) I would be very tempted to order a set of Lewis Hose from him as well.

At about $50 they may seem steep, but they are going to be thicker and nicer looking than the standard wool / acrylic blend hose most places have.

It is a subtle thing, but high quality hose make any outfit just a little classier.

I will second Jock's opinion about a tweed jacket. I have a tweed crail style jacket, a PC style formal coat, a black braemar jacket , and two lighter weight "walking jackets. Hands down the tweed crail is worn most and most appropriate for the situations I find myself in.


As for a sporran, before offering any advice I would need to know what (if any) sporrans you have currently own?

Cheers

Jamie

[Friday]

Obviously, I did not make it clear that this is a a very, very, very preliminary budgeting exercise. All of the comments so far are good and valid, but are too far into the process.

Lets assume that I have nothing acquired for highland attire, I have a closet of general white collar business attire. Based on the budget I can set milestones and for contacting the kilt maker, purchasing this or that accessory.

[ForresterModern]

I have yet to hear anyone mention a kilt belt and buckle (sporran strap yes) and I know many feel it is unsightly with a waistcoat due to the bulge, but unless your kilt fits like an absolute charm the extra adjustability for fit that a belt provides may be helpful.

Otherwise I agree with the list: brogues, hose, flahses optional, sgian dhub optional, belt, sporran and strap or hangers, nice shirt and tie, tweed Argyll jacket +/- waistcoat (charcoal most versatile but somewhat somber), kilt pin optional but suggested, balmoral with cap badge optional, fly plaid with broach optional, and happy smile on your face becasue you know you look great required.

As has been said before you get what you pay for, so price all depends on what level of quality you seek in each and every item. Sans the kilt, the rest of the package could run you anywhere from $4-500 to over $1000 US. My recommendation is take it slow, be a careful shopper for each item, sometimes buying lower end stuff to get started knowing you will at some point need to buy it again when you decide to upgrade to better quality stuff. It will be a learning experience alongthe way, and a fun journey.