Hi guys, first time poster here, long-time kilt wearer. For years I've proudly worn a beautiful quality BlackWatch kilt my sister brought me back from Glasgow...but recently I've had a hankering to wear a kilt to ren faire events that I go to. This is new for me...generally I'm in a kilt for weddings, and gameday, and know how to dress it up...but if I'm swinging a sword?

To my best understanding, there is no way a phillabeg counts as fitting in at a ren faire unless I don't care about looking the part. As a result I've been looking into getting a 'great' kilt.

Now, generally I've always been of the opinion that if you're going to get a kilt, you should get the best available to you. But in this case, it's a kilt I'll be drinking in, carousing in, getting doused in. It will become dirty, wrassled, flung, spread out, muddied, fought in, and in all likelihood by the time it's been worn out, have more fun than I did.

So...where can I guy like me find a great kilt that's economical, knowing that it's gonna take some wear and tear, and not have to shriek and cry over it every time someone spills a beer nearby?

I've taken a peek at the work CelticCroft does at the suggestion of a friend...but that's still going to run close to $200 if were I to get pleats sewn in to save on dressing time and increase on drinking time. (feel free to comment on the idea of cheater pleats, too, if you're offended or a fan).

Are there other options available, or is this as good as it's gonna get?

(On a side note...what kind of sporran goes best with a great-kilt? I have a full dress fur with bronze cantle and a semi-dress for bumming around in...but something tells me neither will match it well).

I appreciate you guys taking the time to help me with my dilemma!

Sincerely,

David
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A kilt without a sporran is just a skirt, but a sporran without a kilt is lingerie.