I have seen this term bandied about, quite liberally I think, here on Xmarks and elsewhere online, notably on vendor websites. I have seen it applied to everything from jackets and kilts to kilt pins and sgian dubhs.

A Google search using “define:bespoke” yielded some interesting material. According to various sources, the term originates with the fine tailoring business and refers to garments made not from a pattern, but solely from actual measurements of the wearer. In this context, bespoke is differentiated from both “off the rack” and “made to measure” where a pattern is modified or adapted for a custom fit.

The definition is fairly clear for jackets, but with kilts, it would seem that since patterns are not normally a part of the kilt making process, any made-to-measure kilt could be termed as “bespoke”. But is “bespoke”, in this context, the same as “tank”? Does a “bespoke kilt” imply a 16-ounce, worsted wool, 8-yard kilt? Could a 5-yarder, a 4-yard box pleated, a 13-ounce or a (gasp) PV be rightly called “bespoke”?

With non-fabric items, it gets even fuzzier. Is the term properly applied to a made-to-order, original design sporran? How about a kilt pin, brooch, sgian dubh, belt and/or buckle specifically designed and made to order for the wearer?

Back to other fabric items, what about Balmorals, hose, garters or flashes?

I understand that a consensus among Xmarks posters is a mission impossible, but I think some discussion might possibly be helpful.