Inexpensive starter kilt...

[logandoug]

Hey guys,

I currently wear a UK, because I wanted to have a kilt I could wear for daily use, as well as be able to dress it up for something a little nicer.

I am the Celtic Director for the Red Lodge Festival of Nations in Red Lodge, MT and so wearing my UK daily when working, or doing whatever gets warm compliments and smiles more often than not...though there are obviously plenty of stares and questions about skirts of course as well.

Anyway, I have always wanted a traditional Highland kilt. My family tartan is a beautiful pattern, though not extremely popular, it can be found on many kilt manufacturers websites. (It's Bailey if you're wondering, sometimes spelled Baillie)

Anyway, the ability to afford a kilt from most of the suppliers I have found is currently out of reach, but I sometimes run across retailers with much cheaper models.

Though I would LOVE to have one in the Bailey tartan, as I have heard a kilted man or two say when asked: "What clan tartan is that?" their response is "The cheapest one!"

So to finally get to my question:

Do you guys have any suggestions for a retailer of Highland kilts that a fellow could purchase for under $200.00? I have seen some out there, but not knowing quality, going for "The cheapest" always makes me wonder.

I appreciate the help!

[ForresterModern]

Burnetts & Struth run an ongoing sale on their "6yd" (don't count on it actually using 6 yards of tartan) casual kilt for $199CDN or about $190US plus s/h. They have a whole bunch of tartans in different weights but unfortunatley not in any of the Baillie tartans.

A lot of vendors sell casual kilts off the rack in standard sizes, which may or may not fit you depending on your waist, hips and length measurements. Generally anything under $100 is going to be PV or acryllic (not wool), as wool is almost certianly going to push you upwards of $200+ US in most places, unless they have something you like that fits you off the rack.

[NewEnglander]

Burnetts & Struth run an ongoing sale on their "6yd" (don't count on it actually using 6 yards of tartan) casual kilt for $199CDN or about $190US plus s/h. They have a whole bunch of tartans in different weights but unfortunatley not in any of the Baillie tartans.

I'm not sure how to track down a merchant with your clan tartan. But I just got a casual kilt from Burnetts & Struth and it's wonderful. But if you're coming from wearing a Utilikilt (my first kilt was a UK mocker and I love it) be aware that their kilts are definitely a different breed. I'm actually about to send mine back to them to have them alter it a bit. Even with their shortest rise (1.5") it just doesn't feel comfortable to wear the kilt that high. So be sure to think about where you will wear the kilt ("jeans" waist or "traditional" waist) before you buy it. Take a look at lots of pictures here on XMarks to see how different folks wear their different kilts.
And be sure to check out the casual kilts at USA Kilts (my 2nd kilt!). Rocky can make you a casual kilt in a traditional tartan (though not your clan) for under $200. Perhaps a universal tartan like the Scottish National might work well for you.

[Zardoz]

A 5 yard frpm Scotweb is just a bit over your budget;
http://www.scotweb.co.uk/kilts/kilts..._madetomeasure

[Raphael]

You may want to factor in the purchase price of a couple pairs of hose and a sporran into your budget.

[Hothir Ethelnor]

The Bayley tartan looks like a Black Watch variation, very similar to the Mackenzie (yellow instead of white stripe...)

Both Black Watch and Mackenzie are commonly available in cheap kilts. For a wool starter kilt Stillwater kilts has a pretty good deal for a Black Watch kilt.

http://stores.channeladvisor.com/Sti...Watch%20Tartan

[MacLowlife]

I have visited Red Lodge and I want to thank you for reminding me of how much fun we had there.

May I suggest that you look for a used Black Watch or Royal Stewart kilt? They do turn up on eBay and elsewhere. Assuming you are a more or less standard-shaped guy, you may well be able to find one for $100 or so- I have.

Personally, I dislike "prewashed" clothing, because I feel as if some washing machine has worn all of the new off of my khakis or jeans. Granted, they feel soft and all, but there went five or six wearings from the life of the garment. On the other hand, if I can buy a kilt that someone else has already given some character, maybe a mend or a little wearing- and pay less for it- than I am a happy guy indeed.

After BW and RS, probably the most frequently appearing tartan (in previously owned wool kilts) is Buchanan Modern, for some reason- or maybe the dubious Dress Gordon. I would think you could score any of these in a 32 or 34 inch waist for under $100, after only a couple of weeks of looking on eBay and XMTS. A 36 or 38 might be a little harder to find, but they do turn up. If you really want the cheapest one, search for the proper size and start studying for some link betwixt you and the tartan that comes your way. Just be sure about where (on your torso) you are going to wear it, and thus where to measure...