quality versus quantity

[Rawlinson]

Fshguy was nice enough to give me a kilt he described "as about the same quality/construction" of a Stillwater Thrifty-Kilt. The kilt better fits friend of mine, who was planning on buying a Thrifty or similar at some point in the future. We decided that my friend should have my kilt and he'd use the money he was going to spend to buy a kilt that better fits me. I have $20 set aside that I was going to use for kiltmaking material, but I think its purpose has changed.

Right now, I'm tossed between spending the $20 on upgrading to an Economy Kilt or buying a sporran (and/or other kilt paraphernalia). What do you guys think is the best use of my kilt money? (I figure if I get everything from one place, I can probably save on shipping, but that doesn't really mater, so long as I stay within budget.)

[McNulty]

I'd say spend the $ on the kilt, maybe some more and get a better OTR kilt, then save the kit for the holidays.
Nulty

[davidlpope]

My advice:

Don't skimp on your kilt. If done right, then you will never need to buy another, unless you decide to add an additional tartan or two to your wardrobe.

I've got several items in my closet that were major purchases over a span of years- good shoes, good kilts, a very nice market stick, vintage sporrans, etc. I have no regrets about purchasing any of them and believe that their value well exceeds the price I paid.

I have many regrets about things that I have bought as "starter models" or "cheap, tide me over" items which are now sitting in my garage and will soon be put on ebay.

Obviously each man's budget varies, so there's no hard and fast rule as to what the specific price should be for any given item, but I'd encourage you to put off purchasing a kilt until you can buy the one you REALLY want.

Cordially,

David

[Standard]

Davidlpope pretty much hit the nail on the head for me. You won't regret getting the best that you can afford. A good quality kilt (not speaking to Stillwater's quality as I have no experience with them at all) will last longer than a cheaper model, fit, feel and move better. Remember also that a quality item can be passed down to the next generation, or at the least will have the ability to last a lifetime. Where as the cheaper models of anything will often wear out faster, and overall need to be replaced sooner, thus costing more in the long run. This doesn't mean that you have to splurge beyond your means, but definately get the best you can afford at this time.

[McMurdo]

Some people, believe it or not have one kilt, just one, normally these garments are well made and can be passed down to future generations. My first kilt was handed down to me by my father, of the kilts I've purchased on my own most of them can be passed on, so can most if not all of my sporrans. The thing is there really is a difference between the hand sewn traditional kilt and the machine sewn. Don't skimp on your heritage, if this is indeed your heritage. Save up some money and buy something that will last. In my experience the cheap tat gets relegated to the back of the closet quickly, adding up all that is spent on tat you may find you did have the money for some quality pieces after all.

[Stratherrick]

I'm one of the guys with just one kilt. Unless I come into some money, I'm not planning on getting another. It's a tres expensive handsown trad. Apart from being what I had craved for for years, buying it kept part of the industry alive.

As others have said, don't go into serious debt, rather save up for the real thing (runs for cover!).

Slainte

Bruce

[Heming]

I don't know how far $20 can stretch, as I know nothing of US price levels, but generally I'd say get the best quality kilt you can afford and get cheaper accessories. It's easier to save up for better accessories than for a better kilt, and a good kilt will be handed down to your grandchildren some day.

[Nighthawk]

Put that 20 spot into a can, bury it, dig it up in two weeks, insert another 20, bury the can, repeat 15 times, and you will then have enough to get a basic Balmoral 8 yard kilt from Scotweb. http://www.scotweb.co.uk/sr_swhdr_eightyardkilt That's my advice on the matter. OR- you can always go the contemporary kilt route- Amerikilt, Flamingo Kilts, etc. I'm wearing my Amerikilt right now as a matter of fact. I love the thing- except for how easily it wrinkles. It needs ironed after each and every washing. My Flamingo Kilt, on the other hand, never needs ironing, and is custom tailored, so all in all, if you're interested in a contemporary, I say go with Flamingo. Otherwise, get out your shovel and can.

[Dougald]

well then, just to be contrary...
If you plan on buying a number of kilts over time, by all means get the SWK Thrifty.
I just bought one, and find it an amazingly good kilt for $30!
It's well made, comfortable, and light enough for summer hiking and goofing around in. I love my good wool kilts, but I will not be wearing them for yard work.
The other advantage to having a couple of Thrifty kilts, is that you will have some "loaners" on hand. If a friend needs a little convincing, toss him a kilt without worrying too much how it is treated.
Either way, you can't go wrong!
enjoy,
Don

[thescot]

Listen to davidlpope. His is the best advice.

Unless you only want a kilt for a one-shot season of gaming (as in Highland Games) or to play one rugby game in a kilt, do not skrimp on the kilt. You can get a serviceable sporran for $25-30 (it won't be a fine piece of leather!) but you can't really get a fine kilt without spending lots of money. Hold out for the hand sewn tank. You'll be glad you did.

BTW. I own an SWK wool in Leatherneck, and I like it fine. But it's not a tank, and I wish I'd saved the money and purchased a tank. As stated above, if I could pool all the money I've spent on cheap stuff, I could have bought one really nice something.