Buying a kilt

[stewmini]

I made the mistake of buying a kilt online without doing better research and received a Pakistani kilt. ugh! Might be ok for out and about but, this stuff seems like cheap costume . I am of Scottish descent , not Pakistani and I mean no offense by that. Having said this I wish to connect to my heritage and I take it seriously but, not too much.

The 64k question.... Purchasing a kilt online: what is the consensus on who to purchase from and the best kilt under $300?

Thanks,
Scott

[Steve Ashton]

Just to put everything into perspective -

Just the fabric alone - for an 8 yard, knife pleated kilt, made in 16oz UK wool - will cost about $320.00 -$360.00 US Dollars.

Add to that the skilled labor to make the kilt. Ask your self what your hourly rate is and multiply by 25 -35 hours for a hand stitched, "Traditional" style kilt.

Please expect the price of a good quality hand stitched kilt, made to measure, by a reputable maker, to be around $500.00 to $800.00 US Dollars.

[kilted2000]

Steve is correct. In your given price range you should look at the polyviscose kilts from USA Kilts. The fabric is lighter than wool but made by a mill in the UK.

[stewmini]

This is good info to know. What is your opinion/recommendation of a reputable maker?

[Steve Ashton]

I will personally vouch for any company that chooses to support this forum.

Unlike some other sites I do not have a vested interest in any of the advertises here. I can only tell you that they are all highly respected, honest and have a proven record for delivering exactly what they advertise, a quality product at a reasonable price.

[KennethSime]

While I support Steve's position, I'll play devil's advocate and say that you could do a lot worse than a 5-Yard kilt from USA Kilts, which starts at $299. While it's not the same as a hand-stitched 8-yard kilt, it's pretty darn good. I have several low-yardage, machine-stitched kilts (including one from USAK) and like them very much for daily wear.

[Kitfoxdave]

This is good info to know. What is your opinion/recommendation of a reputable maker?

I bought a closeout / clearance kilt (Mackensie old colors) and an Argyle jacket from St. Kilda kilts... really nice 8 yard medium weight wool and fit quite well, and the jacket is green highland tweed. Excellent value! Very helpful folks!

[Dileasgubas]

you could look at Burnett’s and Struth. They have a three to five yard casual kilt in wool. Cheaper, but looks quite good.

This is good info to know. What is your opinion/recommendation of a reputable maker?