A well made 16 oz 8 yard kilt, or tank, is a hearty garment that with proper care will outlast the wearer and become a family heirloom, however if one does not take care of it I'm sure that it will not last as long as it should. I know this for a fact because my first kilt was my fathers, he gave it to me as it in his words "Shrunk in the Closet" it was made in 1950 by A&J Scott, now Alex Scott and co.

I own several hand sewn kilts, some are what we refer to as tanks, others are the 4 yard box pleated variety that Matt Newsome specializes in, I have no qualms about wearing any of these to the pub, going dancing or wherever, and yes I do wear a kilt on a daily basis. In my estimation the "cheap kilts" from ebay, the Gold Brothers, etc. will not stand the test of time, they do not hang the same, they do not swing the same and they do not hold a pleat the same way, but I suppose they are fine for spilling ale on.

I think that going to Kathy Lare for your first kilt is a good decision, while I do not own one of her kilts I have heard nothing but good things about her work.