Looking to purchase a new first time Kilt.

[The Wizard of BC]

First of all welcome to the great rabble that is X Marks. I'm pretty sure you will find all the help you could want or need.

Now, to your questions.

$3000.00!!!!!!!!!! Wow, that is simply outrageous.

Most of the kilt makers I know charge between $300.00 and $400.00 for their labor to make a first rate quality, hand sewn traditional kilt. This is certainly true of the Traditional kiltmakers who advertise on this forum.
The fabric for a traditional kilt will cost between $300.00 and $400.00 for 16oz wool.

Speaking for myself the most expensive kilt I have ever sold was a fully traditional, hand-sewn, in a custom woven fabric. This kilt retailed for $887.00cdn.
This price included the fabric which was specially woven in the customers personally designed Tartan. Woven by one of the most respected weaving mills in the world, it was full 16oz wool.
This price also included three pockets.

A Prince Charlie coatee and vest will run you between $360.00 and $500.00. This is made in either the UK or N. America and is first rate quality. Not fully bespoke perhaps but not made in Pakistan or Hungary either.

Please do not discount the N. American kiltmakers. Some of the best, most respected kiltmakers are now in N. America. In fact, what I would consider the the benchmark against which all other kilts could be measured, is made in up-state NY.

I'm sorry, but "made in Scotland" is no guarantee of a quality kilt.

I really think that the secret to getting a good kilt and outfit is communication. If the place you are dealing with does not talk to you personally go find somewhere that will. You should be able to know your kiltmaker.

One of the great things about this forum is that we are a very large, very picture loving group of very picky kilt wearers. I would guess that a good portion of the world's kilt makers and kilt resellers have been reviewed at one time or another.

So please do not get discouraged. If you need help this is the place to find it.