looking for a formal look but not the price

[M. A. C. Newsome]

If what you are really looking for is a formal kilt at a good price, I'm going to disagree with some of the other members of the board here and not reccomend Stillwater kilts, or any other Poly-blend alternatives. To my eye, nothing makes a kilt look more traditional or more formal than the quality of cloth, and this means good, hard-wearing worsted wool kilt cloth.

Everything else could be spot on about the make and construction of the kilt, but if the cloth is not worsted wool, it will still have the look of a cheap kilt, especially when worn with otherwise formal kilt accessories. It just tends to highlight the fact that the kilt is not traditional wool.

So, if you want a traditional woolen kilt but at a lower cost, what are your options?

The first thing you can do is look for a second hand kilt in your size. A lot of places that sell kilts will have a "sales" page on their web site. Scour those. You have to be willing to not be picky about the tartan selection and just be happy if you find one in your size that you like.

You might want to also try contacting clan societies and see if any members have kilts they are selling.

I used to reccomend ebay and still do so long as you are discerning enough to tell a true traditional kilt from the majority of what is now being offered. There are occasionally some great deals to be had.

Also this forum has a section for people looking to buy and sell used kilts. So take advantage of that.

If you don't want to go the second-hand route, there are other options. There is a web site called "What Price the Glory" (I'm sure someone here can provide the URL or just do a Google search) that sells quality reproductions of Scottish regimental kilts at a very decent price. I have not purchased from them, but based on the reviews of those that have, I would reccomend them. These are going to be very heavy weight regimental kilts, but would do well for formal situations.

You may also consider getting a 4 yard kilt v. the usual 8 yard kilt. Not to advertise for myself (I make 4 yard box pleated kilts) but the traditional box pleated kilt is every bit as formal as an 8 yard knife pleated kilt. I got married in one! Even though it contains less material, it is still hand tailored, and it is still made from the highest quality of cloth. But you'll spend $350 v. the $500 or more you can expect to spend for an 8 yard kilt.

A lot of companies also offer some version of a "casual kilt" and these are usually 4 or 5 yards of cloth that are knife pleated and machine sewn. There are some great deals to be had here, as well. Even though I would not normally reccomend machine sewn kilts for formal wear, so long as they are made from actual woolen kilting cloth, they will still look a lot better with formal accessories than any non-woolen alternatives that are out there.

These are just a few reccomendations, but if you follow them and find something you like, you should easily be able to shave a couple hundred dollars off the price tag.

[Oswulf]

I'm not the authority that Matt is, not even close, but I will say that stillwater's wool kilts are hard to distinguish from at least the more casual scottish kilts. The fabric itself is very close to what I got from scottishkilts.net in a lochcarron tartan. Granted the cut and fit is superior to some degree in the Scottish kilt (though it's machine sewn also). There's loads of alternatives out there, and a handsewn tank is like the holy grail if you can afford it. It's definitely on the list for me, but until then I can make the cheaper varieties look pretty good and still get loads of compliments.

[Kiltman]

If what you are really looking for is a formal kilt at a good price, I'm going to disagree with some of the other members of the board here and not reccomend Stillwater kilts, or any other Poly-blend alternatives. To my eye, nothing makes a kilt look more traditional or more formal than the quality of cloth, and this means good, hard-wearing worsted wool kilt cloth.

I have to agree with Matt, nothing like the look and feel of hard-wearing worsted wool. It's a joy to wear. I also recommend 16oz wool. I've some lighter ones, but they just don't have the feel of 16oz.

[Iolaus]

To the un-educated eye (99.9% of the population) a kilt is a kilt. He wants "the look", not the real thing; a Stillwater Heavyweight or inexpensive tradional from one of the makers here will probably suit his purpose just as well as a $500 kilt would; where the real cost comes in is trying to get the rest - jacket, vest, hose, etc. ...especially the jacket!

[646guy]

Welcome to the group....I echo what everyone else said abotu Stillwater kilts. Great product, great price, and QUICK delivery.

[angerli]

Hi this is my first time posting and hope that the form is open. I have been wearing sport kilts now for a couple of years and have four of them. they are of good quality and look and I like them alot for the everyday run around. I was woundering though if their is a place that I can get a traditional look with out haveing to pay the 500.00 dollar price tag. I found some places on line, but I feel their is some that I may be missing. Just thought I would ask
thanks
kurt

Welcome, Kurt!!

I've had some DARN good luck on eBay.co.uk (that's eBay England). I've done wearches for kilt jackets and I've nailed down several Harris Tweed ones for very good prices. Make sure you know your measurements for sure, and be prepared to give the garment to your cleaners' when you get it. Works for me.

Sandy

[kiltedjaz]

Welcome, Kurt!!

I've had some DARN good luck on eBay.co.uk (that's eBay England)....

Sandy

The site is actually Ebay UK. The terms UK and England are NOT the same and are NOT interchangeable. The UK is comprised of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. It surprises me that this 'error' has been made on this site, considering that we all celebrate the Kilt and Cilt which are Scottish, Welsh and Irish garments.

That's me had my little rant for the day

[beverlonian]

The site is actually Ebay UK. The terms UK and England are NOT the same and are NOT interchangeable. The UK is comprised of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. It surprises me that this 'error' has been made on this site, considering that we all celebrate the Kilt and Cilt which are Scottish, Welsh and Irish garments.

That's me had my little rant for the day

I'm with you on this one James, but the UK also comprises of the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands.