Value vs. Tradition

[JSFMACLJR]

Money is always a factor. The quality hand-made heirloom garments Lady Chrystel, Matt Newsome, Barb T and others make are out of my budget range at the moment and I don't want to invest in a $135 generic tartan unless it is a tribute to my Pop.

I guess I have been searching for a connection and have found it in MacLellan Ancient and next a USMC worn in honor.

Might I be so bold as to suggest saving for a top quality kilt? "Good things come to those who wait."

I feel you will be much happier in the long run to get the best possible kilt.

[davedove]

You have to also remember that with a good quality kilt, you are not going to replace it in a few years like is often done with other garments. This is a life long investment as a well made kilt can still be worn throughout your life and longer.

Up front cost is a factor, but as others have said, save for it. Once you get the kilt, you may well find other excuses to wear it, even if the excuse is "you felt like it."

[Phil]

You have to also remember that with a good quality kilt, you are not going to replace it in a few years like is often done with other garments. This is a life long investment as a well made kilt can still be worn throughout your life and longer.

Up front cost is a factor, but as others have said, save for it. Once you get the kilt, you may well find other excuses to wear it, even if the excuse is "you felt like it."

I still have my father-in-law's kilt made in the early 1950's and still as good as new. We didn't have a "throw-away" culture in those days and a fine kilt is one of the few such things it is still possible to own.

[McMurdo]

I would have to say that I have had no regrets when buying a quality hand sewn kilt, on the other hand I have with cheaper kilts, machine sewn PV etc. I do wear these as well, and for what they are they are fine but I wish I'd saved up a wee bit more for the hand sewn in some cases.

My first kilt was given to me by my Dad, it was sewn up in 1950 by A&J Scott and co. in Aberdeen. The point is that my cheaper kilts will never be handed down to anyone. When you look at that way the hand sewn kilt is actually a better value, the kilt I'm talking about has lasted a lifetime of wear from my dad is now mine, though I do not wear it any longer, this same kilt shrinks if you leave it in the closet, but it will be able to be passed onto another generation.

I never feel unsure when wearing a hand sewn kilt be it an 8 yard of a 4 yard, they simply work in all situations from going to the pub and highland games to a white tie ball, I can not say the same for other varieties. For example at my recent wedding, I would not have worn a PV kilt unless I absolutely had too, I'm lucky in that I was able to wear a kilt hand sewn by Barb Tewksbury in my mother's tartan. Go for the best kilt you can afford, you will not be disappointed.

[JolyStNicholas]

When I was considering buying my Seton Family kilt, knowing it would be the most expensive I would ever buy, and knowing I would pass it on to my son, I didn't hesitate spending far more than I had planned. And believe me it was more that $500.00 for the hand sewn kilt and Fly Plaid.

Knowing it will be in my family for more years than I will be able to count is just what I wanted when I bought it. Hopefully with the proper care my great/great grand children will be caring for it in the far future.

That's what I wanted when buying a good quality/expensive Kilt/Fly Plaid.

[M. A. C. Newsome]

As Slohairt has already pointed out, having a fine quality kilt in your family tartan doesn't have to be as expensive as some perceive. You said in your original post that the MacLellan tartan isn't common and so would have to be custom woven. Not so. Lochcarron and House of Edgar both stock this tartan.

If you are interested in a hand sewn 8 yard kilt, the Scottish Tartans Museum offers the MacLellan tartan in 13 oz for $479 and 16 oz for $499.

If you want a less expensive option, there is always a four yard box pleated, which will set you back $395. Or for an expensive option you can go with a machine stitched "casual" kilt in the same tartan for $290 or $299 (medium or heavy weight).

Those are our prices and should be comparable to other kilts of the same quality offered by others. But my point here is mainly that this particular tartan isn't a custom weave and so your kilt may not cost as much as you first had in mind.

[tulloch]

I have to chime in and say that if you want to wear a kilt and have a tartan that means a lot to you then save up. You will never regret getting and taking care of a good quality one. I expect that I will have mine many, many years after the Dodge Durango has been scrapped. In regards kilts thrift does not equal cheap.

[dfmacliam]

When selecting my first real kilt, I considered the Texas heat, and a traditional style kilt. I got my Leatherneck made in the 4 yd box pleat, 16 oz Lochcorran, as suggested by Steve Ashton.. Quality materials.. It is a machine sewn kilt but the attention to detail Steve puts into his kilts, I have no doubt my 3 month old grandson will inherit this kilt, if he chooses to. I am currently having made by Slohairt, and Keltoi Gaelic Clothing, a handsewn 16 oz saffron 4 yd box pleat kilt. I have become partial to the military waisted, 4 yd box pleats just because I like the way they look on me.. Both of these kilts cost below $500.00 each and with slohairts discount that one will run me about $350.00 US with shipping and all.. I might add, with both of these kilts, half payment up front after the details are worked out... Then the other half due before the kilt is actually sewn... Both have about a 2 1/2 month wait, so you have some time to get the balance.... A quality kilt is very affordable... And as Jock pointed out... You will wear it for just about everything... And it will last longer than the cheap kilts...

[KFCarter]

I'll add my two cents... I'll bet that one day you are going to own an heirloom kilt with a family connection. And it will likely remain in the family for a long time. So, why not now? If you need to save, do. It might take a little time, but you'll get there. You won't regret it.

8-yd knife or 4-yd box or whatever style, do go for the best cloth in a heavier (16 oz.) weight.

[Riverkilt]

Another voice for fine quality here. For BOTH tartans.

Since were tossing kiltmaker's names about here do yourself a favor and include Kathy Lare of Kathy's Kilts in your selection process. She's a full time kiltmaker so your jones is shorter. You're dealing direct with her so there's no middleman cut or risk of information transmittal errors. She helps with the financial end of it by accepting half down to order in the cloth and sew up the kilt. The balance is due when the kilt is complete making the financial end a two step process. Many members of this board have kilts hand sewn by her. I have ten. She is the only kiltmaker in North America to graduate from the Kieth Kilt School in Scotland and have her Scottish qualifications in kiltmaking. She makes her kilts in the traditional manner rather than the "tailored" manner. AND...she's from a Marine family. Her husband Rob was offereing a KBar replica sgian dubh. The perfect accessory for a Leatherneck tartan kilt. Check her prices on her website and you'll see she's most competative.

Whoever you select to sew up your kilts I highly recommend spending the money on a quality kilt that looks sharp and will maintain its value over the years - either to your family as an heirloom, or on the kilt market should you "outgrow" it.

Ron