I'm waiting on my first kilt which will hopefully be here Saturday, a 'Casual' model from USA Kilts. It's in my price range, it fits my needs, and it will hopefully be versatile throughout a few outfits. However, I was warned that these kilts are not quite up to snuff for very formal affairs. I have never handled a kilt up-close, don't know how to tell quality, and cannot visibly spot the differences between a casual kilt and a full blown model.

Let's say two gentleman walk by wearing the exact same outfits, same kilts, same tartan pattern even. What would the two kilts look like compared to each other? What makes the difference?