Kilt packages?

[JWright]

Have you/would you buy a whole kilt outfit from one shop, or are their specific items you would definitely buy together?

[MacRobert's Reply]

If you want a tartan waistcoat, order it with the kilt to ensure the set and colours are identical.

Similarly, if you want a waistcoat to match a kilt jacket or doublet it is best to have them made together. (Having said that, I usually prefer contrasting waistcoats).

Other than that, the supplier may give a discount for a larger order but price needs to be balanced against quality IMHO.

[chrisupyonder]

Same as above if you want a fly plaid to match the kilt.

Chris

[RockyR]

If you LIKE all of the items in a company's package and are getting a discount for buying together, then get the package. If there's an item you don't like, ask for it to be upgraded (which will most likely just be the difference in price). Most companies will upgrade an item in a package if requested.

[JWright]

Hey MacRobert, I really like the sound of the waistcoat not matching Say you were buying your first kilt again, if there was a package you could get that wouldn't necessarily mean you had to choose a matching set, would that sound appealing?

RockyR, I can't believe I didn't think of it like that, I thought people probably bought kilt packages to save a little aggro than assembling your own set.

I feel I should explain, I'm doing a project for my BA, (I'm a design student) and I wanted to not sound like I'm doing a hideous survey-type thread, but your answers have been helpful

Thank you guys, I hope I get more answers!

ps, chrisupyonder, what's a fly plaid? xD

[Spartan Tartan]

By what you like. If it all happens to be from the same company, so be it. For example, i have bought a kilt, jacket/waistcoat, sporran and hose all from the same company. I have other pieces from other makers too, but again, get what you like (and what you can afford).

Edit for clarification: although my items were purchased from the same vendor, they were not part of a package. They were individually purchased. I suspect it woukd be very difficult to find a pre-made package of items that met both my budget and what I would actually wear. It would certainly be difficult to find my style in a pre-made kit.

[Riverkilt]

No way!!! Much prefer to buy from the individual craftsmen and kiltmakers. Better quality, get what I like instead of what's part of the package.

[seanachie]

No way!!! Much prefer to buy from the individual craftsmen and kiltmakers. Better quality, get what I like instead of what's part of the package.

I think that should be qualified somewhat. If you are buying from an individual kilt maker of a good reputation, why would you reject a package offering out of hand? Rocky offers packages, John Hart (Keltoi) offers packages and while I have not purchased one of their packages, but do own their kilts, I doubt that they would put their reputation at risk with low quality goods.

[davidg]

All good responses so far but I think the answer boils down to two things

First, the quality. Is everything of the quality you want?

Second, the style. A kilt jacket, sporran or other item you particularly want may simply not be available from that particular supplier so must influence your final decision

As Rocky said, most outfitters will adjust the package for you, even to the point of leaving certain items out of the package if need be. There is no simple answer but if you don't ask, you don't get

[CMcG]

Not all packages are created equal, so it is hard to give a categorical "aye" or "nay." If there is an economic incentive, then it seems like a good idea. ForresterModern's comments, however, are an important consideration in terms of location and the real cost of a package that must be shipped internationally.

The other consideration is if everything in the package is actually desirable. If so, then it seems like a good idea. I am somewhat leery, however, of the idea of a package and the potential to end up looking like a cookie cutter kiltie. If someone was looking at a package as a way of facilitating their purchase, there is a real danger of looking like a one is wearing a rental outfit. For me, part of the joy of kilt ownership is putting my own personal flare into it. As RockyR said many vendors might allow upgrading of individual items.