El Cheapo kilts on Ebay...

**Bob C** · 30th June 05, 08:39 AM

Anybody ever bought one? I see Irish National kilts (as well as some others) for $29.95.

Are they good enough to go drinking on St. Patricks Day or to wear some other time when I'm worried about ruining my good one?

I'm not expecting much, but most people in those situations wouldn't know the difference, anyway.

**Dreadbelly** · 30th June 05, 09:05 AM

In general, most of those are school girl skirts. If you are ok wearing one, feel free.

For a few dollars more, you can get a nice Irish National kilt from Stillwater Kilts.

I for one, am not a fan of dressing in school girl skirts.

**Jimmy Carbomb** · 30th June 05, 09:32 AM

Without taking the time to stroll on over to eBay and search for the ones that you're quoting, I'll only tell you that it's NOT the place to shop for kilts!!!

Yes, I know a friend that was able to obtain an authentic, handsewn there for less than $80... but that was three years ago, and is VERY rare. When you see a LOAD of kilts from a few sources that are priced in a "ridiculous" range, you're probably going to get something ridiculous. Even the StillWater "Economy" Kilts are sitting there. The StillWater "Standards" or "Heavy Weights" are wonderful however.

At $30 or so... just don't expect much. If you run into a kilt lover, just be prepared to get "the looks". I've seen too many guys that wear the "el cheapo" kilts in public, only to feel incredibly embarassed when they meet-up with guys in nice kilts. Nothing is said... the guys just get that lump in their chests... and you can see it in their eyes.

The BEST tell-tale sign of a kilt that will DRIVE YOU INSANE, it to look at the front apron. TRUST ME ON THIS ONE. If it's straight... be warey. If it is thin (doesn't go at least hip-bone to hip-bone)... be warey. All you will be getting is an ill-fitting, thrown-together, straight-pleated garment that happens to have a nice tartan.

Check-out the manufacturer... if available. Browse that website. If you have time, get on to here and ask about the SPECIFIC maker. It's a certain headache that XMarks can cure before it even hits.

**Mr. Kilt** · 30th June 05, 09:43 AM

Bob, I bought one of those Stillwater "economy" Irish National kilts last year, thinking the same way as you do. It would give me something to wear for St. Patrick's day. Well, it has never been seen outside of the house. Once it arrived I wrapped it around my waist and decided quickly that I'd thrown away my money. It might be ok for some young guys who are going on a pub-crawl, but for anyone with the least bit of kilt knowledge it just doesn't look right. The other issue with them is the tartan is much too bright, compared with the actual Irish National. I think Jimmy has a pic somewhere showing the difference.

Keep your eyes on Ebay for decent quality used kilts. I won a 60/40 wool blend traditional styled Irish National kilt a few months ago for $107.00! I actually felt bad for the seller, as I expected it to sell for alot more. There are deals out there!

**Sir Robert** · 30th June 05, 09:53 AM

I could say something about schoolgirls here but Rufus wouldn't like it.

You absolutely get what you pay for. I just got an all black kilt for wear at Goth clubs for about $60 USD, I am happy with it.

I found a nice woolen Gordon Kilt for about the same price. But I do not beleive that this is typical.

For those who pay $500 for a tartan kilt, well my cheapskate Scottish heart bleeds for ye man.

**jjoseph** · 30th June 05, 10:36 AM

Cheapest "decent" kilt you'll find is likely to be the Stillwater Standard. Yes, it's low end, but honestly it's a great starter kilt. As for their economy kilt, I have one (solid black) and wear it out for the informal grunge thang: bar hopping, frisbee golf and other activities where after one wear I know a good washing is in order. Saves wear and tear on the good kilts and to be honest, in dark light or out shirtless in the sun w/ a bunch of hippies in dreads and metal hangin from all over :-D , no one is checking to see how straight is the apron or crisp are the pleats. Moreover, if ya live in a hot clime like me, the lightweight material is a boon.

**Colin** · 30th June 05, 10:41 AM

Originally Posted by Sir Robert

I could say something about schoolgirls here but Rufus wouldn't like it.

You absolutely get what you pay for. I just got an all black kilt for wear at Goth clubs for about $60 USD, I am happy with it.

I found a nice woolen Gordon Kilt for about the same price. But I do not beleive that this is typical.

For those who pay $500 for a tartan kilt, well my cheapskate Scottish heart bleeds for ye man.

Ah, but my cheap **** would rather spend $500 on a single quality garment that will stand the test of time, rather than having to constantly spend $60 to buy ***** products to replace the other ***** products that wore out after a year of use.

**macwilkin** · 30th June 05, 10:43 AM

Originally Posted by Colin

Ah, but my cheap **** would rather spend $500 on a single quality garment that will stand the test of time, rather than having to constantly spend $60 to buy ***** products to replace the other ***** products that wore out after a year of use.

Colin, that was my grandmother's definition of "frugal", guid Scottish Presbyterian that she was! :mrgreen:

Cheers,

Todd

**Bob C** · 30th June 05, 10:57 AM

I'm not sorry to have spent over $500 on my good kilt, but I don't want to be spilling beer on it.

The stillwater standard looks like it might be a decent happy hour kilt.

Thanks to those who provided actual useful input.

**Colin** · 30th June 05, 10:59 AM

Originally Posted by Bob C.

I'm not sorry to have spent over $500 on my good kilt, but I don't want to be spilling beer on it.

The stillwater standard looks like it might be a decent happy hour kilt. For a few bucks more, I might get their heavyweight.

Thanks to those who provided actual useful input.

I completely agree about not wanting to spill beer on your good kilt. I have heard good things about the standard and the heavyweight, but not the econo. That black heavyweight is actually really tempting me right now.