Part of the reason that kilt prices (and accessory prices) have gone up a lot lately (for us in America, at least) is due to the fluxuating exchange rate. The pound to dollar ration is not to the advantage of someone in the US importing British goods. So while the prices from the manufacturers in the UK have actually remained steady, the retail prices in the US continue to climb year after year as the dollar looses value to the pound.

Another comment, about those who would want to try a kilt out before they buy one. Rent a kilt! Especially if the occasion is something like a wedding. Renting a full kilt outfit is not much more expensive than renting a tux, especially if you happen to live near a kilt hire place and can avoid shipping costs. I know people who have rented a kilt (just the kilt, no jacket) to wear at a festival, precisely because they wanted to see if they liked wearing it enough to buy one.

This is both less expensive that purchasing one of the kilt-alternatives that Alan mentioned (he quoted $75 and $110, and you can generally rent just the kilt/sporran for around $50), and you get the experience of actually trying an honest-to-goodness hand tailored woolen kilt.

I have to chuckle a bit when people tell me that they would love to own a traditional kilt if they could only afford one, and then I find out that they own three Utilikilts (for example). If you take that money and add it up, it would just about get you a traditional kilt, which you are much more likely to pass on to your children and grandchildren.

We have kilts in our museum that are 200 years old, and in good enough shape that someone could still wear them if they were so inclined. So I tell people that a kilt is an investment that will last your lifetime, and then some. It will be a family heirloom. Sure it is not cheap. But what quality item is? It is worth every penny if you enjoy wearing it. The only expensive kilt is the one you never wear.

Aye,
Matt