Cost!

[macwilkin]

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.

When people ask me about getting started in wearing a kilt, I usually tell them about Canadian kiltmakers like Hector Russell's Toronto branch, Burnett & Struth, Bear, etc., since the exchange rate with Canada is much better then with the pound at present. Or American traditional kilt makers like Kathy Lare, Barb or Cyndi.

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.

I've thought about getting some sort of "casual kilt" now and then, but this same line of thought always stops me -- why spend the money on a "casual" when I can save a wee bit more and get a traditional? If I wore a kilt everyday, then maybe a casual would be make more sense -- but since I wear the kilt for Scottish functions, educational programs, etc., a traditional kilt is the better option for me -- it may not be right for someone else though.

Matt was "spot on": for some, the traditional kilt will be an "hierloom" -- something that can be passed on to another generation -- and that is something that is priceless in the long run.

Cheers,

Todd

[Archangel]

My army surplus kilt has an '83 date on it. I bought it on eBay for about $CDN250. The stains on the lining show that it was well used. What other clothing is going to look so new and timeless despite the actual age and wear?