Help me get dressed!

[Raphael]

the last time I check, Hunting Mcleod was on sale for $65.

[Brian F]

Of course, most people wouldn't know the difference.

I think I'm gonna' take this statement and run. I would love to have a nice, traditional kilt...heck, I'd love to have a big, custom made tank. But, on my current budget (and with my fiancee's current uncertanity) I'm gonna' stick with the Thrifty Kilt for now...

However, I do thank you all for your comments, advice, and all around good nature. Heck, I haven't even bought a "real" kilt yet, and I love this place!

~Yeti

[cacunn]

From a thrift point of view I would look at thrift shops. However, this will require cutting and sewing, how are your sewing skill. The second option I would take is an Eaton Jacket from Uniformwearhouse. This will cost about $40. Get the single button style and replace the existing button with a silver one. YES it should have a whole lot of buttons but this is on the cheap. There is a post some where on this forum where epaulettes were made out of black nylon rope. They looked good and are inexpensive.

Next month, or when the eagle fly’s high, you can add more buttons. The short jacket in and of itself will look different and sharp. Most of the people will not know what it is really suppose to look like. If you go in looking tall and proud most won’t know, those few that do know what the outfit should look like will also know the actual cost and the funds available for a college student.
Since there are few thrift store jackets in my size I am thinking of a Eaton from Uniformwearhouse as an alternative to a Argyle jacket. Manybe with replaceable buttons, black covered buttons for day wear and silver for more fancy.

[BEEDEE]

I may hit the Thrift Stores next week (payday is Friday...WOOT) and see what I can find. Maybe a good tweed jacket or something? Would that look decent? I know a lot of it depends on the color of the tartan I choose. I'm leaning towards the Hunting McLeod because of SWK having the matching tie...

Do a search on the DIY thread. There have been several conversions of tail coats to PC and at least one tweed jacket to an Argyll. Then, if you are not handy with a sewing machine - find someone in the family or at work who would do the conversion for you.

Good luck,

Brian

[mudd]

One leg at a time!

I usually just put my Kilts on, both legs at a time.

[ccga3359]

Yeti which budget SWK are you considering as the economy model doesn't have sewn down pleats whereas the stanar does. There are other features of the standard that makes it a much nicer puchase and may be worth the extra.

[Brian F]

Well...I talked it out with my fiancee, and it appears y'all have convinced me (and, in a round about way, her), and I will be ordering the following from SWK:

• Men's SWK Standard Kilt- Hunting McLeod Tartan
• 3-Tassel Black Leather Sporran
• Leather Kilt Belt with Buckle
• Wool-blend Kilt Socks
• Solid Green Tartan Sock Flashes
• Economy Sword Kilt Pin

Which brings my total to 126.70, plus shipping...I may throw in the matching tartan tie for good measure.

Thank you all again for your advice and input. I'll get pictures up ASAP, but since I won't be ordering until late July/early August (probably after my paycheck on July 30), it'll be awhile...

~Yeti

[ccga3359]

Also consider that SWK come in 24" length. Make sure that you can get away with his length. If you need shorter check out Frugal Corner.

[McMurdo]

That sounds like the makings a great outfit. At that price you just can not go wrong. Good for you, looking forward to the pics.

[fluter]

That sounds like the makings a great outfit. At that price you just can not go wrong. Good for you, looking forward to the pics.

I agree. Both the standard and economy SWKs are great value; but if the budget is there, the standard is much nicer and more versatile. It's hard to go wrong with the McLeod Hunting at that price---but order ASAP or email and ask Jerry about the supply of your size, you'd hate to miss it. I got a 32 2 weeks ago, and I'm glad I jumped because they're gone (at least for now).

We haven't seen the Thrifty model yet. I expect it's excellent value but won't look as "traditional" without the straps. Either of the economy/standard ones I have can be dressed up or down and will do you well.

Here is an A/B comparison of standard Hunting McLeod (left) and economy Wallace (right). If you can zoom in enough to see the pleats & hip area, you'll see why we say it's worth the upgrade. Email or PM me for higher-res copies. http://www.flickr.com/photo_zoom.gne...7221345&size=o


The economy has just over 4 yards fabric in my size; the standard, a smidgen over 6 yards. So we get more and better pleats. The sewn down pleats give the taper required for the kilt to sit nicely on the hips. This is a big win. I'm actually working on sewing down the pleats on the economy model. It will not look nearly as good, but it's highly educational.

In both my SWK's the pleats are quite attractive. The economy is pleated to the thin yellow stripe, a nice effect; the standard, a nice job of pleating to the sett so the tartan pattern continues around the back.

As to the rest of your outfit, you're on track. A dressy vest and a tie would look very nice, if you don't have a jacket yet. Watch the thrift stores for vests, and for jackets that could be shortened. I have not tried that yet, but if you are handy or you know a tailor who could do it for a reasonable price, a solid or tweed jacket with slit (not patch) pockets is the prime target for conversion. I have my eye on an old corduroy suit jacket in my closet, which is hardly ever worn now. The idea is to get the jacket tail at or above the hip line, and cut away the front a bit more, to allow for the sporran.