an odd one this

[benkilt]

Okay, looking at numerous UK websites, I've come up with a few options for the next kilt, a handmade, handstitched but off the peg, 8yd,16oz;
a handmade, machine stitched, but made to measure 6-7yd, 16oz;
or an ex-hire (worn 5 or less times), handmade, handstitched, off the peg, 8yd, 16oz for about £50 less than the first two?
Just thinking out loud, any ideas

[McMurdo]

I would say to go for option 2

handstitched but off the peg, 8yd,16oz;
a handmade, machine stitched, but made to measure 6-7yd, 16oz

for the difference in price I would want something that was not a rental but made for me.

Good luck with it I would like to see pictures when you do get your kilt whatever option you decide.

[Bob C]

I would say to go for option 2

handstitched but off the peg, 8yd,16oz;
a handmade, machine stitched, but made to measure 6-7yd, 16oz

for the difference in price I would want something that was not a rental but made for me.

Good luck with it I would like to see pictures when you do get your kilt whatever option you decide.

Agreed.

[Tattoo Bradley]

I agree too. You'll be glad you did.

[Kid Cossack]

There's nothing wrong with off the peg clothing. I know that, most of the time, that's what I'm walking around in. Even some of my old "tailored" suits were really off the peg suits that were then fit some to me.

There is nothing wrong with off the peg clothing! But oh my goodness! Tailored, made to measure clothing! Whee doggies! I've got some tailored clothing. I've got a pair of hand made cowboy boots, made from a tracing of my foot, with fittings as they were being built. I'm not much on cowboy boots, but these are COWBOY BOOTS. Plain, black cowhide, round toe, low heel----but they're the best cowboy boots in the universe, at least for me.

I've got some shirts ordered from Thailand (fair trade village collective, in case anyone wants to say "sweatshop"). They're banded collared and just simply fit me. A little longer than usual, but not as long as I'd order them now.

I've got made to measure kilts, too. PKs and USAKs and one (with more on the way) Newsome box pleated kilt. Now, there is nothing wrong with off the peg clothing, and there is nothing wrong with an off the peg kilt, but a made to measure kilt---once more, whee doggies. (As we say in Texas.)

That's a long winded way of saying, "my vote would be for the handmade, machine stitched 6-7 yard kilt made to measure. If it was in any way feasible, I would try to arrange for a personal fitting by the kilt maker.

[Phil]

Ex-hire kilts are a good option. They are well made (have to be to withstand abuse) and as long as you are OK with the limited range of tartans available , are fine. They only come in heavyweight cloth which can be a downside for indoor dancing, hotter climes but the upside is they last longer and keep their shape/pleats better.
If you must have a particular, less common tartan you will have to go the more expensive route and for £50 extra I would go for a made to measure. Everyone's shape is a bit different and if a kilt doesn't hang right from your waist or over your hips it can fall in unsightly folds. Also short-arsed people like me find standard kilts too long and long-legged people find them too short.
Just make sure you try before you buy and don't be fobbed off by something unsuitable if it is "off the peg". I've personally witnessed that in shops on the Royal Mile here in Edinburgh.