IDEAL v. BUDGET

[KFCarter]

Ok, you highland dress traditionalists out there -- I have an advice thread idea. I had given some thought to writing an article of sorts along these lines myself, but then I decided I would be more interested in hearing what the collected wisdom of this forum might come up with.....

1. The kilt itself.
IDEAL: 8 yd, knife pleat, strome wool in your tartan of choice, handsewn by a kiltmaker of choice, after an in-person consult for measurements, discussion of pleating options and at least a dram or three.
BUDGET: A semi-traditional PV kilt from USAKilts... traditional fit, good swish factor, the practicality of PV and Rocky's great service.

note: My daywear choices are designed for business use.

2. Shoes, daywear.
IDEAL: High quality brogues or oxfords, a black pair and a brown pair.
BUDGET: What you already have in the closet, polished.

3. Shoes, eveningwear.
IDEAL: Bespoke buckle shoes from DFWII, complemented by polished brogues or ghillie brogues for certain settings and levels of formality.
BUDGET: Highly polished brogues, or oxfords that you may already own for work.

4. Hose, daywear.
IDEAL: Lewis hose from Scottish Tartan Museum, paired with Traditional Garter Ties from the same place.
BUDGET: Stick with the Lewis hose... they're a great value and will last... making them a long-term value buy.

5. Hose, eveningwear.
IDEAL: Hand-knit Tartan hose to match your tartan, complemented by Argyll and Diced hose in suitable colors to handle varying levels of formality.
BUDGET: Hate to sound like a broken record, but dark colored Lewis Hose could pass muster.

6. Sporran, daywear.
IDEAL: I own it. A structured, two-toned, all-leather model from Janet Eagleton. I have a brown one, but it can be made in black/gray as well. It's just incredibly flexible and can be used for events that might call for a "semi-formal" sporran.
BUDGET: The Rob Roy Sporran from STA is a good looking daywear sporran for a great price and Buzz Kidder options are also good value

7. Sporran, eveningwear.
IDEAL: Sterling silver, engraved cantle, sealskin if legally obtained, fur if the former isn’t available.
BUDGET: Any number of chrome cantled, fur or bovine choices are available.

8. Jacket and/or waistcoat, daywear.
IDEAL: Bespoke Harris Tweed, plain cuffs, flat epaulets, or none at all... just beautiful cloth made to fit like a glove... heaven. Matching five button waistcoat
BUDGET: Charcoal "Crail" (more like a Braemar) and waistcoat available at Scottish Tartan Museum. Incredibly flexible, can dress up and down, and can work with any tartan.

9. Jacket and/or waistcoat, eveningwear.
IDEAL: Black Velvet or Barathea Doublet with bias cut tartan waistcoat, and also a waistcoat in matching black for some settings.
BUDGET: Black Barathea Argyll jacket with matching waistcoat... more flexible than a PC as it can be used for formal settings when paired with the right accessories, but also use in daywear settings as well.

10. (Because it has to be a round number), your one other piece of personal advice.

I listed a Budget choice in the kilt line-item for this reason: as much as it is true that saving for the 16 oz. Wool option is the best way to go, there could be some for whom that is impractical due to issues of timing or family responsibilities, etc. and those folks should know there are acceptable options for traditional use that are a bit more accessible.