Buying a Kilt :D

[James C]

Hello Colin,

Thanks for visiting our site. In regards to our 8 Yard 16 ounce kilts we have two. One is all handsewn and one is mostly handsewn with the lining being put in using a machine. Both are high quality kilts.

Our Edinburgh Modern MacBean can be found here.

Our Balmoral Modern MacBean can be found here.

Information on our Kilt packages has been posted to the forum here.

In regards to PV kilt I do not believe that Modern MacBean is offered in PV so you will need to stick to Wool. Unless someone else knows where you can get it.

Tartan for our kilts come from Scotland and the kilts are made in Barrie, Ontario, Canada. We have been making kilts for 40 years.

We ship all accross North America so if you happen to choose us, shipping to B.C. is not a problem. We have quite a few customers out there actually and ship on a regular basis.

Good luck on your search and let us know if you need any help.

Thanks for the advice everyone.

@ Burnetts and Struth I have been to your site and I did find a lot of products that I was interested in, but I could not find a 16oz deluxe knife pleat (traditional) in modern MacBean tartan. Also do you happen to have a PC kilt in modern MacBean? I've been thinking it would be best to have two kilts as wool is a pain to wash. Thanks

Other than that does anyone know anything about these websites?

http://www.westcoastkilts.com/

http://www.gaelicclothing.com/

They seem decent, but one really doesn't know from just a website. Does anyone here recommend a kilt maker or store in Canada (preferably BC) I'm very open to ideas so please give your two cents

[slohairt]

Obviously buying here in Canada will save you money both in terms of shipping, taxes, and possible importation duties. Likewise, 'one-stop' shopping will also save on shipping costs. (Though shopping around has its benefits as well!) The following would cost approximately $1000-$1300 CAD (including taxes), depending on what items are chosen:

Kilt: When choosing your kilt, many will say you should get an 8-yard 16 oz. kilt, but I think yardage should really be the third consideration after quality of construction and quality of cloth. MacBean (Modern or Ancient) is available in both Lochcarron's Strome and House of Edgar's Old & Rare ranges. Both are excellent fabrics: the heavier Strome will work well for any style of pleating, while the lighter Old & Rare is probably a bit better suited for higher-yardage styles.

Sporran: Black day wear is probably the best choice, especially for a first sporran. The three-tasselled model here works nicely and the embossed versions offer a bit more understated detailing. For either I would recommend substituting a black leather strap than the usual chain. (Less wear and tear on your kilt.)

Jacket: I personally think the Wallace jacket and waistcoat to be the most versatile style available. I myself own both the black and charcoal versions and use the charcoal for the majority of events I attend.

Hose & Garters: Glenmore are a nice quality hose. I would recommend staying away from Ecru (Off-White) and selecting Ancient Green instead. MacBean is a tartan with many colours, so garter choices could be tartan red or tartan green. Or, alternately you choose Lewis hose which feature a distinct cabled cuff.

Sgian Dubh: The turned wood style is quite nice. Not too flashy like a jewel-pommelled evening sgian, but not rustic like an antler-handled knife either. There is also a darker wood version than what is pictured. If looking to spend a little more, the Officer model is a good functional blade.

Kilt Pin: There are many choices beyond the usual sword and crest style.

As anyone here will tell you, a good pair of dress shoes, shirt, and tie will suffice to complete an outfit, though certainly a nice woollen tie and day brogue/wing-tip shoes add a nice touch.

Happy hunting!

[Colin MacBean]

@ Burnetts Thanks I'll definitely check out those links

Slohairt what is the difference in jackets? I've been looking at a Argyle Lovat Green Tweed jacket. Is there anything really different about each? Thanks again everyone the help is really helpful

[wildrover]

x2 for Robert MacDonald at Westcoast Kilts, and DC Dalgliesh Mills tartan.

Something to consider, it's getting in to Highland Games season, and you'll be able to find deals on hose, sporrans, and kilt pins that might not be offered anywhere but at a Highland Games. It's also a great opportunity to see some of the pieces in person.

Personally, I would recommend getting a made to measure kilt rather than something off the rack, but there are deals on kilts to be found at many Games if you're of average size and shape, and find the tartan and material you want.

-Sean

[slohairt]

@ Burnetts Thanks I'll definitely check out those links

Slohairt what is the difference in jackets? I've been looking at a Argyle Lovat Green Tweed jacket. Is there anything really different about each? Thanks again everyone the help is really helpful

As far as daywear jackets go, it's really just the small details that are different:

The Wallace is a fairly standard 3-button jacket with regular cuffs, regular pocket flaps, and no epaulettes (shoulder straps). Like most kilt jackets it is shorter and cut away to accommodate the sporran. I initially suggested this version (in charcoal) as it is a good jacket for virtually any occasion, save the most formal.

The Argyle is a one-button affair, with gauntlet cuffs, epaulettes, and scalloped pocket flaps. Like the Wallace, it is also shorter and cut away at the front. All of these extra features, however, can be optional; one can forgo gauntlet cuffs in favour of plain, or choose to omit the epaulettes.

[BoldHighlander]

Other than that does anyone know anything about these websites?

http://www.westcoastkilts.com/

Those are both highly recommended kilt makers.

Robert MacDonald of West Coast Kilts could be the best in the region. Reading his site I learned more about kilts in so few words than anywhere else. I would buy my kilt from Robert, but he is priced out of my range.

Regarding Robert MacDonald (from his website):

Before you email or phone me, and before you act on my advice you should check out my blog to see if I have anything new or alarming on the subject that hasn't made it onto the website yet.

So I checked out his blog:

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Closed until further notice

My order books are now full, and therefore I will be accepting no orders for new kilts until this post is removed - but I WILL endeavour to find the time for repairs and alterations.

The reason for this temporary closure is in the previous two posts: I have a great deal of work to complete before the end of July, I am teaching a course in August, and then I will be repairing and refurbishing kilts for the Seaforth's Trooping of the Colours for the balance of the calendar year.

I shall re-open as soon as I am able to do so once my other duties are completed.

[Santa Wally]

x2 for Robert MacDonald at Westcoast Kilts, and DC Dalgliesh Mills tartan.

Personally, I would recommend getting a made to measure kilt rather than something off the rack, but there are deals on kilts to be found at many Games if you're of average size and shape, and find the tartan and material you want.

-Sean

Be careful of kilts at highland games. Some are NOT made of wool and are of poor quality. They are "off the rack" and most likely won't fit properly.

[Colin MacBean]

Updated with new information! Please check the original/first post

[Hothir Ethelnor]

Hello Kilt members here is the mostly formalized list of items. I would like to hear critiques and or support on items in the list Thanks again.

Kilt - Deluxe Knife pleat (traditional) Strome 16 oz 8 meter in MacBean Modern

Jacket and Waistcoat - Argyll (tweed or barathea need opinions ) Colour is also up for debate. I like the lovat green, but it isn't as formal.

Sporran - I don't want to offend anyone but I am not a huge fan of fur so my brother and I have been looking at the hunting Sporran.
http://www.gaelicclothing.com/huntingsporrans.htm I'm sort tossing up the metal or leather cantle and brown or black as I would like something that can be used in a formal occasion but also in a casual situation as well. Would you guys recommend getting only the formal and if I wear the kilt more often consider purchasing a casual sporran later?

Sgian Dubh - There are a lot of different options and I still have very little idea on what I should or shouldn't get Any advice/opinions would be gratefully appreciated.

Scottish hat - This is the other sore point ;) I really like hats, but am wondering what hats are considered formal/military/casual etc.
The hats I know of so far are the Glengarry, Balmoral bonnet and the Tam. As with all the previous selections the more advice the better

Thanks a lot guys, you have no idea how helpful you have all been

Well I can't say as I can help you with what kilt-maker to choose but there are plenty.

For jacket and waistcoat I would go with tweed. It's warmer and more versatile you can wear it to most everything except formal evening events. If you happen to be the sort that attends black tie events and formal dinners and such a black Argyle with pewter buttons will dress up and down nicely. (though some would say it's not quite formal enough for black tie.)

As far as a sporran goes Ferguson Britt sporrans look (to me) to be the most versatile. I don't know if you can fit it in your budget but that's my opinion. Basically you won't be able to get one sporran that is both casual and formal you will have to draw the line somewhere and most people tend to do so with fur or "bling" of course an understated hair sporran could be used in almost any occasion.

As far as Sgians go, would you wear and use a knife regularly or is this simply decoration? It is optional as decoration and not needed. If you are the sort that constantly finds uses for a pocket knife, a serviceable sgian with a simple handle made from a dark wood with perhaps a silver top would do quite nicely, in most settings.

I have one Balmoral bonnet that I wear everywhere. It was a basic noobie black bonnet with a red toorie. The toorie has been lost for a long time now and the bonnet has gained a worn shape and a clan badge. I wear the heck out of it and don't care what people think. For formal settings the hat will most likely be off your head. and everywhere else who cares? I think Glengarries look a bit "uniformish" to me.

[Colin MacBean]

Thanks Hothir

I was leaning more towards the tweed. I do not attend many formal events, but once and awhile when someone gets married or something of the sort it would be nice to be able to wear a kilt for those occasions. Thus does the colour affect the formality of the jacket? Say green lovat vs charcoal tweed?

With the Sgian Dubh I would most likely be only wearing it in formal occasions. However, we are more 'country' people and a knife that actually works would be nice From what I hear most of the fancy looking ones are pretty much useless.

I agree about the glengarry's looking uniformish, they do look sharp though