Is a kilt outfit a luxury item?

**dutchy kilted** · 26th February 10, 05:22 PM

Think of it this way - your wearing of a kilt might give your clients a smile. God knows, they probably need something to smile about.

**Jdot84** · 27th February 10, 09:28 AM

As my wife says, is it a want or a need? In that case I guess it would be considered a luxury in most cases. As to wearing it to work what about the basket ball coaches that wear $ 1000.00 suits to jump up and down on the side lines. People watch them are not put out or down. And the trainer that most people wear run $50-150 and they don't have a problem with that. We should not be afraid to wear the kilt at the chance of offending people. Most people would'nt have a clue about the price of a kilt or acessories. If anything you would just get the normal odd looks and comments about being in a s***t.

**ForresterModern** · 27th February 10, 10:06 AM

I remember 5 years ago when I first discovered the Scottish heritage in my name and very distant (nealry 400 years ago) background. I was ignorant of tartans other than a few very common ones (Black Watch, Dress gordon, Royal Stewart), certainly had no idea that there were any tartans specific to my family/clan, and did not even know what a kilt really was from a design or wear standpoint, let alone what they cost, or the spread of potential cost. I do remember seeing kilts advertised in a cycling catalogue for about $50 as something to wear after a mountain bike ride, then being popularized by a very active and visible mountain cyclist in the sport at that time. I was naive enough, when I discovered that a friend was going to Scotland for a weeklong business seminar followed by some vacation, to ask her to "pick me up" a kilt while she was there, and giving her $100 to cover her anticipated costs. Ahhh, ignorance truly is bliss. She returned from the trip with great photos, stories, my $100 returned, the gift of a glass Foster insignia paperweight with a generic tartan background, and a tale that , well, it was just not that simple to "pick up" a kilt for someone like I had expected. I am just glad she did not grab me one of the cheap tat kilts that were likely hitting the stores about then

Even though Scots are more likely than an ignorant 'merican like myself to understand the true build, quality, value, and cost of a well built wool tartan kilt, I would also think they would take at least a small bit of pride in seeing you, someone sent to help them, one of their own countrymen, wearing the kilt with pride and grace, under circumstances where they themselves might not be able to afford to do so. I seriously doubt anyone would hold it against you any more than they would hold you having your job against you, or having a decent pair of shoes, or a home to go to at the end of the day, or a hot meal and a hug and kiss waiting for you when you get there. Some might, but then there are all kinds everywhere.

I would wear the kilt, with pride, with comfortable working clothes, nothing ostentatious, and in a manner which shows the people you are helping that you really have their best interests at heart, regardless of whether you are wearing pants, a kilt, a sarong, pajamas, or a swim suit. Your actions and attitudes will speak volumes compared to your clothes, and the clothes might actually help you find a noble kindridship with some people who would really welcome some reason to feel a little more noble about themselves and their situation.

Good luck.

jeff

**Pleater** · 27th February 10, 12:08 PM

My clothing costs have always been fairly low as I make most of what I wear, recently purchases have reduced to almost zero.

Since deciding to wear kilts and getting about six made, and a couple of plaids, I seem to have no need for other garments. I did make the kilts to tone with my usual clothing colours, so what I already had as garments is still wearable, and what is in the various stashes will be useful, eventually - if I am spared long enough to need it.

I have indulged in the purchase several lots of fabric in the last year or so, but it is still awaiting sewing up. I already have enough variety for me to wear the year round.

I have leisurely added knitted jackets and jerseys, hosen, plus a few berets, from my stash of knitting wool - but just at the normal rate of production - I made such things before I decided to wear kilts.

My situation of being able to make just about all I need is not usual these days, but being perfectly content with a modest collection despite being able to expand it if I wished will - I hope - reassure those who are still at the start of their kilting acquisition phase that they are not condemned to a perpetual struggle to remain both solvent and kilted.

Anne the Pleater :ootd:

**rollerboy_1979** · 27th February 10, 12:18 PM

Sometimes I wonder if we'd see more men in kilts if they weren't so pricey, particularly the 100% wool traditional tanks.

My formal Prince Charlie outfit was over $1K, comparable to a designer tuxedo, so I think that would be considered expensive by most. I feel fortunate that I can afford to have the two traditional tartan outfits I love to wear.

Cheers!

John

**Jaggy thistle** · 27th February 10, 01:10 PM

To say that kilts are expensive is wrong Good kilts are expensive but very reasonably priced kilts can be bought that are perfectly OK for work or leisure.
I have 3 8 yd wool kilts and 3 casual kilts and most people dont know the difference so I do not think that a kilt is a luxury item

**lethearen** · 1st March 10, 03:18 PM

I think that whether someone is going to take offense has a lot more to do with their character than yours. You'll probably get some people who are proud to see you in your nation's garb; others who think you pompous for parading around in something so lavish when they're destitute; and the majority who don't think twice about it. Wear what you want, and don't be ashamed -- whether it's pants or a kilt. They're going to be more concerned with the hand you're lending them than what you're wearing.

**Paul** · 1st March 10, 05:14 PM

Jimmy, one thing that just came into my mind is what a kilt symolises - and probably should symbolise.
If you wore a very visable Rolex, you'd be likely trying to show off a bit of money. If you wore a 3-piece, very expensive suit then you may even perhaps be trying to show a little wealth. If you wear a kilt, all that would connote is Scottish identity... I don't think the cost of the kilt is the first thing that most people would think of.

**Larry124** · 1st March 10, 07:59 PM

Yes the full kit is a luxury outfit.

**Jimmy** · 2nd March 10, 02:15 AM

Originally Posted by Paul.

Jimmy, one thing that just came into my mind is what a kilt symolises - and probably should symbolise.
If you wore a very visable Rolex, you'd be likely trying to show off a bit of money. If you wore a 3-piece, very expensive suit then you may even perhaps be trying to show a little wealth. If you wear a kilt, all that would connote is Scottish identity... I don't think the cost of the kilt is the first thing that most people would think of.

Probably one of the main reasons I wear a kilt is because it denotes the Scottish identity which I am very proud even although I come from an Irish background, I always felt great kilted abroad with the Tartan army and certainly gained lots of admirers.
Mind you Paul, I don't think wearing a kilt seeing my clientele in downtown Rutherglen would be very appropriate, I know it would show a Scottish identity but I strongly believe that there is a time to be kilted and not kilted.

Anyway, Glasgow should have a few kilties in town tomorrow night for the Czech game so here's a good opportunity to get the kilt on