How much a kilt will cost is dependent on what type of kilt you choose, and whether you are buying a kilt on its own or as part of a highlandwear package. The initial cost of a kilt on its own is determined by the quantity and type of tartan material that is used to make it. A traditional kilt is made in Scotland from 100% worsted wool. The mill will play a big part in setting the initial cost of your kilt and not all mills are priced the same. When selecting a tartan for your kilt, you will notice that some tartans have additional charges attached to them and some do not, even if the tartan is of the same design. Choosing a tartan without a surcharge can help keep the overall cost down and in this article, we will look at other variables that contribute to the cost of buying a kilt.
Handmade VS Machine-made
Another big factor influencing the cost of a kilt is whether you choose to have it machine-made or handmade. The main difference between the two options is that a handmade kilt can be unstitched and the tartan material can be remade into a kilt of a different size in the future. There are no visible differences between machine-made kilts and handmade kilts but it’s worth considering whether you will want your kilt remade to either accommodate your size as you get older or if you plan to pass it on to your child. There is an additional cost of £150 if you want your kilt to be handmade. This may seem like a fair bit more but when you compare it to having to rebuy a new machine-made kilt down the line, the £150 actually becomes more affordable.
Full Kilt Outfit Packages
When buying a full kilt outfit package, roughly half of the cost is the kilt and the other half will be made up of the jacket, waistcoat, brogues, and accessories. Buying each element on its own will set you back more than if you were to choose to buy it as a package. Not only that but when you buy an outfit package, accessories like your flashes, tie or bowtie, and even your tartan brogues will all be made from the exact tartan as your kilt. Often there are slight differences in tartan designs from mill to mill and even over time, tartan from the same mill may differ slightly. This is a great reason to buy all these accessories at the same time as your kilt so you can get a perfect match for your overall look.
Buying A Kilt On Its Own
When buying a kilt on its own, other than choosing to have it machine-made or handmade you have the option of length and weight. When it comes to weights, the two most popular are 13oz and 16oz. The choice between each is totally up to you but as a general guide, a heavier weight will be slightly warmer and have more swing, while a 13oz will feel lighter and will be more comfortable, especially in warmer weather. The length of material used to make a kilt will also play a big part in the cost. Traditional kilts have 8 yards of tartan material which makes them the most expensive. 7-yard kilts feel lighter and are perfect for warm climates while still being fairly traditional. 5-yard kilts are the cheapest option because they use the least amount of tartan and are an affordable option for people looking to buy their first kilt or for someone who wants a kilt but can’t justify the price of an 8 or 7-yard kilt for the amount of time the kilt will be worn.
Ex-hire Kilts
Ex-hire kilts are a fantastic option if you are looking for a high-quality kilt for less. MacGregor and MacDuff ex-hire kilts don’t actually spend very long in our hire range before they are retired into our ex-hire collection. What this means is, not only are they high quality, but they also have a lot of life left in them. Ex-hire kilts are a great option for people looking for a bargain. In our ex-hire range, we also offer ex-display and Only Worn Once items. These kilts are in nearly new condition and are a fantastic way to get a traditional kilt for a fraction of the cost.
When considering all these different elements and options that go into buying a kilt, it’s difficult to give a simple answer to “How much does a kilt cost?”. The best thing you can do is visit our website and look at all of the options that we have to offer. This will give you the most accurate idea of how much you will need to spend to get the highlandwear look that you want. Once you’ve decided, you can simply place your order online or book a virtual appointment if you’d like some additional support from our expert stylists. If you have any questions or would like to discuss some of the options on our website, feel free to contact us on 0141 280 3398 or email info@macgregorandmacduff.co.uk.
