Kilts have evolved from traditional clothing worn by people in the Highlands of Scotland into a garment cherished by a nation and recognised worldwide. When it comes to crafting traditional kilts, there are two main types, handmade and machine-made. While they look almost identical even when inspecting them up close, there is a strong case for why you should choose a handmade kilt. Here are a few reasons why you should consider investing in a handmade option over anything else.
Craftsmanship and Heritage of Kilts
The craftsmanship of creating a kilt is a skill that has been passed down through the generations. Handmade kilts crafted today use the same skills and techniques that were used centuries ago. It’s an incredibly intricate process that takes years to perfect. Transforming a few measurements on a piece of paper into a perfectly fitting kilt is a task that should be celebrated. When you buy a handmade kilt, you aren’t just buying a piece of clothing, you are buying a piece of tradition, heritage and culture. While machine-made kilts will look great, they lose the romance of the craft. As handmade kilts are completely hand-sewn, there is also an extra level of attention to detail, naturally ensuring a higher level of quality control. We would never discourage someone from choosing a machine-made kilt as they look just as good, but if you want a truly authentic kilt, choose handmade.
Passing Your Kilt Down the Generations
The main advantage of a handmade over machine-made is the ability for each stitch of the kilt to be unpicked. Machine-made kilts have complex stitches created by the sewing machines that make unpicking them extremely difficult, sometimes even impossible. Handmade kilts on the other hand have robust stitches but are done in such a way that they can be completely undone. This would mean that you could transform your kilt back into its original length of tartan fabric. This is a great option not only for future alterations, but it means that you can pass your kilt down the generations. It’s unlikely that your child will have the same measurements as you, so having the ability to remake the original fabric into a brand-new made-to-measure kilt is ideal. It means that the history and legacy of your kilt can be preserved while being enjoyed by the next wearer. While it does cost a little more to choose a handmade kilt, if you consider its potential, the cost quickly becomes less relevant. A handmade kilt is truly an investment and if taken care of, can be worn indefinitely.
Sustainable Highlandwear
Any mass-produced product has a certain level of environmental impact. While machine-made kilts have a relatively low impact in comparison to other industries, it is something we still need to acknowledge. At MacGregor and MacDuff we take sustainability very seriously and are always looking for ways to improve our carbon footprint. From using paper bags to our ex-hire range, over the years we have implemented changes that benefit our environment. Handmade kilts can be crafted with little more than a needle, thread and candlelight, just like they used to be in the 1800s. This makes them a more environmentally friendly option. When you buy a kilt from us, we also give you any fabric offcuts from the making of your kilt. This means that you can continue the sustainability trend at home by using your tartan offcuts to create other items.
How To Buy A Handmade Kilt
If you are looking to buy yourself a handmade kilt, either as part of a full kilt outfit or on its own, the process is straightforward. All of our kilts are made-to-measure which means that we will need the measurements for your waist and kilt length. Click here to watch our How To Measure Yourself For A Kilt video which will explain how to take each measurement accurately. Once you have your measurements it's as simple as filling out your selections on our website. If you would prefer to have someone assist you throughout the process but can’t make it to one of our kilt stores, then book a Virtual Kilt Fitting. One of our stylists will then join you on a video call and walk you through each step of the process and will help guide you through self-measuring. We are also available on the phone for any questions you may have at any point. At MacGregor and MacDuff, our main priority is making sure that you find your experience with us an enjoyable one and that you get exactly what you were looking for. So don’t hesitate to get in touch with us, we’d love to help you create your dream highlandwear look.
