Celtic Garb Questions

[Prima]

Hello lovelies!
  A friend has reached out to us with a desire to "dress appropriately" in a kilt at a cosplay wedding he is attending in a few weeks.  He has a budget of about $400 (the cheaper the better )  I think he needs a good shirt, a non clan patterned kilt, and accessories?   Are there vendors that would work for his price range?  What other pieces would he need? 

Thank you in advance!
~Prima

[isabelladangelo]

A period correct kilt is basically 5 to 7 yards of plaid fabric.  The fabric - 99.9% of the time a wool- is pleated to a belt and wrapped around much in the same way the modern sari is still done today.   He would also wear a basic shift shirt - which is two linen rectangles for the front and back and two smaller linen rectangles for the sleeves.   Add a collar, some gussets, and cuffs - and that's really about it.   Basically, buy ~6 yards of wool, a decent belt, and you can do it yourself for well under $400.  Some basic info http://brotherguido.com/greatkilt/default.htm on how to pleat the great kilt. 

[Lady Renee Buchanan]

If he is wearing only for the wedding and doesn't want to keep, Celtic Croft does formal kilt rentals for $155.  If he wants to purchase a kilt, he can get an acrylic kilt  for between $60 to $150.  This is what my husband and most of our friends wear to faire.  They look good, and in the faire atmosphere, if something gets spilled or they have to sit on a straw bale, they aren't worried about ruining an $800 kilt.

There is a section about kilt vendors in the forums.  We have purchased from Celtic Croft, USA Kilts, and another one I can't remember, but I know it is in the Kilt Vendor list.   Jas. Townsend and Son, Inc. sells socks for $8 to $12, and they come in many colors to match the kilt, or plain white.  He will need a sporran and belt, and a shirt.  Try Ebay for all that.

If this is going to be a one time thing, or a very seldom thing, I wouldn't invest anywhere near $400.  In any case, whatever you decide to do, post pictures!

[Rowan MacD]

If he is wearing only for the wedding and doesn't want to keep, Celtic Croft does formal kilt rentals for $155.  If he wants to purchase a kilt, he can get an acrylic kilt  for between $60 to $150.  This is what my husband and most of our friends wear to faire.  They look good, and in the faire atmosphere, if something gets spilled or they have to sit on a straw bale, they aren't worried about ruining an $800 kilt.

There is a section about kilt vendors in the forums.  We have purchased from Celtic Croft, USA Kilts, and another one I can't remember, but I know it is in the Kilt Vendor list.   Jas. Townsend and Son, Inc. sells socks for $8 to $12, and they come in many colors to match the kilt, or plain white.  He will need a sporran and belt, and a shirt.  Try Ebay for all that.

If this is going to be a one time thing, or a very seldom thing, I wouldn't invest anywhere near $400.  In any case, whatever you decide to do, post pictures!

Keep in mind that kilt rentals are generally the 'modern kilt'  (think James Bond) you can rent them along with a sporran and a Price Charlie Jacket pretty cheap as a set.   The tux shirt you can get from Hobby Lobby or Michaels' for about $12.00.-they come with an adjustable bow tie.  You can substitute black formal shoes for the traditional Ghilllie broughes, with a pair of knee socks.

[Prima]

Thank you!  As usual you are all such wonderful resources!

[Gauwyn of Bracknell]

There is also Stillwater Kilts (the Jimmie Johns of kilt shops).  I ordered one and got it in like 3 days

[Butch]

I second Stillwater Kilts.  I have purchased both their "Thrifty Kilt" and their "Economy Kilt".  The Thrifty was too basic for me, and I ended up sewing on buckles and beltloops.  Recommend you/he buy the $52 Economy Kilt, and not the $28 Thrifty Kilt.

Nothing wrong with the material or construction of the Thrifty, but it was just too basic for my taste.  Good luck!

[Butch]

As Lady Renee mentioned, he could search the web for a Jacobite shirt or a Ghilie shirt to wear.  Additionally, he could search for a sporran, a belt, and a balmoral or glengarry cap.  He can be completely outfitted for far less than budget!

[Rowan MacD]

  For a more medieval look, a basic Renshirt can be had very cheaply form most online vendors. One size fits just about everybody. They go well with even a modern kilt.

[Lady Renee Buchanan]

Thanks to all the smart members n this forum!  Stillwater Kilts is the other vendor I was thinking of, we've bought from them, too.

[groomporter]

I've got a Stillwater kilt too and have been happy with it. I just wish they had a little wider selection of tartans.