A kilt is a special piece of clothing made by dedicated experts. Undoubtedly wearing a kilt is to experience a particular culture, but if you are buying your first kilt or adding to your collection, it’s important to spot a high-quality one. Many factors collectively contribute, such as the fabric, stitching, pleating, and more. This blog post intends to show you the key signs of high-quality kilts, what to watch out for in lower-quality options, and how to choose the right one for you.
Types of Kilts: Know What You are Looking At
When purchasing a kilt, it’s critical to comprehend that many styles of men’s kilts are available today. The most popular options are leather, denim, utility, and, of course, the classical kilts. When identifying the premium ones, the indicators of excellence we will cover here are applicable to all.
Therefore, we will concentrate on tartan kilts because they are globally recognizable. They are usually constructed of wool with a particular weight of cloth and have distinctive plaid patterns. If you are aware of the aspects to look for in terms of structure, pleating, and fabric, you can be sure you are getting an authentic item.
7 Key Signs of High-Quality Kilts
Regarding the identity of top-quality kilts, you must consider a few factors, such as pleating, stitching, and hardware used as priorities. In fact, each detail contributes to the overall craftsmanship. Overview the given points and buy what suits you exactly.
Quality of Fabric Used in Kilt
A high-quality kilt is made of wool which is a strong, long-lasting fabric. Opt for premium quality wool and the tartan pattern’s colors should be vivid and distinct, and the cloth should feel solid but soft. In other words, do not compromise on the quality of fabric and make sure acrylic wool is used for traditional flair.
Precision in Pleating
Usually two types of pleats: box and knife pleats are used in kilts. No matter which one you prefer, they should be precisely spaced and stitched professionally. High-quality kilts often have properly aligned pleats, giving the garment a clean and structured appearance.
Authentic Construction Techniques
A well-constructed kilt is produced with traditional methods that guarantee longevity and represent association with a culture. The stitching of the fabric you are buying must be durable, uniform, and clean. Skilled artisans create the kilt that guarantees the authenticity of its components as well, including the straps and waistline.
High-Quality Fastenings and Hardware
Tartan kilts often do not have much fastening details but leather straps only, while the hardware they use are buckles. A kilt that deserves the label of high-quality clothing, must have these embellishments made with pure materials such as cowhide or top-grain, and buckles made with traditional materials, including brass or silver.
Proper Weight and Length
A well-made kilt majorly focuses on the weight and length of fabric used. First, consider the fabric weight. The standard weight of tartan is 13 Oz in traditional kilts, while some may prefer 16 Oz to add a flair of supremacy or to get something warm. Equally important is the fabric length. An average kilt is made with 8 yards or 5 yards, but the first figure is considered accurate for formal settings.
Well-Finished Waistband
The next sign is a well-finished waistband. A premium-quality kilt’s waistband is often made with durable fabric with the same tartan used in kilt. Thus, the more important aspect to be checked here is the finish and fabric. The waistline should have some extra fabric for further alterations.
Attention to Detail and Overall Fit
Last but not least, do not overlook the stitching method used in every detail of the kilt. Prefer buying the one that is hand-stitched, as this technique is authentic and traditional. Moreover, human-applied force makes everything according to the needs, while machine-made kilts lack this feature and apply the level of force to every part.
Signs of Cheap Quality Kilts
Without a doubt, knowing the key signs to identify high-quality kilts is important, but the wearers must also be aware of the signs of cheaper quality kilts. In addition to checking authenticity, inspecting the weak points is also important to save the investment.
- Cheaper kilts are often made with poor-quality fabrics, whether it is woolen tartan, leather, or denim.
- You will definitely see inconsistencies in the stitching.
- Poor craftsmanship and lack of reinforced stitching also represent carelessly made kilts.
- The number of pleats may be lesser than premium quality kilts.
When Is It Worth Buying Premium Kilt?
Wearing well-made products is a positive approach, but it becomes more important if the clothing is traditional. A normal or cheaper kilt is only suitable as everyday wear, but there is no space for cheaper clothing at formal settings. So, make sure to invest in premium-quality kilts where you have to show your family lineage and cultural pride. While the events include weddings, Black-tie events, Highland games, and others.
Where to Buy a High-Quality Kilt
Now that you have decided to invest in a premium kilt, make sure to buy from a store offering what you need. Many stores may fulfill your requirements, but you should go with the one that offers the most benefits, and the Irish Kilt Shop is the best option. We are an online store that saves your time and delivers kilts at your doorstep. Moreover, our top-notch services include quality, affordability, customization, 24/7 customer care services, and customer-friendly return and exchange policies.
FAQs About the Quality of Kilts
Do high-quality kilts always use 8 yards of fabric?
Regarding the quality of a kilt, the weight of the fabric is more essential than its size. People wear 8-yard kilts formally and 5-yard kilts casually.
Can a kilt still be high-quality if it’s not made in Scotland or Ireland?
Yes, kilts made in other countries than Scotland and Ireland are high quality. In fact, several well-known brands are based outside these countries and provide excellence in their quality and craftsmanship.
What kind of straps should I look for in a premium kilt?
The straps of kilts should be made of premium-quality leather that must be stiff and long-lasting.
Is a custom-made kilt always better than a ready-to-wear one?
Yes, made-to-measure kilts perform better than ready-to-wear ones, as they need no further alterations and maintain their authentic stitching at every part for longer durations. That’s why Irish Kilt Shop customizes every piece of clothing to deliver you the perfect items.
Is a high price always a guarantee of quality in kilts?
No, high prices do not guarantee quality. Many times, the same product is available at different prices in several stores.
