How can you tell a real Scottish kilt from a fake? First of all real Scottish Kilt will cost at least $400 and up. It is therefore safe to assume that kilts that are sold for $35 aren’t real Scottish Kilts. There are a number of other differences between a real Scottish kilt and other kilts.
Obviously, there are some slight differences between real Scottish kilts as a result of the different techniques that the professional kilt makers in Scotland use. However, real traditional Scottish kilts that has been made Scottish by tradesmen down through the centuries is usually made from at least eight yards of medium or heavy weight cloth. So that they remain in position, all of the pleats are individually hand stitched. A real Scottish kilt is distinguished from a ladies skirt by the fact that the pleats are stitched into position, the weight of the cloth, and the amount of cloth.
The $35 kilts are made for a much lighter weight cloth. Although they don’t say so on them, usually they are made for somewhere between 5oz. and 6oz. This cloth is poorly made and very rough. They have very few pleats that are very deep and these kilts use about three yards of cloth. Consequently, the pleats on these kilts hang improperly are they resemble ladies skirts.
In addition, real Scottish kilts are nearly impossible to buy off the rack. Usually, it takes three measurements to fit a person for a real Scottish kilt because people wear very different sizes. These three measurements are the length, the seat/hip, and the waist. With kilts that are purchased off the rack, they simply won’t fit properly. If the length is wrong the kilt will just look like a poorly fitting dress. If the seat/hip is wrong your seat will either sag at the back of the kilt or it will stick out in the back. If the waist is too big, the front of the kilt will be in the wrong place. If the waist is too small people will usually pull them down somewhat which makes it hang at the wring part of your seat and the length will be wrong. You will be proud to wear a real handmade Scottish kilt because it will fit you perfectly.
Those are the basic differences between a real Scottish kilt and those that are made to lead you to believe that they are a real Scottish kilt. These kilts need to be worn with something plaid and they will fall apart. It is difficult to match the tartans as the colors and patterns of a real Scottish kilt incorrectly. If you purchase a traditional Scottish kilt you will be able to mix and match for years to come and, if taken care of properly, you will also be able to hand it down to future generations to use because it will still be good as the day it was made.
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