@ Phil:
Yes, Kilts can be expensive. My formal tartan kilt cost me about $550.00. I also own a black utilikilt for casual wear that set me back about $200.
There is a company called SportKilt that makes casual kilts out of poly/cotton, one size fits all, for about $100.00 or so. These have been fairly popular around our local Celtic Community.
I just prefer Utilikilts for casual wear because 1) they look cool and different, 2) they are the most comfortable thing I own, and 3) they have all kinds of hidden utility pockets and snaps in the front that serve the important purpose of the sporran in not giving the lassies a show they didn't pay for. I acutally prefer to wear my black leather sporran with my Utilikilt for added style and storage space. A sporran makes an ideal space to carry tampers, matches, and pipe cleaners.
For more info if you are interested, you can check their website at http://www.utilikilts.com or look them up on google.
For a great US company that makes outstanding formal kilts in all registered tartans for formal occasions, check out http://www.AlexisMalcolmKilts.com. Or Google "alexis malcolm kilts". Alexis Malcolm is a seamstress out of Clewiston, Florida who is very knowledgeable, a joy to work with, and makes the highest quality formal Celtic wear I've seen.
I bought my formal tartan kilt for my wedding. My wife kidded me that between the kilt, all the accoutremants, and rental of a Prince Charlie Jacket, I spent more on my outfit that she did on her wedding dress. However, I've worn my kilt multiple times to numerous formal and informal occasions. Her wedding dress remains vacuum sealed in the closet. I think I made the better investment.
For info on Sportkilts, check out http://www.sportkilt.com, or google "sport kilt"
