I got to the Texas Renaissance Festival every year. I always go in garb.
I’ve decided, though, that I want to get a kilt- but I don’t know the first thing about where to get one, or how much it’ll cost.
Anyone got any suggestions?
You could try http://www.utilikilts.com, as referred to in this thread.
If you do, we want pictures. 
One word: rent.
If you buy full dress regalia it can cost you anything up to £1000. Or more.
On the other hand if you want to look like most Scots used to (ie daft but not necessarily dashing) hang around some second-hand shops. Any long-pointed shirt’ll do.
Well, here are some links that should help:
Ross is correct. It can be expensive. But one thing to keep in mind; What period are you shooting for? The accessories, indeed, the type of kilt involved, are different in different periods of history. I do historical re-enactment with the S.C.A. which has a period ranging from 600-1600, and the Scots persona I have lives in the 1580’s. If I wear a kilt at all, it will be a great-kilt. (History and documentation of the kilt.)
Hopefully that will get you started. Let me know if you need any further info…
-Stil
Pish-tosh. A quick n’ easy kilt for a Ren Faire is simple.
Go to your local retail fabric outlet. Purchase 7-9 yards of your favorite plaid pattern in wool or flannel cotton. Hem the edges.
Lay out your belt, and lay the fabric on top of it. Pleat the kilt about four fingers’ width for the entire length of the material. Put on whatever shirt you’re wearing, lay down on top of the fabric, and belt it around your waist, preferably with the ends of the fabric overlapping each other in front of you.
Stand up. You can either pull one end around to your butt and pull it up over your shoulder, or pull the front end up the front of you and tuck it in your belt behind you (optional - you can just wear the kilt without putting anything up over your shoulder). Adjust the pleats so it’s somewhat even. If the fabric is wide and hangs down a lot, pull up the overhang on each side and tuck it into the belt to make little pockets. Pin whatever material is over your shoulder onto your shirt.
Done. Now go eat some haggis. 
(Seriously, people make kilts out to be some complicated thing that must be done in a certain way. Any historian will be able to tell you that [a] clan tartans aren’t period, if you’re talking about Medieval/Renaissance, and ** there are as many ways to pleat and wear a kilt as there are Scotsmen - every father did it differently and taught his son accordingly. The whole point of a kilt is it’s supposed to be quick, easy, functional, comfortable, and useful. “Looking pretty” isn’t period.)
One final note - expect regimental checks regularly.
Esprix
Damn coding. :mad:
I might also mention that I, too, am a long-time SCAdian, and my persona is a 14th c. Scotsman. I own 4 kilts, and the above describes my own great kilt. If you really want an easy time of it, frankly, go to your local thrift shop, find a woman’s plaid skirt, and adjust it to fit by cutting it at the spot where it will fit around your waist and, if there’s the end of a zipper or a slit, overlap and pin with a great big pin (i.e., kilt pin). There - already pleated, and easy to wear. I also have a 3-yard long length of plaid I call my war kilt I can wrap around my waist to work around camp in (I go to the SCA Pennsic War every year), but that’s harder 'cause you can’t bend over or sit down in a wrap-around skirt.
Esprix
I second the call for pictures.
Just to agree with Esprix and to add a bit:
A mate of mine has two great kilts like this, one in a Black Watch pattern, the other navy and black (his stealth kilt he says). Both look excellent and were inexpensive to make (certainly compared to the 300 pounds or so I paid for my wee kilt).
Things to look out for: a) good heavy fabric. This gives a good drape and swing to the kilt. b) width. For a great kilt, the wider the better. 60" if you can get it.
If you leave an unpleated foot or so at each end then you’ll have aprons to cross over the front.
I personally don’t care for utilikilts - I might not dislike them so if they came in a freaking PLAID…
But if you’re getting the kilt so you’ll have something to wear for TRF, don’t drop the $400 or so on a modern tailored kilt. You can often find good plaid worsted wool online for under $20/yard, and an average sized guy only needs 4 or 5 yards to make a proper Belted Plaid, using the methods described above. Make sure the kilt hangs somewhere around your kneecaps, BTW.
You’ll also want to make sure you get a good wide belt, consider getting a sporran (for pockets and protection from updrafts), and make sure you have a period shirt and footwear. Highland Scots did not wear deck shoes. Try to resist the temptation to smear blue makeup over your face and insist that it’s woad.
Most importantly, have fun at TRF. It’s been a few years since I’ve been, so I’ll be envying you a little.
I, along with Mrs. robgruver and robfriends will be opening weekend at Faire. Look for the tall guy in a yellow kilt, and say hi.
Speaking of, anyone else going to TRF?
Let me just pop up for a second and make a complete ass of myself by saying: OOOOOOH! Kilts! :big lusty sigh:
I’m with Esprix on this one. Thrift store all the way. I’m no stickler for historic accuracy. I go to the Ren Faire to have FUN.
BTW, if you see them, please tell the Minstrels of Mayhem that Katie’s mom says hello.
I’d go, but the Renaissance was not a good time to be Jewish 
Seriously, when is it?
Robin
I’m going, with a group, probably in early November.
What do you say, should I go for the kilt too?
Starts the first weekend in October and goes for 7 weekends. It’s the bombdiggity.
TheNerd: Perhaps a TRF Dopefest? That could be VERY interesting.
I’m game
Hey, I’m a Texas liberal. I’m already used to being persecuted for my beliefs ;)\
Robin
Mrs. robgruver, robfriends, and myself will be going out the first weekend for three days (yes, we leave on Friday, gotta get drunk early) of drinking, dancing, and other things.
I will start another thread soon about this so we dont continue to hijack this thread.
A MacLeod greatkilt? :eek:
My eyes! My eyes!
Yeah, its not pretty, but you can see me from a long ways away. Which is perfect when I want to meet people.
(you gotta admit, its a big ugly yellow, not many people would wear it if it wasn’t family)
Yes. Yes. And by all means yes. Anyone asking themselves this question, the answer is yes.
89% of guys should wear kilts constantly. (The other 11% should either wear cargo pants or be naked.) kits are so hot!
And we need pictures of all doper guys in kilts. For research purposes, I’m sure you understand. all of you talking about it, I’m taking notes and expect to see pictures soon. Thanks.
Ah yes, the Kilt! As a SCA’er myself, I have three kilts also as that is my persona.
Why?
Comparatively it’s the cheapest way to go, and I’m a cheap dude!
Actually i’ve become amazed at the usefullness of the kilt and it’s adaptability, and wouldn’t wear anything else.
And ditto to what Esprix said about making a kilt. That’s how I did all three of my great kilts.