Bespoke Kilt Making in Glasgow
Traditional Hand-Stitched Kilts, Made for You
A bespoke kilt is more than a standard kilt made to your measurements.
Every kilt is individually hand stitched using traditional methods and designed around the person who will wear it.
Whether you already know exactly what you’d like or you’re looking for guidance, I’ll explain the options and help you create a kilt that’s uniquely yours.
The Bespoke Process
Every bespoke kilt begins with a consultation.
Together we’ll discuss:
- Your measurements
- Tartan selection
- Cloth weight
- Pleating style
- Front apron layout
- Lining
- Embroidery and personal details
You don’t need to know everything before you arrive.
I’ll guide you through the process and explain each option, allowing you to make informed decisions before any work begins.
Choosing Your Tartan
If you’ve already chosen a tartan, I’m happy to work with your selection.
If not, I’ll help you find one that suits your family, your occasion or simply your own personal preference.
I regularly source cloth from respected Scottish weaving mills, including Lochcarron of Scotland and House of Edgar, giving you access to hundreds of authentic tartans in a variety of weights and finishes.
Choosing the tartan is often one of the most enjoyable parts of commissioning a bespoke kilt.
Pleating to the Stripe or Pleating to the Sett?
One of the most important design decisions is how your tartan will be pleated.
This decision is made once your tartan has been selected and the cloth is available.
Using your own cloth, I’ll fold the tartan and show you how different pleating styles change the appearance of the finished kilt.
Seeing the options in the actual fabric makes choosing much easier.
Pleating to the Stripe
Pleating to the stripe is the oldest traditional method of pleating and creates the strong vertical lines many people associate with classic Highland dress.
Most tartans contain several different stripes that can be chosen.
Selecting a different stripe can completely change the appearance of the back of the kilt, creating either a bold, striking look or something much more subtle.
Pleating to the Sett
Pleating to the sett repeats the full tartan pattern through the pleats, allowing more of the complete sett to be seen across the back of the kilt.
Although exactly the same tartan is used, the finished appearance is very different from pleating to the stripe.
Neither method is better than the other.
Once I have your cloth in front of us, I’ll show you both options so you can decide which style you prefer before your kilt is made.
Traditional Hand Stitching
Every bespoke kilt I make is fully hand stitched using traditional methods.
Each pleat is formed individually and every stage is completed with care and attention to detail.
Traditional construction takes longer, but it produces a kilt that’s made to be worn and enjoyed for many years.
Built with the Future in Mind
As well as making bespoke kilts, I specialise in kilt alterations and repairs.
That experience has taught me how well-made kilts should be constructed and what problems often appear years later.
Where possible, I leave sufficient cloth inside the kilt to allow future alterations if they’re ever needed.
Many modern mass-produced kilts simply don’t allow for this.
If your kilt ever needs adjusting in the future, you’ll know exactly where to bring it.
Bespoke Kilt Prices
Every bespoke kilt is individually made, so the final price depends on any personal details you’d like to include.
As a guide, traditional hand-stitched bespoke kilts are typically priced between:
£650–£950
I’ll always discuss the price with you before any work begins, so you’ll know exactly what to expect.
Book a Consultation
Whether you’re commissioning your first kilt or replacing one you’ve owned for many years, I’d be delighted to help.
I’ll take the time to discuss your ideas, explore the available options and create a kilt that’s made specifically for you.