NOTE — As of January 2010, Products, prices, and options are no longer being updated on this site. However, this page is still a great resource, so we've left it here for you!

Please see our new website, www.kilts-n-stuff.com, for the most up-to-date product info.

Phillabeg, Feilidh-beag, or "Little Kilt"

Black Watch Ancient
Phillabeg pleated to sette.

What's a Phillabeg?
The phillabeg, or "little kilt", with Cheater Pleats™ and straps and buckles added, is my favorite kilt. I wear them all summer long to pretty much every event we attend. They are light and comfortable, and allow maximum freedom of movement. And they look cool!
Modern, tailored kilts are often referred to incorrectly as "little kilts". The little kilt, or phillabeg, or feilidh-beag, is actually an earlier predecessor of today's modern kilt. Unlike a modern kilt, it is not a tailored garment. It is simply a length of tartan about 25" wide and 4-6 yds long, loosely bunched or pleated, and held at the waist with a belt. It is worn to about the middle of the knee, just like any other kilt. One of the things that makes a phillabeg distinctive, is that it has a few inches of tartan flapping over the belt. This flap-over helps keep the belt in place — without it, the kilt might slip loose from the belt, leaving you standing in your skivvies (or worse!).

Phillabeg History
The phillabeg can be traced historically back to at least the late 1600's. The first evidence of any pleats being stitched down in the modern fashion doesn't appear until 1792 (actual kilt in the possession of the Scottish Tartan Society).
You have probably all heard the story of the Englishman, Thomas Rawlinson, who opened a factory in the highlands early in the 1700's. It was very quickly discovered that wearing a Great Kilt in a factory was a bad idea, as they tended to get caught in the machinery and drag their unfortunate wearer in with them. Even still, the proud Scotsmen would not consider the thought of discarding their kilts, even to save their lives. Then someone came up with a great idea — they would just cut off the portion of their greatkilt above the belt, freeing them of their greatest hazard, while still allowing them to wear the whole kilt outside of work. This eventually evolved into today's kilt and fly-plaid. This is a great story, and probably has plenty of truth to it, but the fact is the phillabeg was being worn prior to the events of this story.

More likely it was a simple convenience or economic consideration. The greatkilt was actually constructed of two separate pieces of tartan stitched together lengthwise. Looms of the day were only capable of weaving fabric up to 28" wide, closer to 25" probably being more common. So for a greatkilt, you wove 8 or 9 yards of tartan, cut it into a couple of 4- 4 1/2 yd lengths, then stitched them together into a single piece about 50" wide and 4- 4 1/2 yds long. This became a very versatile piece of clothing - it could also be your blanket or tent when needed. But picture for a moment your stereotypical bachelor - is he really going to go through all that trouble when he could just grab a chunk of single-width tartan off the loom and just wear it? For the lone bachelor, the widower, or the dirt-poor highlander, it just makes sense that the phillabeg would be a common choice. Being the least expensive kilt we sell, it's a good choice for you too.

Sizing
A 4 yard kilt will fit up to about a 34 inch waist, a 5 yard kilt will fit up to about a 44 inch waist, and a 6 yard kilt will fit up to about a 50 inch waist. If you are larger than this please contact us for pricing on larger kilts. Also, If your waist size is close to one of these limits, consider the next size larger if you want deeper pleats or pleats closer together. For example:
If you have a 34 inch waist, a 4yd greatkilt will have pleats 1.5 - 2 inches wide and 3-4 inches deep. A 5yd greatkilt will have pleats approximately 1 inch wide and 3-4 inches deep or 1.5 - 2 inches wide and 6-8 inches deep. In this example a 6yd kilt would be overkill with a 34 inch waist, but it would have pleats about 1 inch wide and 6-8 inches deep.

Pleats
Pleating instructions are included with each kilt. Traditionally these kilts are pleated each time you wear them. We ask for size information to be sure that your kilt will fit you correctly, but we do not pleat the kilt for you unless you also select Cheater Pleats™ (highly recommended) as an additional option.

Quick Links:
Homespun	Braveheart	Synthetic Blends	Premium Wool	Cheater Pleats™

How to measure for your Phillabeg:
1) Measure the waist size at your actual waist, where you usually wear your pants.
2) Measure from your waist to about the middle of the knee.
Have someone help you. If you bend even a little while trying to do it yourself, the measurement will change.

Homespun Wool Blend Phillabegs

Our Homespun tartan is made from a 55/45 blend of polyester and wool. It is woven by hand on old-world looms, and looks very authentic to what would have been woven historically. The yarn is worsted, but not spun as tightly as modern machine-made tartan. The cloth is also not as tightly woven. Homespun tartan will pleat by hand easily, but will not develop a sharp edge. Small snags, pulls, holes and other assorted blemishes are common. Because it is hand woven, these flaws are a natural part of it's character. Homespun is approximately a 9/10oz. fabric, but feels thicker due to it's looser weave.

Homespun Wool Blend Phillabeg
(catalog tartan list O)
Pleating instructions are included with each kilt. Traditionally these kilts are pleated each time you wear them. We ask for size information to be sure that your kilt will fit you correctly, but we do not pleat the kilt for you unless you also select Cheater Pleats™ as an additional option. Please allow 2-3 weeks for delivery.
View our selection of stock homespun tartans.
KPHS – 4 yds, $79 (fits up to a 34in waist)
KPHS – 5 yds, $99 (fits up to a 44in waist)
KPHS – 6 yds, $119 (fits up to a 50in waist)

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Braveheart Rustic Wool Phillabegs

The same 100% wool tartan, woven in Scotland by the same weaver, as the kilts used in the filming of the movie! The Braveheart tartan is very rustic, woven in natural wool and earthtones believed to be authentic to that period.

Braveheart Phillabeg
Pleating instructions are included with each kilt. Traditionally these kilts are pleated each time you wear them. We ask for size information to be sure that your kilt will fit you correctly, but we do not pleat the kilt for you unless you also select Cheater Pleats™ as an additional option.Please allow 2-3 weeks for delivery.
KPBH – 4 yds, $139 (fits up to a 34in waist)
KPBH – 5 yds, $169 (fits up to a 44in waist)
KPBH – 6 yds, $199 (fits up to a 50in waist)

Synthetic Blend Phillabegs

Whether you are allergic to wool, or just want a great looking tartan for less, a synthetic blend is a great way to go! Hard wearing, washable, and cool to wear, to the untrained eye it is nearly indistinguishable from expensive 100% wool tartan. While the weave is not as authentic as Homespun tartan, many people appreciate the crisp look of the modern tartan fabrics in a Phillabeg. With about about 60 tartans available to choose from, it's the most affordable option for many tartans.

Poly/Viscose Phillabeg
Light weight 11oz tartan, woven in the UK from a 65/35 blend of polyester and viscose. This tartan does not have kilting selvages, so kilts will be hemmed. Pleating instructions are included with each kilt. Traditionally these kilts are pleated each time you wear them. We ask for size information to be sure that your kilt will fit you correctly, but we do not pleat the kilt for you unless you also select Cheater Pleats™ as an additional option.
Special-order. Please allow 4-8 weeks for delivery.
KPPV – 4 yds, $99 (fits up to a 34in waist)
KPPV – 5 yds, $119 (fits up to a 44in waist)
KPPV – 6 yds, $139 (fits up to a 50in waist)

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Premium Wool Phillabegs

Made from 100% pure new wool, woven in Scotland. This is the same tartan most of you are familiar with, used in modern, tailored, formal kilts. This is your best option if you are looking for a specific tartan, as there are over 1000 available, and it makes a great looking Phillabeg. Most tartans are woven in double width (54"-60") so the kilt will have a french seam in the middle where the fabric is cut in half and seamed together. This seam is easily hidden in a pleat either when you pleat the kilt or if you order cheater pleats to be sewn in. Because we work with 8 different woolen mills to bring you the largest possible selection, the kilts below are divided based on each suppliers price and availability.

Light Weight Premium Wool Phillabeg
(catalog tartan lists A&B)
Made from light weight 10/11oz premium wool tartan, woven in Scotland. This is the most commonly available tartan fabric. Makes a good kilt, and the light weight is especially nice for hot weather wear. Pleating instructions are included with each kilt. Traditionally these kilts are pleated each time you wear them. We ask for size information to be sure that your kilt will fit you correctly, but we do not pleat the kilt for you unless you also select Cheater Pleats™ as an additional option.
Special order. Please allow 8-12 weeks for delivery.
KP011 – 4 yds, $179 (fits up to a 34in waist)
KP011 – 5 yds, $229 (fits up to a 44in waist)
KP011 – 6 yds, $269 (fits up to a 50in waist)

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Light Weight Premium Wool Phillabeg
(catalog tartan list C)
Made from light weight 10/11oz premium wool tartan, woven in Scotland. This is the most commonly available tartan fabric. Makes a good kilt, and the light weight is especially nice for hot weather wear. This tartan selection is not woven with a selvage edge so the bottom will be hemmedPleating instructions are included with each kilt. Traditionally these kilts are pleated each time you wear them. We ask for size information to be sure that your kilt will fit you correctly, but we do not pleat the kilt for you unless you also select Cheater Pleats™ as an additional option.
Special order. Please allow 8-12 weeks for delivery.
KP11C – 4 yds, $199 (fits up to a 34in waist)
KP11C – 5 yds, $249 (fits up to a 44in waist)
KP11C – 6 yds, $299 (fits up to a 50in waist)

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Medium Weight Premium Wool Phillabeg
(catalog tartan lists D&E)
Made from medium weight 12/13oz premium wool tartan, woven in Scotland. Tartan availability is more limited, but if you are going to go with modern tartan rather than homespun, and if your tartan happens to be available, we recommend a medium weight kilt. Medium weight tartan will hang better and take a crisper pleat than light weight tartan, while still being comfortable to wear. It just makes a better all around kilt.
Pleating instructions are included with each kilt. Traditionally these kilts are pleated each time you wear them. We ask for size information to be sure that your kilt will fit you correctly, but we do not pleat the kilt for you unless you also select Cheater Pleats™ as an additional option.
Special-order. Please allow 8-12 weeks for delivery.
KP013 – 4 yds, $199 (fits up to a 34in waist*)
KP013 – 5 yds, $249 (fits up to a 44in waist)
KP013 – 6 yds, $299 (fits up to a 50in waist)

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Medium Weight Premium Wool Phillabeg
(catalog tartan list F, rare tartans)
Made from medium weight 12/13oz premium wool tartan, woven in Scotland. Tartan availability is more limited, but if you are going to go with modern tartan rather than homespun, and if your tartan happens to be available, we recommend a medium weight kilt. Medium weight tartan will hang better and take a crisper pleat than light weight tartan, while still being comfortable to wear. It just makes a better all around kilt. Pleating instructions are included with each kilt. Traditionally these kilts are pleated each time you wear them. We ask for size information to be sure that your kilt will fit you correctly, but we do not pleat the kilt for you unless you also select Cheater Pleats™ as an additional option.
Special-order. Please allow 8-12 weeks for delivery.
KP13R – 4 yds, $239 (fits up to a 34in waist*)
KP13R – 5 yds, $299 (fits up to a 44in waist)
KP13R – 6 yds, $349 (fits up to a 50in waist)

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Welsh Medium Weight Premium Wool Phillabeg
(catalog tartan list N)
Made from medium weight 12/13oz premium wool tartan, woven in Wales. Welsh tartans are not woven with a selvage edge so the bottom will be hemmed. Pleating instructions are included with each kilt. Traditionally these kilts are pleated each time you wear them. We ask for size information to be sure that your kilt will fit you correctly, but we do not pleat the kilt for you unless you also select Cheater Pleats™ as an additional option.
Special-order. Please allow 8-12 weeks for delivery.
KP13W – 4 yds, $239 (fits up to a 34in waist*)
KP13W – 5 yds, $299 (fits up to a 44in waist)
KP13W – 6 yds, $349 (fits up to a 50in waist)

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Heavy Weight Premium Wool Phillabeg
(catalog tartan lists G&H)
Made from heavy weight 16oz premium wool tartan, woven in Scotland.The 16oz might be a bit heavy to wear in hot weather but it makes a nice, durable kilt. Pleating instructions are included with each kilt. Traditionally these kilts are pleated each time you wear them. We ask for size information to be sure that your kilt will fit you correctly, but we do not pleat the kilt for you unless you also select Cheater Pleats™ as an additional option.
Special-order. Please allow 8-12 weeks for delivery.
KP016 – 4 yds, $249 (fits up to a 34in waist)
KP016 – 5 yds, $309 (fits up to a 44in waist)
KP016 – 6 yds, $359 (fits up to a 50in waist)

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Heavy Weight Premium Wool Phillabeg
(catalog tartan list I, rare tartans)
Made from heavy weight 16oz premium wool tartan, woven in Scotland.The 16oz might be a bit heavy to wear in hot weather but it makes a nice, durable kilt. Pleating instructions are included with each kilt. Traditionally these kilts are pleated each time you wear them. We ask for size information to be sure that your kilt will fit you correctly, but we do not pleat the kilt for you unless you also select Cheater Pleats™ as an additional option.
Special-order. Please allow 8-12 weeks for delivery.
KP16R – 4 yds, $299 (fits up to a 34in waist)
KP16R – 5 yds, $359 (fits up to a 44in waist)
KP16R – 6 yds, $419 (fits up to a 50in waist)

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Custom-Weave Premium Wool Phillabeg

There are thousands of registered tartans, but only about 1400 are in production. If your tartan isn't otherwise available, we can have it woven for you! We make these kilts in your choice of medium (11/12oz) or heavy (16oz) weight premium wool tartan, woven-to-order just for you in Scotland (we recommend medium weight). To place your order, just look up your tartan on the Tartans Authority website, and enter the tartan name and ITI # below. Please contact us if you have any questions, or if you would like us to research a family name or tartan for you. Pleating instructions are included with each kilt. Traditionally these kilts are pleated each time you wear them. We ask for size information to be sure that your kilt will fit you correctly, but we do not pleat the kilt for you unless you also select Cheater Pleats™ (see below) as an additional option. This is a (very) special order item, so please allow 12-16 weeks for delivery.
KPCW – 4 yds, $379 (fits up to a 34in waist)
KPCW – 5 yds, $469 (fits up to a 44in waist)
KPCW – 6 yds, $549 (fits up to a 50in waist)

Cheater Pleats™ (Optional) ($50 extra)

This is a nice convenience option. Your kilt will still look like you pleated it yourself, but you can take it off and put it back on any time you want to without redoing your pleats. (Depending on how concerned you are about the appearance, pleating your kilt can take anywhere from a few minutes to a half hour each time you wear it.) What we do is pleat the kilt, then stitch a waistband inside to hold the pleats together. (Unless you select the strap and buckle option below, a belt will still be necessary to hold your kilt on).

Here are your options:
Pleat to sett – each pleat is positioned so that the pattern (sett) appears to continue through the pleated portion of the kilt.
Pleat to stripe – we choose a prominent stripe in the pattern and center the stripe down the middle of each pleat. This is a traditional military style, and can look very nice. Some tartans just don't look good pleated to stripe however. If you choose this option we will let you know if it can't (or shouldn't) be done.
Box pleats – another traditional military style. Every other pleat is reversed. This creates pleats twice as wide (3 to 4 inches wide depending on the sett width of the tartan you choose) with tartan folded under both edges of each pleat. Incidentally, box pleating uses less tartan, so you can actually get by with a 4 yard kilt all the way up to about a 50 inch waist. NOTE – We will only use as much tartan as we need to, so if your waist size is less than 50, and you select box pleats, your kilt will most likely be constructed of less than 4 yards of fabric. The other pleating methods will use approximately the whole 4, 5, or 6 yards accordingly. If your waist size is larger than 50 inches, and you would like box pleats, select a 5 yard kilt.

Straps & Buckles – for an additional $25, we will stitch leather straps and buckles inside and out. The straps will be hidden out of sight, but they allow you wear your kilt without the need for a belt. This option is not necessary, but very convenient!

How To Measure:
1) Measure the waist size at your actual waist, where you usually wear your pants.
2) Measure your hip at the fullest point, usually 6-8 inches below the waist.
3) Measure the length from your waist to about the middle of the knee. Have someone help you. If you bend even a little while trying to do it yourself, the measurement will change.

Quick Links:
Homespun	Braveheart	Synthetic Blends	Premium Wool	Cheater Pleats™

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