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  1. #1
    Join Date
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    Made in Scotland kilts, shipping, taxes and third party vendors

    I am still pondering my purchase of my first kilt. I intend to buy a full Prince Charlie in the Modern Colors, and an Argyl in Ancient colors, both pleated to the stripe, or no stripe.. The kilts will be 8 yard premium, no top stitching, and 13 - 16 oz. I am curious as to how much it will now raise the prices of imported kilts due to extra tariffs and the shipping from Scotland too. As well, I am wondering how much VAT would be charged by the British Government... I have only one person who could critique my choices, a friend and his wife, both directly from Scotland, and he's a nine yard kilt wearer! He offered to line me up with a good shop in Scotland. He also advised me that in the Mid-Atlantic states, I really do not need a 16 oz, that 13 oz would be cooler and more comfortable! LOL I'd appreciate any information or advice that you all are willing to share!

  2. #2
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    26th March 21
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    If the international option becomes too complex or costly, there are a some very good kiltmakers in the US, including some of this site's advertisers.
    When in doubt, end with a jig. - Robin McCauley

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  4. #3
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    30th September 08
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    I'm a little confused by what you mean when you say that you intend to "buy a full Prince Charlie in the Modern Colors, and an Argyl in Ancient colors," as a Prince Charlie and Argyll are types of jackets. I'm assuming you're planning on buying kilts in different colorways to wear with each of the jacket types. That said, if you're actually planning on purchasing tartan jackets to match, I'd love to see the final products! (I'll admit to having a tartan Argyll myself! )

    I can't speak to the impact of tariffs on your purchase(s), but it's my understanding that when you order goods from the UK and have them shipped to the US, you will not be charged UK Value Added Tax (VAT). The VAT is a UK consumption tax, and goods for export are typically "zero-rated," meaning the tax is set at 0%. I've purchased a few kilts from UK makers and have never been charged VAT. A little online research will likely give you a definitive answer.

    As for your location in the one of the Mid-Atlantic states, and a subsequent need for a lighter weight kilt, I'd say it won't make a noticeable difference. I live in Southeast Texas where it is well and truly hot and extremely humid nine months of the year (we're still in the 90°s in mid-October). All of my kilts are 16 oz., apart from one in which the tartan was only available in 13 oz. The only major difference I notice is that the front apron of the 13 oz. kilt is more prone to wrinkling with wear than the 16 oz. kilts. If you're concerned about heat, then consider a lower yardage kilt. My lightest and most comfortable kilt is a 4-yard box pleat kilt made some years ago by Matt Newsome.

    And I second the opinion that you can have an excellent kilt made in the US without having to worry about tariffs or VAT.

    Good luck in your research/acquisition. Looking forward to photos of your purchase(s)!

    Cheers,

    SM
    Shaun Maxwell
    Vice President & Texas Commissioner
    Clan Maxwell Society

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  6. #4
    Join Date
    11th January 25
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    I actually meant that I intend to purchase two complete outfits. One with the PC Jacket and the other with the Argyl jacket, and with the two colors of my tartan, ancient and modern. After I bought a vintage watch from Japan for one hundred dollars and then paid sixty dollars duties and tariffs, I'm a bit reluctant to buy without full disclosures of costs! LOL

  7. #5
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    Goods valued under about 500 UK pounds could be sent to the US pretty easily before September this year, so the fabric for a kilt, a jacket or a cape or a top notch overcoat could be posted free of VAT without duty to be paid on the deal.

    I believe that there was a steady stream of such parcels going by airmail several times a week from many weavers - though some businesses which imported from the Continent were no longer able to obtain the same stock as before despite long associations, not after Brexit, so that did literally divide the market.

    I rather lament the absence of quality Italian yarns these days. Whole containerloads of yarn were taken to the big shows and we would stagger out laden with sacks full of glorious colours. It really did affect the small scale production workers such as myself and altered what could be achieved - how it will turn out when something affects a nation the size of the US still remains to be seen but I can't see the logic behind what has been done.

    Anything and everything sent to the US now has a tariff on it, plus a flat fee for collecting it - only letters without inclusions are exempt.

    We can't even post a Remembrance poppy to the US without being subject to botheration.

    Anne the Pleater
    I presume to dictate to no man what he shall eat or drink or wherewithal he shall be clothed."
    -- The Hon. Stuart Ruaidri Erskine, The Kilt & How to Wear It, 1901.

  8. #6
    Join Date
    11th January 25
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    I am also glad to know that the 13oz tends to wrinkle the apron more, that's good to know! Thank You.

  9. #7
    Join Date
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    Quote Originally Posted by ShaunMaxwell View Post

    -------------

    And I second the opinion that you can have an excellent kilt made in the US without having to worry about tariffs or VAT.

    ,

    SM
    Purely out of interest, are you talking about kilts made from wool, or, are you talking about kilts made from synthetic cloth?
    Last edited by Jock Scot; 14th October 25 at 12:28 PM.
    " Rules are for the guidance of wise men and the adherence of idle minds and minor tyrants". Field Marshal Lord Slim.

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  11. #8
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    I hope this website helps you https://www.simplyduty.com/import-calculator/
    You can always play around with numbers to get an idea of prices.

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  13. #9
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    28th June 25
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    Quote Originally Posted by Jock Scot View Post
    Purely out of interest, are you talking about kilts made from wool, or, are you talking about kilts made from synthetic cloth?
    There are kiltmakers here in the USA making wool kilts. They typically use Locharron, House of Edgar, or Marton Mills as the supplier for the Tartan cloth. I don't believe there are any USA-based weavers making Tartan anymore (Pendleton wove nice wool Tartans back in the 1980s)

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  15. #10
    Join Date
    11th January 25
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    Quote Originally Posted by geomick View Post
    There are kiltmakers here in the USA making wool kilts. They typically use Locharron, House of Edgar, or Marton Mills as the supplier for the Tartan cloth. I don't believe there are any USA-based weavers making Tartan anymore (Pendleton wove nice wool Tartans back in the 1980s)
    I have been looking at a couple of companies in the USA, and Locharron in 16oz is my choice, possibly HOE, so I may yet be okay. I am sorry to hear that part of the Kiltmaking Industry is suffering. I worry that when a community shrinks, then so does competition and quality.. I suppose that we shall see!
    Thank You for your reply
    George Logan

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