PC and other kilt related items made in Pakistan

[artificer]

Is that really what the Pakistani companies are doing? "Taking advantage of poor labour conditions"? I think they might view it as creating jobs and opportunity for their local communities by tapping into a global market. The quality of life there is pretty poor compared to the West, and the cost of living is very low. Labour is cheap there due to many factors such as high population density and a low standard of living. Unless they're running sweat-shops with forced labour, I would imagine that their factories are very good for the community, and people are grateful for the stability that comes with the work, including a regular paycheck. If they can offer fabrics and garments to the world at a competitive price and still improve their way of life, are their motivations any different than anyone else in the world? Including the Scottish Highland attire industry?

Don't get me wrong; I agree that shady business ethics are an absolute no-go. And the quality of Highland wear from Pakistan is very questionable. Personally, I don't waste my money on junk/knockoffs when I can find better-made, higher-quality, authentic items from the UK. But I wouldn't go so far as to assume some sort of nefarious conspiracy behind Pakistani manufacturers. I highly doubt their intent is to exploit their own people for the sake of destroying the Scottish industry. My guess is that they are viewed in their communities as smart businessmen and local leaders who are trying to bring Pakistan out of third-world status.

We're beginning to drift off-topic- but the garment industry in Asia doesn't exactly have the best track record of worker safety.

Not that we know the work conditions in any specific factory in Sialkot, but the above disaster isn't an isolated incident in Asian garment factories.

ith:

[Tobus]

We're beginning to drift off-topic- but the garment industry in Asia doesn't exactly have the best track record of worker safety.

Not that we know the work conditions in any specific factory in Sialkot, but the above disaster isn't an isolated incident in Asian garment factories.

ith:

Fair point. And to be honest, I'm not trying to defend Pakistani manufacturers. There are many reasons I choose UK- or US-made items first. My only real point was that we tend to "demonize" certain countries while supporting others, or we assume one has malicious intent while the other is nothing but virtuous. Why do we choose to support a Scottish factory worker's job over a Pakistani worker's job? They're all just humans, trying to scrape by in this world. And while, admittedly, some Pakistani companies engage in shady business practises, that doesn't make all Scottish-based companies angels. Truth be told, there are scoundrels in both countries and there are honest men in both countries. We can't make generalisations based solely on geography.

But, since you brought it up, The US went through that exact same thing about 100 years ago. Considering that Pakistan is about 100 years behind us in many ways (if not more), it's no surprise. Our own industrial tragedies led to the creation of OSHA, and Pakistan will end up going the same route, I would think. It's all part of growth and modernisation. They'll never get there if the world shuns them for their mistakes. And furthermore, it would be hypocritical to shun them for going through the same learning curve we went through.

Not trying to be argumentative; just posting some food for thought.

[IrishSean]

What's a spencer waistcoat???

Here is a spencer waistcoat
http://www.worldwidetuxedos.com/item573107.ctlg

[Billleigj3]

Here is a spencer waistcoat
http://www.worldwidetuxedos.com/item573107.ctlg

I need a 52 l...... Have you made one into a highland wear jacket yourself?

[BCAC]

Here is a spencer waistcoat
http://www.worldwidetuxedos.com/item573107.ctlg

Two countrys seperated by the same language, eh? To me a waistcoat is something that is called a vest in the US, and not a coat that stops at the waist.

[OC Richard]

Will Id like to buy a PC for the just incase purpose. I don't want to spend $300+ that's might get worn once a year.

I'm a huge fan of buying high quality Scottish-made things used for very little money. I have several jackets and not a single one was bought new and none cost as much as a Pakistani one would have.

My black Argyll is the nicest one I've seen, with a higher-quality fabric that one usually sees, with a soft elegant feel, Scottish made, beautifully tailored, and I got it ex-hire from a Scottish kilt hire shop on Ebay.

Ditto my Prince Charlie. It's very high quality, nicer fabric than one often sees and nicely tailored, Scottish made, ex-hire from Ebay.

Ditto my tweed Argyll, though it's not ex-hire but came from a Scottish seller specializing in vintage clothing.

All three together would be around the price of any one of them, new.

And they're all in very nice condition. The black Argyll and Prince Charlie look absolutely new.

Size matters! I need a 50R or 50L (depending) and these don't come up often. But size 50 and 52 do come up from time to time. You have to keep an eye on Ebay and jump on the bargains. Several times I've passed on high quality handsewn heavyweight 8-yard kilts in precisely my size in great condition for $200 or less because I just don't need any more kilts, passed on lovely jackets my size because I just don't need any more jackets.

[Billleigj3]

I'm not ruling out buying from the UK and there is a Grey Tweed Jacket with vest for $150-ish delivered I'm a size 52l...But my fear is what if it runs small? I asked them and they said it would fit.. its a gamble...thought?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/CHARCOAL-TWE...item3a80933cbe

[artificer]

I'm not ruling out buying from the UK and there is a Grey Tweed Jacket with vest for $150-ish delivered I'm a size 52l...But my fear is what if it runs small? I asked them and they said it would fit.. its a gamble...thought?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/CHARCOAL-TWE...item3a80933cbe

I don't know how familiar you are with UK jacket sizing, but many North American companies recommend ordering one UK size up from what you'd normally wear in an American or Canadian jacket.
They tend to be cut much closer to the body than you might be familiar or comfortable with.

Just an FYI.

ith:

[Billleigj3]

I have read that about the sizing.....Id prefer if I was going to buy from the UK.....Id buy a 54L.

The hunt continues.....

[Kilted Cole]

Have you checked out ebay? Most of my kit are ebay finds...or scores in my situation. http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odkw...+54+L&_sacat=0