So, Who Actually Sews Up Pakistani Made Kilts?

[Blu (Ontario)]

Everyone has to eat... even in Pakistan.

Labor rates in western countries are so high, that industry is forced to consider alternatives. Countries like Pakistan, India, China currently have an economic advantage and are using it.

Nothing in my opinion can replace the traditionally made scottish kilt but they will remain expensive. It's the price we'll have to pay to own the genuine article. If that's not a priority, then the alternative is to support a hungry 3rd work garment worker.

[Mike S]

Hey Jerry,
Those pictures you showed of your sources in Pakistan depict a positively lush, modern work environment compared to so many of the lesser Pipe, blade, accouterments makers in Sialkot, Pakistan and in India that I've investigated.
I have absolutely no problems ordering a Kilt or Highland accessory made in either Pakistan or India, provided it is of good quality (Pipes excluded!).I have my dyed in the wool (pun intended) genuine Scottish kit and kilts too, mind you!

The British MOD has been contracting out these same vendors for ceremonial items such as wire work badges, insignia, banners/pipebanners, ensigns and colors etc. for years, including the Celtic regiments. If it is good enough for the Highland regiments, it's good enough for me.

Albeit the quality varies WIDELY from one vendor and product to the next, but when you get a client such as Jerry who supervises the quality control and construction/design closely, you can get some pretty natty items for less $$......two things that ARE most definitely very Scottish!

[MacSimoin]

Read the horror stories of malnourished children chained to looms in Pakistani carpet mills. Hope its not that bad.

Ron

Ron,

Just curious, but do you have any links available to substantiate this statement?

[Riverkilt]

Yes, did some searching Googling up 'Pakistani sweatshop' 'pakistani child labor' that sort of thing and ran across a number of them. As someone said there seems to be a problem in the soccer ball area too. Was whipping through so many didn't mark or get the one with the story of the children chained to the carpet looms. Suppose I could go back and find it, but today's a work day and the day I was Googling wasn't.

I remain amazed, but relieved, that such fine working conditions with adult labor can produce such an inexpensive product even after shipping costs.

There was an old business saying, "You can have any two of price, quality, or service."

I would guess that all those Pakistani made kilts on Ebay offer price and service.

For an investment like a kilt in my clan tartans I prefer quality and service.

Ron

[RockyR]

Everyone has to eat... even in Pakistan.

Labor rates in western countries are so high, that industry is forced to consider alternatives. Countries like Pakistan, India, China currently have an economic advantage and are using it.

Nothing in my opinion can replace the traditionally made scottish kilt but they will remain expensive. It's the price we'll have to pay to own the genuine article. If that's not a priority, then the alternative is to support a hungry 3rd work garment worker.

What about another alternative... supporting "local" (or as local as you can get) makers like UK, PK, Rkilts, FK, USAK, Bear, etc.? Every one of these companies (and SEVERAL more that I didn't name here) offers kilts at a price substancially less than "traditional" 8 yard kilts. If you're only thinking about tartan kilts, then that list is widdled down to USAK and Bear (and SK) that make lessor cost kilts in real tartans.

[Iolaus]

What about another alternative... supporting "local" (or as local as you can get) makers like UK, PK, Rkilts, FK, USAK, Bear, etc.? Every one of these companies (and SEVERAL more that I didn't name here) offers kilts at a price substancially less than "traditional" 8 yard kilts. If you're only thinking about tartan kilts, then that list is widdled down to USAK and Bear (and SK) that make lessor cost kilts in real tartans.

The bottom line is price, followed by selection and fit. I am a consumer, not a connoisseur.

You offer selection and custom fit, they offer pricing with limited selection and fit. If I'm not particular about the tartan, and I find one I like at $80 compared to the exact same tartan for $120, I'm going to get the $80 model. If only 1 or 2 of that company's selection appeals to me, and I already have them, then I'll start looking at other options.

As far as fit goes, I have limited funds; I may appreciate and want a custom fit, but as long as they generally taper toward the top, and I get what I paid for, I'm going to be happy. There's a difference between my jeans and a pair of custom fit suit slacks; I don't expect custom fit for my casual jeans. If I want something a little nicer, then yes, I'll start looking at local options first.

[RockyR]

The bottom line is price, followed by selection and fit. I am a consumer, not a connoisseur.

You offer selection and custom fit, they offer pricing with limited selection and fit. If I'm not particular about the tartan, and I find one I like at $80 compared to the exact same tartan for $120, I'm going to get the $80 model. If only 1 or 2 of that company's selection appeals to me, and I already have them, then I'll start looking at other options.

As far as fit goes, I have limited funds; I may appreciate and want a custom fit, but as long as they generally taper toward the top, and I get what I paid for, I'm going to be happy. There's a difference between my jeans and a pair of custom fit suit slacks; I don't expect custom fit for my casual jeans. If I want something a little nicer, then yes, I'll start looking at local options first.

Understood... that's definitely a valid perspective.

The other side of the coin is the "walmart vs. small town business" view or the "Buy American Made" type view (don't mean to leave out Canada or the UK). I'm not going into politics or a national / cultural speach, just presenting another side to the argument. It's not black and white (cost vs quality)... there is a gray area.

Please don't take this as a knock on anyone, just another way to look at things.

[Iolaus]

Again, it comes down to numbers. The reason the Wal-Marts are winning is because when it come to making purchasing choices, principles are a luxury most people can't afford.

It's always going to be a balancing act for the niche marketers. Do something to make the product stand out enough for consumers to want to pay the extra cost, or drop the price to compete. UK is a case in point. Their product is unique enough to generate sales, even though they cost more.

[Raphael]

I already support my local guys and will continue to support them. But, I will also buy from Stillwater Kilts because they offer something the local guys can't - speedy service.

Pakistani kilts will always be a competitor within the kilts industry. If you think that you can't compete with them and keep playing the buy local cards, you already lost. The buying public will buy their products from more than one company. Bear is a good friend and I made no secret that I also buy from his competitors. He has no problem with that.

It is a similiar mentality that the Auto workers used to have in the 70's. They bashed Hondas, Datsun, and Toyotas.

Besides, Pakistan is part of the British Commonwealth. What is wrong with giving money to them? At least from a Canadian point of view?

[pdcorlis]

I think its all really about choice. Different kilt makers using different fabrics and offering different levels of fit and finish are positioned at different price points in the market place. Buyers select a particular kilt based on their funds available, expected use and lifespan of the kilt, and any and all personal values they bring into the buying mix.

I own 2 Stillwaters, have a Semi-traditional on order from Rocky, and have some 16 oz Strome that will be sewn up locally - of course I'm also thinking about my "next" kilt... Now, I love all my kilts - but I have different "expectations" for each of them. It's kind of like my kids - I love them all but each one is a unique individual.