Quality or quantity.....?

[gilmore]

The actual manufacturing cost is not outrageous, but the raw materials are. Most tartan fabric used in kilts cost (retail) about $60-70 a yard. While I realize that kilt makers can probably get it is cheaper lots, it is still a hefty part of the finished kilt. Most other fabrics can be bought for under $10 a yard (and twil, denim for under $5.00 at times). Small lots of tartan or not, there really is no good reason for the cost of the fabric.

Adam

My understanding is that there are only 5 or so sources for quality 13 to 16 ounce, 100% wool woven in the various tartans and with proper kilting selvedge. This could account for their inflated prices. If kilts, or other things made of quality tartan wool, became popular enough to warrant manufacturing larger quantities of good quality cloth in 3rd world countries at a fraction of the cost, I would not be sad if the Scottish mills went out of business.

[arrogcow]

My understanding is that there are only 5 or so sources for quality 13 to 16 ounce, 100% wool woven in the various tartans and with proper kilting selvedge. This could account for their inflated prices. If kilts, or other things made of quality tartan wool, became popular enough to warrant manufacturing larger quantities of good quality cloth in 3rd world countries at a fraction of the cost, I would not be sad if the Scottish mills went out of business.

And that's the problem. Kilts are expensive because not many people buy them and not many buy them because they are expensive. However, with people like us growing in numbers the cost of the material will eventually come down.

Adam