first post and dumb question about military doublets

**rd culp** · 19th September 10, 04:54 AM

I have a question about military doublets and I hope I'm posting this on the right forum. I've been doing some searches on the net in regards to doublets and from what I've found the price ranges and the time it takes to get it to you are all about the same. Doublets from 275.00 to 350.00 and take from 6 to 8 weeks to arrive. I've been told that the majority of the doublets you see on the net aside from scottish military issue are actually produced in pakistan. I was emailed a website from pakistan that showed basically the same doublets, with the same description but at a lot cheaper price. My question is, is Pakistan a major supplier of this kind of stuff, and is there a middle man price associated with it. I've emailed a couple of places and have asked where their doublets are made and ive never heard anything back. I'm kinda curious and I'm hoping someone could give me their opinion on this. semper fi., doug culp

**artificer** · 19th September 10, 05:29 AM

First, Welcome Aboard!

Nearly all of the major Highland dress companies make theirs/have them made in Scotland.

Many kilt jackets sold by 'mid-tier' vendors are made in Pakistan, it's true. When you see a Scottish or American made jacket, it's usually +250GBP.

There's nothing inherently wrong in jackets made in Pakistan, but there are some issues. If you're dealing DIRECTLY with a Pakistani company, there are several things you need to be aware of.

1) Frequently the images of products featured on their websites are stolen from Scottish or American internet 'stores'. So you don't know what their product really looks like.

2) The product delivered can vary WILDLY in quality and appearance from what was promised.

3) If there is a problem, you have little to no recourse. Product not delivered, delivered LATE (as in months & months late), product being worthless when it finally does arrive are all stories we've heard. Search the forum for Pakistan and you'll see for yourself.

I'm not saying that EVERY Pakistani 'Highland Manufacturer' is untrustworthy. There are examples of good service and quality as well. If you're looking for CONSISTENT service and quality you should probably save yourself the headache and order from Scotland, the US, or Canada. St. Kilda do a pretty decent doublet. Remember that if your outside the EU you can subtract 17% for VAT from most prices, as they are inclusive of tax.

-edited for big oops-

**slohairt** · 19th September 10, 07:28 AM

Military doublets are in a whole different price range than 'civvie' kilt jackets. 275-350 USD is actually quite cheap and I would question their origin.

$500+ would be a more likely price for a UK or North American made military doublet.

**artificer** · 19th September 10, 07:33 AM

Originally Posted by slohairt

Military doublets are in a whole different price range than 'civvie' kilt jackets. 275-350 USD is actually quite cheap and I would question their origin.

$500+ would be a more likely price for a UK or North American made military doublet.

Doh! I meant it to read +250GBP

AND I was thinking REGULATION doublets, not military/pipers doublets...
Good catch!

**longhuntr74** · 19th September 10, 08:34 AM

Basically, you get what you pay for!!

More importantly...a very hearty welcome to the forum!!

**JerseyLawyer** · 19th September 10, 09:17 AM

Also remember that the tariffs on items imported from Pakistan, along with shipping, are going to substantially increase the cost above what you pay from the manufacturer. Customs law isn't my area by a long shot, but the last I heard, it can be as much as 50%. Add the shipping to that, and it's not such a bargain anymore, especially since you're dealing with an unknown quantity (or, more properly, quality in this case).

Of course, I'm assuming you're in the USA. If that's the case, then orders from the UK or Canada won't have this sort of hidden cost.

**millykilts** · 19th September 10, 09:29 AM

Originally Posted by rd culp

I have a question about military doublets and I hope I'm posting this on the right forum. I've been doing some searches on the net in regards to doublets and from what I've found the price ranges and the time it takes to get it to you are all about the same. Doublets from 275.00 to 350.00 and take from 6 to 8 weeks to arrive. I've been told that the majority of the doublets you see on the net aside from scottish military issue are actually produced in pakistan. I was emailed a website from pakistan that showed basically the same doublets, with the same description but at a lot cheaper price. My question is, is Pakistan a major supplier of this kind of stuff, and is there a middle man price associated with it. I've emailed a couple of places and have asked where their doublets are made and ive never heard anything back. I'm kinda curious and I'm hoping someone could give me their opinion on this. semper fi., doug culp

**millykilts** · 19th September 10, 09:42 AM

With regards your question on the military spec doublet the following is a guide to the various makers:

Pakistan: As was stated earlier you pay for what you get if you purchase from Pakistan you will have to deal with a few problems such as poor quality cloth an illfitting garment and poor wear and tear issue,s.However what the audience must be aware of is that Pakistan is the leading maker of ALL the gold lacing and embroidered badges which are purchased worldwide.

Military contract: To purchase a military quality garment it is almost impossible to go outwith the MOD contractors to purchase such a garment there are a few in the UK that i deal with with regards special measures and officers make up but be aware they can come in around $700-800 plus post and packaging.

There are also some independant contractor we use for one off items a sound supplier who make a qaulity item is David O,Gilvie in Glasgow who produce a parade quality garment if it is a spec size it will cost around $500 but he produces a nice jacket. If i was tasked to purchase a special measure and i was looking for a well make top spec i would use him. There are a lot of pretentious suppliers out there who purchase from David and then add their % ie the middleman option.

Any quiries give me a shout and i will point you in the right direction.

regards

John

**MacLowlife** · 19th September 10, 12:02 PM

Our own Josh (NorCal Piper) at Skye Highland Outfitters may be able to help. I believe he is upgrading his website, but I think you will find him friendly and knowledgeable. I have bought from him with pleasant results.

**BobsYourUncle** · 19th September 10, 06:15 PM

If you want an actual military doublet, MOD issue, you can find them in an Ebay store called Bugpiper. It is the store of a fellow called Steven McVeigh in Ireland, and I have dealt with him for some years now, with 100% satisfaction. Good luck!