The OUTRAGEOUS Price of kilts!

[arrogcow]

Ok, kilts are worth every penny.
Sporrans too.

But, can someone tell me why kilt jackets are so much? A regular tweed jacket can be purchased for less than half of a kilt cut tweed jacket, and uses more material. What's up with that?

Adam

[Wompet]

Just the other day I saw some camouflage sheep. Digital ones, no less.

Honest!

hey, stop looking at me like that.

Of course we're going to look at you that way. After all, if the sheep were camoflaged, how did you see them?

This has been another interesting thread to read - Alan H's, Barb T's, and Steve's posts especially. And others' responses to those posts - well, if we all agreed, that would make things less interesting. More peaceful, occasionally, but less interesting.

[McMurdo]

Ok, kilts are worth every penny.
Sporrans too.

But, can someone tell me why kilt jackets are so much? A regular tweed jacket can be purchased for less than half of a kilt cut tweed jacket, and uses more material. What's up with that?

Adam

You bring up an interesting point, not sure I have an answer for you. I do know that every kilt jacket I have has also been worth every penny I paid for them, perhaps it is more expensive because there is more tailoring involved, a kilt jacket is a more form fitting garment than your standard sport coat, or suit jacket. Thats about the only thing I can think of.

[Macman]

Mark, even if the sheep are the wrong kind for wool, you know what you can do with them? NO, not that! I mean BBQ!

[Casper]

You bring up an interesting point, not sure I have an answer for you. I do know that every kilt jacket I have has also been worth every penny I paid for them, perhaps it is more expensive because there is more tailoring involved, a kilt jacket is a more form fitting garment than your standard sport coat, or suit jacket. Thats about the only thing I can think of.

I would assume that it is simply due to lower demand. Most sportcoats are mass-made, whereas kilt jackets are typically custom due to the incredibly low volumes.

I've also noticed this.. while trying to find an affordable Argyll in black/charcoal with a vest. Seems that they're all pricey, and in the UK.

[ozone]

While we are off topic (slightly), I have heard that these guys have good kilt jacket prices from several members: http://www.jhiggins.net/

I have no personal experience, since I have not yet bought a jacket, but there ya go!

[Robin]

Ok, kilts are worth every penny.
Sporrans too.

But, can someone tell me why kilt jackets are so much? A regular tweed jacket can be purchased for less than half of a kilt cut tweed jacket, and uses more material. What's up with that?

Adam

Part of the whole "expensive" problem...kilts, jackets, sporrans...the whole shebang.... is the weak $ and the strong £ and €. The dollar went down almost 30%...add cross Atlantic shipping expenses and import duties and the nightmare is complete (for those in the USA).

No kiltmaker or shop to blame.

When I buy a Prince Charlie jacket (example) from Lochcarron I pay €250...that's $337,50, but for us it "feels" like $250...or even less.
No import duties within the EC and low(er) P&P rates.

This is essential for the whole discussion I think and explains why "we in Europe" don't think kilts and related stuff is over expensive, while "you in the USA" fall off your chair when you hear what you have to pay.
We're not snobs...it's just cheaper for us...30+%.

[prattw]

Ok, kilts are worth every penny.
Sporrans too.

But, can someone tell me why kilt jackets are so much? A regular tweed jacket can be purchased for less than half of a kilt cut tweed jacket, and uses more material. What's up with that?

Adam

Assuming that we're talking about woolen tweed in both cases, I suspect basically because there is a much larger market for standard jackets so that they are made in much larger lots. If the Pakistanis started making them, they'd be cheaper, but probably never at the price point of low-end suit coats, because they would the product of the smaller, family shops which are high end in Pakistan. In fact, if we're talking about argyle-style jackets, which are rather more complex than standard suit coats, they might be a good bit more.

Here's something nobody seems to have noticed. We've been talking about the $70 kilt as cheap. Lets compare with Walmart prices for trousers. The $70 kilt is over twice the price of the most expensive trousers Walmart carries (about $30). Even Stillwater's new Thrifty Kilts are somewhat more. In other words, even made in Asia, kilts are relatively complex and more expensive to manufacture than most clothing.

Will Pratt

[Riverkilt]

Will,

You can get a feel for what price a Pakistani made kilt jacket might be by checking out the Pakistani made replica War II battlejackets at www.whatpriceglory.com I've three of them that I wear with kilts.

Ron

[cloves]

my only problem with $500 dollar kilts....isn't the actual cost per se...(I get why they're expensive, even if it does hurt my pocketbook) It's....when to wear something that costs so much.
I'm in between "it cost too much to keep hidden in the closet" and "it cost too much to wear all the time and ruin"...argh! What to do, what to do?
My first "tank" will be my xmarks tartan...and I'll wear it with pride, but I suspct only on special occasions.

Echoing what Panache said above...there is definately a place in my wardrobe for cheaper kilts.
I have dress pants I wear when called for, and cheap grungy jeans I wear when appropriate. Why should kilts be any different?