What if they sold Kilts at Wall-Mart?

[O'Callaghan]

If they did it would probably be priced at half that, say $25. The Hot Topic ones are that much ($50) as it is. Also, I'm guessing they would be in random fashion tartans, as indeed the Hot Topic ones are. The latter come in 'red plaid', 'green plaid' and solid black, AFAIK. Walmart might offer another solid colour or two, like beige or navy perhaps, but would probably otherwise do the same thing, although they would definitely go cheaper in price.

AFAIK the Hot Topic kilts have only 'pinch pleats' (or I think that's what a seamstress would call them) so as to use the least fabric, i.e. less than if they had proper knife pleats. It's my guess (without trying one on) that the reason they go a bit below the knee is that because they are pinch pleated there isn't sufficient fabric to spread between the knees when you sit (I reckon the few extra inches on the hem doesn't add as much as proper pleats would). Kilts with pinch pleats make even my SWK Thrifty kilt look deluxe. Two-yard kilts, perhaps? OTOH, they do have pockets.

I suspect Walmart would put in pockets, but I hope they wouldn't use pinch pleats and a below knee hem. But this is all academic. I doubt they could sell enough yet to carry them. I think more guys would have to be wearing kilts before this would happen.

[sathor]

Depending on the quality of assembly and material, I would probably have several more than I do now. I would expect it to not fall apart after the first wash, and I would not purchase one that is too light. Personally, I like a heavier material. I would not expect a Wal-Mart kilt to have the same quality as a USA kilt, but for casual wear it should be adequate. Tartan selection and color would also be a factor. By my own choice, I prefer more muted colors (blue, green, black), and stay away from bright colors (red, yellow).

upside, never baste the pleats and redo them, just toss and grab another one.

seriously though, I would like a heavier one than the one i have. I can only guess its an acrylic, since it didn't have tags on it and really seems to blow in the wind rather easily. (I'd order a wool SWK if they had a size/tartan match for me and I had a bit more money)

[randal]

By looking at the quality of clothing that Wal-mart already sells, if they sold kilts they would be poor quality that may only make it through one or two wearings. When folks are interested in cheap junk, they usually find it at such establisments. Unfortunately, Wal-mart has found its niche and at times can be the only resource.
Personally, I would rather tie pillow cases around my waist and call it a kilt than to buy something like that at Wal-mart.

[staticsan]

To imagine Walmart selling kilts, you have to imagine the intermediate developments first. First, kilts have to get into retail stores, something like a 'luxury' brand store (e.g. Gap, Esprit...) or a high-end department store (e.g. Bloomingdales, or David Jones). Or perhaps a specialty kilt selling chain. Or even all three! Now imagine what $50 kilts would be like from each of those.

Done? Okay: you've almost set the stage for Walmart to possibly be interested. But by this stage, a hand-sewn mail-to-measure kilt would not be highly sought after. People would still by them, of course, like people continue to buy tailored suits from Armani. But it would be more normal to know your size and try a few on in the store.

Note that the lifetime (and pricepoint!) of most kilts by this point would be the same as the average pair of jeans.

Now enter Walmart. How do their jeans compare to (say) Gap? That gives you an idea of what their kilts would be like!

Wade.

[O'Callaghan]

To imagine Walmart selling kilts, you have to imagine the intermediate developments first. First, kilts have to get into retail stores, something like a 'luxury' brand store (e.g. Gap, Esprit...) or a high-end department store (e.g. Bloomingdales, or David Jones). Or perhaps a specialty kilt selling chain. Or even all three! Now imagine what $50 kilts would be like from each of those.

Done? Okay: you've almost set the stage for Walmart to possibly be interested. But by this stage, a hand-sewn mail-to-measure kilt would not be highly sought after. People would still by them, of course, like people continue to buy tailored suits from Armani. But it would be more normal to know your size and try a few on in the store.

Note that the lifetime (and pricepoint!) of most kilts by this point would be the same as the average pair of jeans.

Now enter Walmart. How do their jeans compare to (say) Gap? That gives you an idea of what their kilts would be like!

Wade.

Sounds right to me.

[Daniel Hyde]

Nahh!! They would probably get them from that imitation outfit from Pakistan, the one that uses the name " Geofrey". What a load! I saw that stuff at E-bay, could not believe it.
Dan

[beloitpiper]

Personally, I wouldn't buy one, but I can guarantee you that they would sell. And if kilts ever become mainstream, Wal*Mart will sell them.

[Mipi]

Don't know much about Wall-Mart; no shops araoud here. I believe there are not much different then big shopping centers and shop chains found here locally.

Well, sometimes you get crap and sometimes you can get decent garment for low price.

On the other hand I would even dare to say that some of "scottish product taged" kilts are not realy made in Scotland (more likely in Pakistan).

Buying kilts for low price (and acceptable quality) in Wall-Mart like shops would add to kilt acceptance in general, which I find good. I don't think kilts will be mainstream ever, or at least for loooooooong time. Would be surprised if that happens during my life. Even f that happens, it would not be so bad. What I'm more concerned is how those "industry made" kilts would fit?!?

To make it short; Wall-Mart kilts would at least add to kilt acceptance. On the other hand this will not happen until kilts are demandet on the market

[Glamrockdj]

I'm a member of the Tartan Army here in Scotland (Scottish Football Supporters) I recently picked up a kilt for £50 in a sale in Edinburgh, St Andrews Tartan, 5 yard 16 oz, the quality is very good but as you'd expect the pleats aren't as deep with it being a 5 yarder.

What it does do however is, it saves me using my more expensive kilts from getting beer spilled on them and all the hazards that go with going to a sporting event with 50,000 people so I think for £50 I've got a bargain.

You hear a lot about kilt snobbery, the classic is, I'm not a kilt snob but!!

Some folk can't afford to pay the price for a traditional kilt so this is a perfect introduction for them and hopefully they'll catch the bug and save up for a good one or be lucky to get one second hand like I did one of mine.

Personally I don't really like the other types of kilts out there, I think a kilt should be made of 100% wool and preferably be tartan, I'm tempted to say that anything else would be considered a skirt, oh bugger I did say it!!!

Anyway my point is, wear what you want to and can afford to wear, everybody's different, anyone buying a kilt like I did for £50 knows that it's not coming from some traditional kilt maker from a wee croft in Scotland, but I do think there's a market for them.

[george7]

I'm a member of the Tartan Army here in Scotland (Scottish Football Supporters) I recently picked up a kilt for £50 in a sale in Edinburgh, St Andrews Tartan, 5 yard 16 oz, the quality is very good but as you'd expect the pleats aren't as deep with it being a 5 yarder.

What it does do however is, it saves me using my more expensive kilts from getting beer spilled on them and all the hazards that go with going to a sporting event with 50,000 people so I think for £50 I've got a bargain.

You hear a lot about kilt snobbery, the classic is, I'm not a kilt snob but!!

Some folk can't afford to pay the price for a traditional kilt so this is a perfect introduction for them and hopefully they'll catch the bug and save up for a good one or be lucky to get one second hand like I did one of mine.

Personally I don't really like the other types of kilts out there, I think a kilt should be made of 100% wool and preferably be tartan, I'm tempted to say that anything else would be considered a skirt, oh bugger I did say it!!!

Anyway my point is, wear what you want to and can afford to wear, everybody's different, anyone buying a kilt like I did for £50 knows that it's not coming from some traditional kilt maker from a wee croft in Scotland, but I do think there's a market for them.

And at £50, that's still double the $50 price point.