Another protectionist kilt article from "The Scotsman"

[The Thing]

As I have said before there is room for tat and for quality in the kilt market. Indeed cheap imported kilts have introduced lots more guys to kilt wearing, many of whom will no doubt go on to buy a better quality kilt later.

Fully agree with you. Not everyone has the budget to buy a genuine hand made bespoke kilt. Not every kilt is Scottish (made I mean), but none the less still a kilt. It's like saying that Whiskey/Whisky isnt the water of life just because its made outside of Scotland or Ireland. Are there cheap Whiskies/Whisky's sure there are..! However they are still none the less Whisky. Thats why we have product distinction and labelling.

[SteveB]

At the local vendor of age restricted beverages...
Whisky = Product of Scotland
Whiskey = Products outwith of Scotland.
I guess they got that one right.

Every year that I have attended the Highland Games here, I have found that there are vendors of various "kilts"

Vendor of hand sewn made to measurewool tartan kilts. Plenty of Swatch books, a display of sample products, a display of kilt accessories. His tent is almost exclusively Scot manufactured, originated, packaged product. Some outwith Scotland, but still of the U.K.

Vendor of Tartan kilts made in Scotland. Hand sewn in one price range, machine/hand in another range. Uses various mills of wool. sells kilt accessories, that include kilt pins, cap badges, and buckles made outside the U.K. All products clearly display the place of manufacture.

Vendor of tartan kilts, that are all off the peg. 24" drop only. "designed in Scotland" of a mystery fabric and also sells almost any object that has room enough for a Saltire sticker to placed somewhere on it as "Scottish" goods. Nowhere is there a place of origin label to be found.

Vendor of Utilikilts. Plainly advertised as made in U.S.A. for the American Man.

A booth of several kiltmakers that hand sew kilts in the traditional manner, most with swatch books and a "fact sheet" listing names and contact information of their recent customers. Some specializing in box pleat, some in knife pleat and others also interested in sewing for the younger males of the family. (Adjustable pleats, and adjustable hem designed for the fast growing boy.)


When it comes time for me to part with my Greenbacks or Sterling, it will be with the vendors that honestly display their products. After several years the vendors of quality proudly displayed have grown in the materials they show and SELL. The vendors of the mystery materials seem to be setting up smaller and smaller each year as they are taking most of their product with them when they leave. The marketplace seems to be working very well.

Slainte

[BoldHighlander]

At the local vendor of age restricted beverages...
Whisky = Product of Scotland
Whiskey = Products outwith of Scotland.
I guess they got that one right.

I thought that was the case too, Steve, until I saw this thread, of a trip to this American distillery, then I got really confused

[Burly Brute]

Considering I am the owner of a kilt (purchased 3 weeks ago, not my own tartan) and that I have been a member on here for about 3 days, I feel that I have the authority to offer my two cents. Haha.

I definately agree with the label deal for online stuff especially, I REALLY dont want to order anything, ever, ever, online. I HATE IT! ( i have to sometimes).

As for the other stuff, I know I went to the store several times before I made my purchase, researched what I could online, and then lucked out and got it on sale because the owner decided to close the shop for personal issues. To me, I think it would be nice if they could manufacture a decent kilt, maybe on assembly line or what have you, and at an affordable price. If every kilt maker, whether Scot or not, just took pride in their work it wouldnt be an issue.

And then there is the aspect of actually getting to feel, look, and try it on in person. That helped sway my purchase. I think even a novice such as my self can tell whether its a light cotton with 4 pleats or not! haha.

I dont know, its tough. I envy all of you with far more knowledge than I on the subject, but like I said...i hate online...haha.

Maybe they need a label that says, "please visit xmarksthescot.com prior to purchase"

-Zach

[McClef]

At the local vendor of age restricted beverages...
Whisky = Product of Scotland
Whiskey = Products outwith of Scotland.
I guess they got that one right.

Here in the UK Whiskey (with the e) would indicate that it was an Irish product.

Others would be spelt Whisky but still have to indicate their country of origin. Only Whisky from Scotland may display "Scotch Whisky" on the label.

[Jock Scot]

Here in the UK Whiskey (with the e) would indicate that it was an Irish product.

Others would be spelt Whisky but still have to indicate their country of origin. Only Whisky from Scotland may display "Scotch Whisky" on the label.

Precisely! And we have gone full circle. What I take Mr Hawthorne to say is why not have a label saying "Scots kilt" meaning the same thing as "Scotch Whisky" and having the same legal meanings and sanctions. The non Scotch whisky producers from around the world---even China I gather, whilst perhaps not liking the distinction seem to get by perfectly well. Why not the same with kilts?

[artificer]

It's a bit funny, really. On one hand we have "Group A": people whinging that the kilt is a rarity, a garment for weddings and other 'special occasions' (and in many cases, rented).

On the other hand we have our protectionist Mr. Hawthorne, who I will place in Group B: those would like to see the kilt relegated to hand-made and costing $850 or more- thereby ensuring it REMAINS a garment out of reach of most of the Scottish public.

I wonder if Mr. Hawthorne is a group A/B complainer, and whines about the kilt becoming extinct WHILE at the same time whining that all the tat is reducing the grandeur of the kilt? In my experience GRAND usually equals EXPENSIVE.

If people want the kilt to stay alive, it has to be affordable. I think there's probably room for the tat alongside the treasure.

[Monkey@Arms]

It appears that Mr. Hawthorne belongs to the school that says kilts are for special occasions only, and should stay that way. (Well he is in the kilt rental business too, afterall.)

From the McCall's website:

The kilt has now become the accepted alternative dress wear for formal occasions rather than a practical garment. It is most commonly worn at weddings and formal functions, and is acceptable on occasions where one would wear a dinner suit or tuxedo.

Emphasis mine.

Best regards,

Jake

[Drac]

While I feel that a good quality garment is always worth it's cost you have to consider the intended use.

If I was just going to a wedding once a year or so I guess I would rent it for such occasions. If I went to formal occasions several times a year I would save up and invest in quality kilt, which I did. Nice 8 yard of 16 oz of wool from Scotland made by a Scottish trained kiltmaker.

But it's not something I would wear constantly as an everyday thing no more than I would wear an Armani suit everyday instead of a Men's Warehouse one. I also wouldn't compete in a Scottish games in a expensive kilt.

I personally feel at there is a place for both types.

Jim

[artificer]

OK folks, you heard it hear, on XMTS...if you're not in Italy eating pizza or pasta, it's all fake!!! Imitation pasta. Yumm, but good imitation pasta.

I think you mean CHINA for pasta, the Italians are all copy-cats.