Kilt prices?

[obuchiteck]

Why are kilts so expensive? I mean a pair of wool pants or a sweater that would have to same amount of wool wouldn’t be so much and it would seem that kilts would be easier to make then my cargo pants. So why are they so expensive? Also the utilikilts aren’t even wool, 150 to 200 dollars just seems a bit pricy to me. Nevertheless I do think they look cool and will probably get one eventually.

[McMurdo]

I highly doubt a wool sweater, or pair of wool trousers will even come close to having 8 yards of wool, the other thing that you have to remember is the sheer craftsmanship involved in making a 16oz. hand sewn wool kilt. Given the work that goes into a kilt like that I would say you are getting a bargain at twice the price, also remember that your trousers or sweater will not even come close to lasting as long as a kilt, my first kilt is close to 60 years old and can still be worn. Expensive I think not.

As far as Utilikilts go not my cup of tea, but to each their own.

[Mr. MacDougall]

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/s...ad.php?t=28025

[auld argonian]

There's a lot of wool in a kilt...even a five yard kilt...and good craftsmanship really shows in kilt construction. Speaking for myself, when I first got interested in getting a kilt, the prices blew my mind...thank God for finding Xsmarks and finding out about "starter kilt" alternatives cause, let's face it, many of us weren't real sure that we were going to take to this kilt thing and an eight yard kilt costs a good chunk of change. After finally getting a couple of wool kilts, I'm sold on the qualities that make wool the material of choice and, as McMurdo points out, they do have a serious lifespan.

I'm sure that the Contemporary type kilts represent a lot of careful planning and workmanship and that they're well worth the price. I've seen precious few complaints on this board about them...just testimonials about their good feel and durability.

It's nice to have choices...and you do have choices from reputable vendors and from $23.95 and up. It's a continuum...you can enjoy it at any level that you want. Go for it and enjoy!

Best

AA

[sirdaniel1975]

1. Kilt making is an ART FORM.

2. Most Tailored kilts are hand sewn. Not sure about tailored pants? I think they are machine sewn.

3. As stated 4 - 8 yards of material.

4. Tartan is woven, and is a sophisticated process. And it is spun first. Sure it's done with machines now, but it is a process.


picture by me from Taste of Scotland 2006 (Spinning Wool)


picture by me Appalachian Highland Games 2006 (weaving tartan)

5. Tailored Kilts are an investment and last a very long time. Probably long enough to pass to great great grand children. Assuming they are cared for.

6. When you wear and own a nicely tailored kilt, nothing else seems to measure up.

7. Basically, the entire process is CULTURAL ART! Those who are good kilt makers are very talented individuals. They work very hard to get their work finished on schedule. You are paying for the material and the labor.
One might argue you are paying for the talent or the art of it as well.

8. That's why one must dish out $350, $375, $425, $500, etc. ....... for kilts.

[pipesndrumsnun]

I have a friend who always says "Good ain't cheap, and cheap ain't good"!

[obuchiteck]

OK.. the wool kilt, I understand.. But why are utilikilts so expensive. No Wool, probably not hand made,…

[Monkey@Arms]

OK.. the wool kilt, I understand.. But why are utilikilts so expensive. No Wool, probably not hand made,…

Can't answer, but I will point out that UKs are made in Seattle (machine stitched), the fabric and parts are all made in the USA, and that they are committed to paying their workers a living wage. That and their relatively small size probably add a lot to the cost. That said, I agree they are not cheap. I solved the price problem by volunteering to staff their booth at a couple of events, and earning my Workman's that way.

Best regards,

Jake

[mddock58]

If you really think about it, anything that is not "mass produced" is going to be more expensive.

The "production line" model of manufacture helps, but mostly where the quantities of what is produced is so large that the end cost of each item is significantly reduced.
Many also have spoken regarding the "cheap" labor that is being used in most of the garment industry (both good and bad), and both the wage and the benefits add to the price of what is made in the US.

I suggest you make an X-Kilt, Buy good fabric (you don't want a cheap kilt do you?), log your time making the kilt, and multiply that by a reasonable wage. Your kilt will most likely be more than you would want to buy it for.

Professional seamstresses/kiltmakers will sew faster, but that skill also comes with a price.

All the products we buy, we would like to have "less expensive" than what we pay, that's just the nature of things.

If you make any crafts at all and try to sell them you will understand what I'm talking about.
Those that sell at Highland Games, craft faires, etc. make a profit, but if they accounted for many of the hours involved in their businesses, they really don't make that much.

[Perldog007]

OK.. the wool kilt, I understand.. But why are utilikilts so expensive. No Wool, probably not hand made,…

Utilikilts? well they pride themselves on paying everyone a living wage, but IMNSHO they are expensive for what you get. On the other hand, folks like Freedom Kilts and R kilts hand make them to your specifications.

To find out why I am ecstatic with what Steve charged me for a Freedom Kilt, sit down and sew one up yourself. I am making my third casual kilt now, and still haven't been able to turn one out we would want to purchase. But getting closer every time....

I am a fat just made myself a box pleated casual. 5 yards of material, 14 box pleats, all sewn down on inside edge, 12 of them tapered and stitched to fell, stitched all the way down from fell, waistband, aprons, beltloops, pockets, it is a fair bit of work.

Anxiously awaiting my F.K, paid more for it than most U.K.'s cost and still think it is a steal.