Caveat Emptor

[MacLowlife]

I'd like to echo Tobus' point that the damage, bad as it is, does not really affect the wearability of the kilt. Also, I do not know how far the kilt was shipped, but it is quite possible that weakened fibers were disturbed further in shipment and crumbled- by any chance did you find a quantity of fibers in the bottom of the package?

I am not trying to defend the seller, but consider this- he/ she was selling the kilt- they examined it briefly and photographed it. They cared less about it than you, Hiburnicus, because they were getting rid of it. I do not expect they concealed the damaged apron so much as they failed to find the damage. And they failed to find it because, honestly, they were getting rid of it. They photographed it as it would be worn. Had they intended to deceive, they would not have mentioned the small hole near the pleat. Think for a minute about what you will lose by being generous in your dealings and what you might gain.

None of this makes the holes any smaller and I do not imagine it lessens your disappointment in the kilt. But maybe it can help you get past anger at the seller and maybe to some resolution. Caveat Emptor is always a good idea and maybe this experience will encourage X Markers to inquire carefully about potential damage. I think that was your original point, after all.

Congratualtions on your purchase of a good looking, traditional kilt. As Tobus says, you can have it repaired in dozens of ways or just wear it as it is. Presumably, the lower cost will encourage you to wear it fearlessly, knowing, like a "beater" car, that someone else has already done the initial damage.

PS- if you look carefully, you can probably find a piece of Mackenzie fabric in the same size sett. A plain old patch- which would be ugly and distracting on the outer apron, will be a simple way to stabilize the inner apron. If you can't find the MacKenzie, you can easily sew a square of oxford cloth or lining fabric behind the apron to stop the holes and tears from spreading further. Please let us know how you make the repair.