Why do they cost so much? -the annual rant.

[CelticWarriorPoet]

I really liked your rant sir. As a somewhat kilt newb it is nice to hear the pricing broken down as you did. While I am not a part of the instant gratification, "Walmart" generation, I do like knowing why real kilt pricing is what it is.

[Vich Ian Vhor]

Great perspective.

[J_Mimbs]

Wonderful rant. I just took advantage of Alt Kilt's sale and counted my lucky stars for it. I think they're a steal at full price, even being cotton twill not wool. Looking at the cost breakdown reinforces that even more.

[Newfoundlander]

Fantastic!

I totally agree with everything that you've said. If I may add in my thoughts and my perspective and extend the thought a little more.

My kilt was roughly $1000 Canadian about 4-5 years ago. Now, its in a rare tartan that practically doesn't exist in 16oz heavyweight fabric (lots of 10oz, but I wanted heavyweight or regimental weight). So my kilt had to be done on a special order at the weavers in Scotland, than shipped to the kiltmaker, and hand-sewn. When you couple that with the quality, durability, and personal attachment it has, a grand is actually not bad really. Especially since I'll will this thing to my grandson.

Say this thing last for 25 years... $1000/25 yrs. = $40 PER YEAR!!

Contrast that to cheap, mass produced in indonesia, true religion jeans at $200-300 a pop that maybe last a year... hmmmm

Furthermore, I'm actually glad that these items cost what they do. So long as the kilt remains a non-mainstream, non-mass-producted-in-china garment the quality is bound to remain good, and you'll pay a premium for that. Regardless of wool or PV. I for one, hope that kilt making stays with the kiltmakers and doesn't go to a walmart factory in China. To ensure that doesn't happen, I'd happily pay any premium. I don't know what premium was added to my good kilt, but I'll guarantee you, it was worth every penny.

[O'Callaghan]

This is why probably nothing that most of us wear is made in a 'first world' country! (Including my kilts) Doesn't bother me. Pakistanis have to live too.

[James Hood]

Outstanding, well-presented rant. Having the facts clearly in front of one certainly does make a difference for many folks. Thank you for taking the time and sharing your knowledge and reality.

Best of fortune in your business and life.

[tpa]

I didn't see a profit element built into to the costings anywhere unless it's included in the labour cost. If it's a business it needs to make one.

[MikeS]

When I used to work at H&R Block as a tax preparer I used to have to give the same type of explanation when clients would find out we were charging $300 for a tax return that they could do with TurboTax for $29.95.

What it ultimately comes down to is that nobody held a gun to your head and made you spend $300 for a kilt. Regardless of actual costs of materials, labor, and overhead the kiltmaker has the right to charge whatever he wants to, "Take it or leave it!"

With the US economy the way it is and all the jobs that have been moved overseas in the last decade, i'm glad to provide someone in the USA with a job even if I have to pay more for it.

[madmacs]

Rant or no rant, people will still buy a $50 kilt... and people will still buy kilts from Kinloch Anderson...

People will pay what they can afford and will try and get what they consider to be the best value for them...

My next kilt will be US made not Scottish... It will be bought based on criteria other than price (not that the sky is the limit or that value isnt considered) ... and it will cost what it will cost (I'll get it at a price I can live with)

I think that many people who have hung around here for a while can do the sums... it the numbers add up for them they will buy... If they dont, they wont...

[Gael Ridire]

Excellent rant! Puts into perspective why the cost so high, and why many don't have one because of the price. But...21 years ago I bought my first kilt from an outfit in Scotland that the clan society recommended. It was Kennedy modern in 16 oz, a tank and well made. Surprised me that customs added $35 to the package but total cost was $320. Wore it for ten years then sold it to a fellow replacing me as clan rep (big mistake). Had another made from special ordered tartan by a local seamstress, sadly not as well sown and 13 oz. But cost was $220 plus a plaid. Now my children are grown, married, and all express desire to have a kilt. We chose Irish National Tartan because many items are made in it, but what I truly like is the PV cloth. To have a full kilt from Stillwater Kilts for $89 is really excellent, because it will be worn maybe 5 times a year. Now I'm trying to have a diner at my house on Sunday one time a month, and hope to get them to wear the kilt (my wife says no, but I say yes!). Granted, the PV kilts won't take the punishment of wool, but the cost is much easier on the bank account.