Darn Indian Knock Offs!

**minimalistix** · 5th December 05, 10:39 PM

Honestly I think I'm going to start up a blog or something that keeps track of where the kilts are made and which internet shops/sales people are not where they advertise to be.

I ordered a cheap sporran (so that I wouldn't have to worry about tearing it up) from ebay that was supposed to be from Canada. It never even came through Canada. It was shipped from the middle east.

**James** · 6th December 05, 06:38 AM

I cannot comment on the quality: but the more available inexpensive kilts-the more people who will at least try them, hopefully that will in turn increase the overall population of kilt wearers.

This means that if the traditional makers are on top of their game, they will be competing in a bigger market: so have a better chance of making more sales.

For just as there is always a demand for cheap Tshirts and jeans-so there is always a market for good suits-and the good tailors do well.

James

**Bob C** · 6th December 05, 09:33 PM

As of Saturday, I own one of each - a very expensive, hand-stitched tank and my new acquisition - a mass-produced kilt of lesser quality, but also of considerably less cost. I suspect it's from the manufacturer in the story.

I'm here to say that I like them both, for different reasons.

Yes, the tank is a garment of superb quality. It will always be the kilt I wear for formal affairs, highland games and places where I will be among real kilt-wearers.

The budget kilt has its advantages, too. For starters, I can wear it with less fear of damaging it, because I don't have hundreds of dollars tied up in it. I can also throw it in the wash. It will be my St. Patrick's Day party kilt and will definitely see a happy hour or two, as well as hikes in the woods.

Don't knock cheap kilts. They're like catchy pop tunes and mindless action movies. They're not art, but they're enjoyable and they have their place.

**GlassMan** · 6th December 05, 10:07 PM

Originally Posted by James

I cannot comment on the quality: but the more available inexpensive kilts-the more people who will at least try them, hopefully that will in turn increase the overall population of kilt wearers.

While it is true that the availability of inexpensive kilts could increase the potential pool of kilt wearers, I think the bigger aim here is not to force the inexpensive kilts out of the market but instead of require truth in labeling.

I have nothing against an inexpensive kilt from Pakistan if that's what you can afford or if you need a kilt for doing outdoor activities or dirty work. Heck, I wear one when I'm working on stained glass. But it is deceptive to take that Pakistani product, have a tag sewn in it in Scotland, and then claim that it was made in Scotland. It's important for a consumer to know what they are buying and where it comes from. And it's important for the reputation of the Scottish kilt makers not to have their handiwork labeled as equivalent to less well-made product.

**Ranald** · 14th December 05, 01:50 PM

This thread has been bugging me, I have to say that blue jeans are not just made in america so why shouldn't kilts be made elsewhere also.
I also agree with what also been said it will increase the amount of kilt wearers.
Finally I wonder how many of you will buy a 8 yarder when the importers get their act together.I for one will consider it..I have kids and bills and do not have multi hundreds of pounds to pay out for a hand made what for a eternity kilt.
I do agree that if a product is made in Pakistan then it should say so, and one has to hope that these workers get a fair wage.

**An t-Ileach** · 14th December 05, 05:41 PM

I've bought two of the cheapo kilts specifically for wearing in the workshop and so on - they're quite adequate for that, and in fact I wear them out and about as well. Some friends had a ceilidh tonight which I went to wearing one of them. They save the wear-and-tear on the (really) expensive kilt. I assume that they're made somewhere other than Scotland (perhaps Galashiels has moved?); but the label says (quite amusingly actually) "designed in Scotland" - well it would be, wouldn't it? Like Ranald, I've not much of a problem with them being made elsewhere as long as they say so.

**cormacmacguardhe** · 14th December 05, 05:59 PM

I have problems with off-shoring, jobs that used to be in one country, but have been outsourced to another country for bottom line business reasons. Speaking only for the USA, but I get the feeling that is is happening elsewhere. This country has lost a lot of jobs in many industries, mainly because industries have decided to find places where they can hire people for less, pay less in taxes, not have a lot of governmental regulations to contend with. All of this without regard for the workers in this country who will be unemployed. I am sure this is some of what is happening to the kiltmaking industry in Scotland, I try as much as I possibly can to buy products from companies that do not outsource, this is fast becoming an almost impossible task.
I do agree with those who have said that truth in labelling is the best thing, so that we know where and maybe who the object was manufactured by. Stepping down from small soapbox. :-x :-x

**KiltedCodeWarrior** · 14th December 05, 06:03 PM

Ranald and David,

Well said. I am all for truth in advertising, but consumers are going to buy what has the best value for them at the time. A traditional tank may well last 100 years and be the better value over the long term, but it is certainly a steep price tag at the outset. I think that most consumers, especially those with other expenses to consider, will trade off 100 years of service for a much lower price, and potentially shorter life span. This has been said many times before, but I can buy 3 UK's for the price of a tank, and probably 5-6 AK's or SWK's.