Gonna get slammed for this but here goes...

[CelticMedic]

Why are kilts and kilt accesories so darn expensive? I have a difficult time believeing that the kilt I wanted (Scottish Ambulance Service) would cost around $800. Even "in stock" kilt routinely cost $300-400. I understand the niche market and all that, but let's be honest a kilt is for all purposes a skirt, and my wife can get a "kilted" skirt for much less. I also understand the materials on a quality kilt are expensive, but even the "economy" kilts are pricey for the casual wearer (Amerikilt et al.)
Ok, all that aside why are flashes $25? forgive me but it is a piece of scrap material.
Please understand, I love kilts, I have one (not the one I really wanted but a passable one none-the less) but i am constantly stunned at the costs, especially when a comperable garment for a woman would be much less...

[Tattoo Bradley]

First of all, welcome to Xmarksthscot. It's great to have you. As to your question: it's one that has actually been discussed and at great, exausting lengths at times. Try this thread. It should give you some insight.

[Chef]

First there really isn't a comparable garment for a woman. there is much more work in a man's kilt than there is in most woman's pleated skirts. Also all of the work in a traditional kilt is done by hand.

Second in your case I think it is likely you are looking at a special order tartan that must be woven just to make your kilt.

By the way,

[Barb T]

Hi CelticMedic

There's been lots posted on this over the last couple years on the forum. But realize that the kilt you're talking about is a custom-made kilt from a custom weave of tartan.

You might think about the following two things:

When I make a kilt, it takes me about 20-24 hours of solid work, and I'm a professional who's made hundreds of kilts. I'm not slow - it just takes that long to hand sew a kilt with all the proper construction. There aren't that many good kiltmakers out there. What do you think would be a fare wage for that kind of skilled labor?

If the tartan you're interested in is not woven commercially, a mill would have to wind a custom warp, warp the loom, weave one kilt length of tartan, and then toss a couple yards of loom waste. What would that be worth in terms of materials and labor?

Having said that, I think that $800 is a high estimate. I charge $250 in labor for a kilt, and either Matt or I could order a custom weave of tartan from D.C. Dalgliesh for probably $400.

Cheers,

Barb

[CelticMedic]

Actually the site i looked at had the scottish ambulance service material in stock. Besides that a contact with the SAS who could get the garment for me via work still says the cost to him is right in that range.

[Arlen]

First, another welcome.

Second, Bradley has it perfect. That thread will explain everything.

[DTrain]

from Mississippi! I don't think I can add anything that hasn't already been said.

[Barb T]

Actually the site i looked at had the scottish ambulance service material in stock. Besides that a contact with the SAS who could get the garment for me via work still says the cost to him is right in that range.

Well, it sounds steep to me, particularly if the tartan is in stock. None of the custom-made kilts I've made in the last year from in-stock tartan have cost over $600. Matt's are a bit cheaper because he uses 4 yards of tartan instead of 8, but his labor costs are comparable. Maybe this is a money-raising proposition for the SAS.

Barb

[McFarkus]

from Chicago

[starbkjrus]

Barb and Bradley have hit it on the head. Kilts are not cheap but that sounds a bit over the top to me.

BTW
from Northern Virginia, USA!