Looking in the archives I tripped on this:
Quote Originally Posted by chacbalam View Post
The fabric is a good quality 16 oz weave. While it is not as soft as my dress tank , I have been wearing it "regimental" for the last few days and I am not uncomfortable. Remember this is military issue, so I wouldn't expect the finest weave.
Different from civilian cloth but hardly inferior. There used to be a difference in the quality of cloths between officers and lower ranks but that's some time ago (its been reduced to pattern and not material or workmanship quality). The specification for the regimental tartan has been more costly than those typically used for civilian kilts. The cloth is woven a bit differently resulting in a cloth that is a bit "fuzzier" and thicker to the feel. Kilts are also a bit warmer and less likely to pick up a "shine". Workmanship too is hardly to a lower grade than any of the premiere league. Pleating to the stripe is not easier and many regimental kilts use box pleating to the whole 8 yards. In many ways, I think, they are superior garments. Working against them is the observation that they are heavier, high rise and snug fitting (less suitable to beer guts), warm, available only in limited tartans AND (if not sourced from surplus) more expensive (and they clearly look military).