Quote Originally Posted by M. A. C. Newsome View Post
However, I wasn't in the business 15 years ago, so if this kilt was made by them 15 years ago, I really couldn't comment. However, as I said above, just because the label says Lochcarron doesn't mean that they made the kilt.
15 years ago cheap kilts from the sub-continent were not terribly common-- just bagpipes and footballs.

First of all, those little hanger loops are completely superfulous.
They are definitely NOT superfluous. I find them quite handy for hanging a kilt by a peg. This can be essential. Its not, however, an issue of workmanship and easily added later.

Second of all, almost every kilt you see, whether it is made in Scotland, the US, Canada, Australia, or anywhere else, will probably have three straps. This is just the way kilts are usually made these days. That lower strap on the right hip is completely unneeded,
On modern lower sitting civilian or casual kilts they are without use but on traditional high rise kilts they are essential to proper fit.

A few things you mention would indicate a lack of quality. First, no canvas beneath the lining -- this is typical of casual kilts today -- 4 yard varieties. These usually don't have any canvas because in these cases the cloth inside the pleats is not cut out.
If the kilt is intended to hang from the hips (as skirts and many modern kilts) then one has little need for heavy canvas facings.

The fact that the buckles were sewn on with a machine is also a red flag.
Not really a red flag. I would not completely discount machines. There are many specialized machines that do a very good job. Some of the best tailors in the world will use machines when they are available. The talk of hand stitches is like "working" sleeve buttons on jackets: marketing. To throw more oil into the fire: I doubt if many people could tell the difference between machine and first grade hand stitches as the current generation of computer controlled machines do an extraordinary job of emulating and mimicking hand workmanship. Machines have come a long way from the days of Isaac Singer. Most of the Pakistani kilts, by contrast, are completely hand stitched and sewn.... (and not terribly accurate since they are paid by piece and need to work very fast)