I think you're confusing a niche with the general buying public. Demand for kilts is still very low among most people. If it seems like demand is high from reading posts on this board, that's because this is a very, very skewed demographic -- we're here because we already purchase and use kilts.

But even our limited demand is already having an effect on this small market. Our demand for cheaper kilts has made USA Kilts a success, just as our appetite for a wider variety of styles has generated business for Utilikilts, Pittsburgh Kilts, Freedom Kilts and many others. Compare variety and prices now to the pre-internet days when the only choice was imported kilts costing $400 and up. There is more choice now at a lower price. While the modern garments are by no means the multi-generational heirlooms that the traditionalists make, they meet a demand.

Yes, kilts are still expensive compared to buy-off-the-rack garments. But they are not TOO expensive. They are, by and large, individually-tailored garments. In that respect, they're reasonable. The day may come when kilts are mass-produced by cheap, sweatshop labor and the prices come down. But the quality will come down, too. You may someday find kilts on the rack at Wal*Mart for $19.95, but they'll be size S-M-L-XL-XXL. Waist, hip and length measures, pleat count and depth, material, fastening, and countless other details would be pre-determined.

Think of it like a suitcoat. These days, you can get a suitcoat off the rack for $100 or less. But the individual touch suffers, in fit, cut and quality. You can get a far better suit by having one tailor-made, at a price.

I suspect that many of the men on this board have tastes so discerning that buying a size-M kilt with a $20 bill just won't cut it. I'll likely continue to give my business to the tailors rather than the mass-marketers.

If you want the price to come down quickly, get more men into kilts as soon as you can. Rocky, Jeff, Steve and others will appreciate the business, and they'll be able to hire people and expand production, and will lower the price to compete.

In conclusion: To save money on kilts, buy "expensive" kilts now.

Cruel irony, isn't it?