[ForresterModern]

The big difference between a 5 and 8 yard kilt is generally in the number and depth of the pleats, although a lot of 5 yard kilts are called casual also because they have a different build and fit. The one casual I have from B&S is shorter and less solidly built in the body and overall tailored significantly less, and may look different from the traditional 8yds to someone who knows about kilts.

Multiple kiltmakers out there, but most of the good ones (Barb T, Matt) have waiting lists longer than your timeline, and are more expensive than your budget. Others like Chattancat, Bonnie Heather, who also build kilts but have less of a reputation built have shorter waits and lower overall prices and would more likely be able to turn over a kilt in a few weeks. I cannot speak for the turnaround time for Rocky or STeve, but if you have a standard build and fit a standard size Stillwater can probably have some form of wool kilt on your doorstep by the time you wake up tomorrow morning. The scottish vendors have good quality in general with good turnaround time, as long as the tartan is readily available. John at Keltoi has about a 13-14 week wait right now as he is a one man show. Josh at SHO parts out his work to artisans and has so far shown good quality and customer service along with a good price, but I don't know what his turnaround time would be.

As I said in an earlier post I have two tartanweb/scottishkilts 8 yard 13 and 16 oz kilts and they are very well made, very good looking, and pretty comparable to almost anything else I have seen---they are one notch below handsewn, but definitely high enough quality for more than 90% of kilt wearers out there.

tough decision for you. The first is to decide what tartan you want. Make some calls and get some quotes about price and guaranteed turnaround time from various kiltmakers..

[bricekolob]

I think SHO is 4-6 week turn around. Please tell me if I am wrong, Josh.

[RockyR]

[OFF TOPIC]

Originally Posted by LordDamax

(Didnt Jimmy Carbomb from Barleyjuice start then sell USA Kilts? Or did I hear the story wrong?)

Jim Parkinson and Brett Wells were my 2 original partners when USA Kilts was started in July 2003... the three of us 'started' the company together. Brett left after a couple months (I bought his share) and then I hired Kelly in Feb 2004. In May 2004, Kelly and I bought Jim out and it's been she and I (as equal partners) ever since.

[/OFF TOPIC]

[bricekolob]

Please don't forget to post pictures of what ever you decide!

[Climbermac]

For what it's worth, I just got married and went thru some of the same choices. What I ended up wearing was a 16oz. hand sewn 8 yard kilt and I wouldn't have had it any other way. It's actually 8.5 according to my kiltmaker, and therein lies the difference. Before this kilt I owned a number of kilts that I enjoyed, but nothing compares to the craftsmanship and detail of a hand made kilt. I would wear this kilt every day if I didn't feel bad for not wearing all my other kilts. Now budget is the other piece of the wedding, oh do I know that . So if I couldn't have gotten a hand sewn within my budget, I would have called Josh at SHO. I ordered a fair few items from Scotweb and they are a solid dealer, but the aforementioned points about extra costs are very true. I also found the wedding to be a great opportunity to let my Dad and Best Man, who were curious about wearing kilts to do so, with a wee nudge . Congratulations and Best of Luck!!!

Cheers,

Joshua C. McIntosh