In case i win on ebay...

[gilmore]

feedback is 99.9% positive. Now I'm worried that a 38 will be too small.....urp. Don't their inches match ours?!? And furthermore, if this sizing thing is really true how come I wear a Dr. Marten's size 7 and a US size 8.5 in shoes? What is this world coming to?

UK shoes sizes and US shoes sizes are not intended to be the same. Measurements in inches are.

[HarborSpringsPiper]

I have run into this sizing issue as well. When a US coat is marked 44, the actual coat chest measurement is 46", to accomodate a 44" chest. A UK size 44 coat has an actual coat chest measurement of 44". Hope this helps.

[ckelly327]

A friend of mine lost some weight recently and gave me a Harris Tweed that he had purchased during a trip to Ireland. It says size 48 which is what the last jacket I purchased here was. Needless to say I need to lose another 10-15 pounds before this very nice jacket will fit me and I can convert it for kilts.

[ozone]

Thanks for the feedback all. So far I am now losing by two GBP. Perhaps this is a good thing since I do measure exactly a 38 inch chest and that's what the jacket size is listed at. So, the upshot is that I probably need to consider a 40 inch kilt jacket then? Any ideas?

[McMurdo]

I would say go for the 40" as I have found through experience that I need to go up one size mostly, for example my Prince Charlie is a 40" and I should have gone with a 42" as the 40" vest was a bit tight, I had my tailor take out the vest by 1" in the back, the jacket fits fine at 40" though, I also recently picked up a Harris Tweed Argyle that is size 40" and it fits perfectly so I think it all depends on the manufacturer. Ideally you could try it on before purchase but I know that is not always possible.

I have one idea for you though just in case, get to know your tailor really well.

[ozone]

Well, I lost the bidding. I am sort of glad though, given the feedback about sizing here. Anyone buy from J. Higgins recently? The pictures look and good and the prices are really nice.

[Mark Keeney]

I have purchased for J Higgins. They are local for me. They have made kilts for me from my fabric. I have had good luck with them so far.

[ozone]

Mark, have you bought their jackets before? Glad to know they make good kilts as well....may be in the market at some point soon :-)

[Mark Keeney]

No, just kilts. I think they supply the local pipe bands though.

[HarborSpringsPiper]

Ozone,

I have a barathea wool Argyll/Braemar jacket from J. Higgins. It is a well made coat at probably one of the best prices around. I would have to take a look at it but think they are sold in US sizes, as they are made locally.