Best bang for the buck: J. Higgins value kilt vs UsaKilts Semi-Trad

**Steelkilt** · 12th March 20, 06:51 PM

Greetings! The title says it all- which is the better value? I’ve heard nothing but good things about the UsaKilts semi-trad, and almost nothing about the J. Higgins value kilt in PV. There is a price difference ($140 vs $220), but does this translate to a significant quality difference?

Thank you in advance!

**Howling Dingo** · 12th March 20, 07:59 PM

Following ....

**Garth** · 12th March 20, 08:52 PM

Allow me please Steelkilt to add my 5 cents.

I have had no dealings with either, however have viewed every YouTube post that the lads at USA Kilts have posted. They are extremely informative and knowledgeable about highland wear. If I were you, I'd support them, they do a marvellous service to the community. Price shouldn't be a factor here. It's about service and reputation.

**Steelkilt** · 12th March 20, 09:14 PM

Originally Posted by Garth

Nothing more to add then. I think you have made your mind up already. Price shouldn't be a factor here. It's about service and reputation

Forgive me, but I’m not sure I understand your response. I have made up my mind on the tartan, but I’m wondering if the more expensive kilt is significantly better quality and therefore worth the additional cost.

Do you have experience with one or both?

**OC Richard** · 13th March 20, 05:11 AM

So we can literally be on the same page, here's USA Kilts "semi-traditional" kilt.

Some specs:

5-7 yards of 12oz UK-woven PV cloth

100% machine sewn, topsewn 1 inch pleats

They don't mention lining; presumably it's not lined because they do mention lining on their next-higher kilt.

Price: $219.99

https://www.usakilts.com/semi-traditional-kilt.html

And here's J Higgins' "value kilt".

Some specs:

No lining.

Hemmed when needed.

UK-made "poly viscous" fabric (??)

Price: varies with yardage:

4 yards: $119.95
5 yards: $139.95
6 yards: $159.95
7 yards: $169.95
8 yards: $179.95

https://www.jhiggins.net/j-higgins-v...scous-tartans/

**jthk** · 13th March 20, 06:56 AM

Originally Posted by Steelkilt

Greetings! The title says it all- which is the better value? I’ve heard nothing but good things about the UsaKilts semi-trad, and almost nothing about the J. Higgins value kilt in PV. There is a price difference ($140 vs $220), but does this translate to a significant quality difference?

Thank you in advance!

Good morning,

I have owned a bunch of kilts from USA Kilts. I currently own one 16 oz wool, two semi-traditional (PV), and one casual (PV). Without question, I would recommend their work. In my view, their semi-trad and casual kilts fill a market niche: inexpensive kilts that are very well made and can take a beating. When I go hiking, I tend to wear Utilikilts or the USA Kilts' casual/semi-trad. The latter is fantastic: machine-washable, Teflon-coated material, quick-drying, moisture-shedding material that looks great. At a hot summer wedding, I wore one of the semi-traditional PV kilts and it all was fine. Keep in mind that there's no "internal construction" because -- in my limited knowledge -- it's not needed.

Best,
Jonathan

**imbrius** · 13th March 20, 07:05 AM

I own a J. Higgins value kilt. I have seen a USA Kilts Semi-Trad up close.

Neither have any internal construction at all. USA Kilts is better made, IMO. Nothing wrong with the J. Higgins value kilt, but it's nowhere near the standard of quality that USA Kilts is. Now J. Higgins' 8-yard kilts are very good quality and I know many who own them. I would probably still recommend USA Kilts, however.

**KnittedReenactor** · 13th March 20, 08:17 AM

Nearly every kilt USAKilts sells is custom made to individual's specific measurements. Everything will fit and wear better as a result. I don't know about J Higgins.
Rocky and his people do good work, but be patient as every kilt order is a custom order. My kilt last year took an unusual 17 weeks, although typical is supposed to be under 10 weeks max.

**FossilHunter** · 13th March 20, 10:54 AM

Originally Posted by OC Richard

So we can literally be on the same page, here's USA Kilts "semi-traditional" kilt.

Some specs:

5-7 yards of 12oz UK-woven PV cloth

100% machine sewn, topsewn 1 inch pleats

They don't mention lining; presumably it's not lined because they do mention lining on their next-higher kilt.

Price: $219.99

https://www.usakilts.com/semi-traditional-kilt.html

And here's J Higgins' "value kilt".

Some specs:

No lining.

Hemmed when needed.

UK-made "poly viscous" fabric (??)

Price: varies with yardage:

4 yards: $119.95
5 yards: $139.95
6 yards: $159.95
7 yards: $169.95
8 yards: $179.95

https://www.jhiggins.net/j-higgins-v...scous-tartans/

My usak semi traditional is unlined.

**Benning Boy** · 13th March 20, 05:52 PM

Higgins isn't far from me and I've visited the small store front location where I was shown several kilts, all of which were of good quality. I had him make a six-yard value kilt for me of p/v I provided. I can't fault it. All of his kilts are machine sewn. He was not familiar with Barb and her book and techniques. I suggested he advertise on X Marks, but without saying exactly why he seems to have some sort of aversion to our forum. When it comes to Higgins vs USAKilts it's a coin toss.