I had never had or worn a hand-sewn, 16 ounce, 8 yard kilt, but for quite some time I have heard how wonderful they are, how there is no comparison to casual or other kilts, "they make you feel like a million dollars," etc.

It's all true.

I bought two that arrived from Scotland today. I was surprised to see that they each had been mailed simply rolled up, just wrapped in thick plastic, and the ends and the seam were taped up with duct tape, not in a box, no packing whatsoever. I expected them to be roughed up from the shipping. But when I opened them, I discovered they were both hardly even wrinkled, nothing that probably won't come out by hanging them up or perhaps steaming them in the bathroom with a warm shower. I doubt they will need drycleaning or even ironing.

Although they were not made for me, they fit quite well, having been made for some one about my height and with a waist about my size. They are both very well and solidly constructed, with the pleats sewn down to the fell, at the widest part of my seat. The pleats swing playfully when I walk like polyvicose never has.

They have a two inch rise that brings the top of the kilt just to the bottom of my rib cage, feeling wonderfully snug, a very comfortable fit.

I had heard it before, and now agree that it's better to save one's money for one or two good kilts rather than a closet full of so-so ones.