Tartan Flashes: You Get What You Pay For

[Riverkilt]

Been meaning to post about this for some time. Another thread reminded me.

When I first ordered up a bunch of USA Kilts Casuals I didn't order flashes with them. Didn't think I'd need them. After finding out how well they went at the office too I decided I needed flashes. SportKilt offered tartan flashes in some of the tartan's I had so I ordered them up from SportKilt.

What I found was that SportKilt tartan flashes aren't cut the way I expected. They are cut on the bias, almost seemingly from scrap materials. Nothing wrong with that since its how they show they're done



SportKilt charges $16.95 for their tartan flashes. They use a 5/8" wide elastic.

I sort of backordered all the other flashes I needed from Rocky at USA Kilts. He charges $25.00 for tartan flashes. The USA Kilt tartan flashes are cut on the square, show the tartan to advantage, and use a 1" wide elastic.

In my opinion, its a much sharper look.




Interestingly, Rocky is using the same 1" elastic supplier as Kathy Lare uses for her flashes. Kathy charges $22.00 and also makes a most elegant tartan flash to go with her handsewn kilts.



A shot of Kathy Lare's flashes and how they are cut from the tartan to match.

I learned the hard way to ALWAYS remember to order matching tartan flashes when I order a kilt. Was unable to get flashes for the Red Gordon USA Casual that was part of that old special order of that tartan.

Anyway, there are tartan flashes, and then there are tartan flashes. Pay attention.

Ron