J. Higgins experiences?

[Streetcar]

Hello all -
Our fledgling pipe band is looking for a new kilt vendor and are seriously considering J. Higgins.
What are peoples experiences with them? How well are their kilts built?

[creagdhubh]

I encourage you to try the search feature on the forum, as this topic has been addressed several times before.

Cheers,

[Streetcar]

Hi Kyle,
Actually, I did try the search function first. I found Alan's very favorable experience regarding his jacket and a brief review from 2008. Unfortunately I also found every other time the company was even mentioned.
It was my humble hope that instead of reading a dozen pages of postings that probably weren't what I was looking for, I might be able to quickly consolidate the information I was seeking - that is a more detailed review of things customers did or did not like about their product.

[RockyR]

Why not contact other forum sponsors and get quotes from more than 1 source? Most kilt companies offer price breaks to bands ordering multiple kilts.

[Avonlea22]

I can't speak for their kilts, but their service is top-notch. But, that can be said about other vendors that advertise here. I would agree with Rocky and look at some of the site sponsors before you make a decision.

[masonpiper]

in the late 90s, I owned 2 kilts both by Kathy Lare(which I have everything good to say about, except they are a little to small rigght now) and needed a muted MacDonald, Kathy had a big waiting list and I went with Higgins. I love it, in 12 years the only problem is the wear on the holes on the buckle straps.
here are 3 pics

]

[macwilkin]

I owned two kilts from Higgins; one purchased in 1997-98, and one in 2000. The earlier kilt was, INMHO, of much better quality & workmanship than the second. The second was a good kilt, but it just didn't seem to be made as well as the first one. I have since sold both kilts, so I can't provide documentation or anything.

I was very disappointed in the pair of tartan/Argyll hose I purchased from Higgins in 2000 along with my kilt. Even after following care & feeding instructions, they still began to grow beards.

Higgins is a good place for the kilt-wearing beginner, but given the availability of other suppliers on the 'net, it is not the only place. I almost always recommend a forum sponsor here to "fresh fish" instead of Higgins.

T.

[ForresterModern]

4 years ago I purchased my first kilt (13oz Strathmore Forrester Modern 8yd) from JHiggins, along with a package of a black barathea Argyll jacket and vest, a similar charcoal Argyll and vest, fly plaid, balmoral, ghillies, belt, dress and clan crest day sporrans, several matching clan crest items, and a rather bulky pair of stark white acryllic hose (never even bothered to put them on), among several other small items. The kilt is as well built as any hand or machine sewn kilt I own as are the Argylls, and pretty much everything else was quality (not necessarily the greatest stylistic choices by me, maybe, but I was a true rookie). The were great to work with, easy to deal with, great communication, and did provide a significant discount based on the amount of combined purchase made at one time, so I assume they will likely do the same for a pipe band.

I have not had the need or desire to order anything else from them in the last 4 years since my original order but I would not hesitate to do so if they had something I wanted and if it was at a competitive price. Hope this helps.

[T-Bone]

I have two from them: a 5 yard 13oz and an 8yard 16 oz. Both are great in workmanship and detail. However, the tank I ordered had one issue, which I did not find until after about three months after getting it and wearing it often. I was told that the tartan I wanted only came in single width so I had to add another $95, bummer. When I gave it a closer inspection after the three months (I was more excited to have a new kilt after 13 years), I noticed that in the pleats, two lengths had been sewn together to get the 8 yards. It is my understanding that using single width cloth would make for a seamless kilt, thus making it more expensive.
I did not contact them since I had already broke in the kilt to my shape and I do not even notice it anymore.

[RockyR]

T Bone

You are correct, there should be no join in a kilt made form single width cloth. A Kilt in single width cloth should not cost anymore than a standard kilt (unless it's an "old and rare" tartan or a special weave or something). It's actually LESS WORK as the kiltmaker doesn't have to join the 2 pieces.