Can't sew - have to buy - how to compare?

[Jerry]

I will chime in and echo the sentiments already stated. That is, use a kiltmaker here in the states. More and more, I am hesitant to purchase items from overseas... not for the quality, but for the sheer hassle, time and expense of shipping.

There are a score of excellent kiltmakers here, many of whom have a presence on this forum.

Off the top of my head - there is Matt (for the box pleat), Barb T, Alexis Malcolm, Kathy Lare, Linda Clifford... You cant forget Rocky..... J. Higgins, The Kiltmakers Apprentice... and many more.... check out the kiltmaker directory Hank set up to get an idea of how many there are in the U.S. and N. America.

This list is by no means complete, and I hope I didn't offend anyone, omissions are not intentional

Anyway, my nearly worthless advice is just to buy here at home. You can get the same quality as one made in Scotland, maybe better... It all depends upon who makes your kilt, and not necessarily the store it comes from.

Th

Don't forget, Matt makes more than just box pleated kilts. He also offers knife pleated kilts in various weights including heavyweight traditionals.

[beerbecue]

Don't forget, Matt makes more than just box pleated kilts. He also offers knife pleated kilts in various weights including heavyweight traditionals.

I was not aware of that - thanks for the correction....

[Jimmy Carbomb]

Since you ARE talking about that "once in a lifetime" investment on this kilt... PLEASE be sure to go with a handsewn, wool kilt. You have more flexibility in the future alterations that you will most likely need. They are constructed with the care and knowledge of many years of tailoring, the the wool hides any changes that are needed.

From all the kilts that I've altered over the last few months, I WILL tell you that the kilts from Kinloch, HofE, and Alexis are FAR superior. There are others that are very close... but these have the experience and "little tricks" that really make the difference in fit and quality.

The one mistake that you need to avoid is saving a couple bucks in lieu of the best product available. Some kilt sites are "store fronts" for the same kiltmakers. Avoid the "middle man costs" by going right to the source.

I can speak for quite a few pipers, bands and ambassadors and their complete satisfaction with Alexis Malcolm. Look into the product, shipping, and their HUGE list of clients and you'll see why serious buyers go there.

[Riverkilt]

Soooo many choices!

Confusing for sure.

I support the reccomendation to go to a kiltmaker...a person with a name who's gonna sit down and sew your once in a lifetime kilt on her lap...or guy too...

The reason I chose Kathy Lare was because she was trained at the Keith School in Scotland...so I figure I got a Scottish kiltmaker stateside. Guessing other kiltmakers have similar credentials.

There's pics of Kathy's work in my gallery. Have four "once in a lifetime" kilts from her.

Not sure how other kiltmakers work, but one nice thing about Kathy is she only charges half down up front. She uses that to order up the material (and like other individual kiltmakers she can get anything a mill makes for you). When she's done with the kilt she'll ask you for the balance.

I like that "two pay" system a lot when the kilt is so expensive. The wait for the fabric and to be hand sewn gives me enough time to recharge the coffers.

Hope you make a decision that works out for you and that your efforts result in that "once in a lifetime" kilt.

Its a great feeling to strap one on and strut/swish....

Ron

[Rob Wright]

I second the recommendation for Kathy Lare, she does an amazing job ,I'm fixing to order my second tank from her after I decide which tartan it will be. Time to get busy.

Rob