J. Higgins experiences?

**donlp1** · 13th February 12, 07:48 PM

For what it is worth, I have bought 2 8yd 13wt kilts from them. one about 5 years ago and one about 2 years ago. Both are great! they are made exactly to the measurements I asked for and the communication from them, verifying the order and meeting ship dates were very good. I ordered a jacket also (in the wrong size of course) and with a few e-mails it was worked out in a couple of days.

Nothing but a good experience for me!

**Avonlea22** · 8th February 12, 02:35 PM

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.

**ForresterModern** · 8th February 12, 02:49 PM

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** · 9th February 12, 09:52 PM

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** · 10th February 12, 05:51 AM

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.

**T-Bone** · 10th February 12, 07:17 AM

Originally Posted by 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.

This is one of those rare cases where confirmation from a professional of what I thought actually makes me feel worse.

It sounds like J. Higgins is hit or miss. They had some good hits in the 90's, but now you might want to look elsewhere. I know I am.

**ForresterModern** · 10th February 12, 07:31 AM

Originally Posted by 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.

Not meaning to argue or anything Rocky, as you know orders of magnitude more about kilts and tartan tha I ever will (insert bow of respect here), but isn't it generally true that tartan material woven in single width is generally greater cost to procure per yard than double width cloth per yard which is then divided by 2 to yield the true single width per yard cost? It certainly seems so when I have been tartan shopping, but then again it may be that those tartans I have been shopping for which only are available in single width are "old & rare" or special weaves, thereby explaining the higher "per SW yard" cost. It only makes sense that labor costs to join two split pieces of DW would be higher than working with a single long piece of SW tartan, I agree.

jeff

**RockyR** · 12th February 12, 10:20 AM

House of Edgar went to a high speed single width loom a few years ago. Any of their Irish County tartans, Medium Weight range, Medium Weight "old and rare" range, Heavyweight range, etc are all woven on single width looms. Some are a bit pricier, but most are 'normal price'. No, single width doesn't mean more expensive necessarily.

I BELIEVE what you're thinking of is DC Dalgliesh's Single Width cloth... In that instance, yes it is almost double the cost (which would probably be more than a $95 surcharge).

Originally Posted by ForresterModern

Not meaning to argue or anything Rocky, as you know orders of magnitude more about kilts and tartan tha I ever will (insert bow of respect here), but isn't it generally true that tartan material woven in single width is generally greater cost to procure per yard than double width cloth per yard which is then divided by 2 to yield the true single width per yard cost? It certainly seems so when I have been tartan shopping, but then again it may be that those tartans I have been shopping for which only are available in single width are "old & rare" or special weaves, thereby explaining the higher "per SW yard" cost. It only makes sense that labor costs to join two split pieces of DW would be higher than working with a single long piece of SW tartan, I agree.

jeff

**bdkilted** · 10th February 12, 09:09 AM

I bought my tank, my wife's kilted skirt and a number of other items from them. Service is great, kilt still looks new and have no complaints. My only complaint is that I have large calves and their 'new' acrylic hose do not have enough room in them to fold them over. I regularly recommend J Higgins to other members of my clan when they ask.

**kennethrmc** · 11th February 12, 10:25 PM

I bought a 13 oz. 8 yard Clergy tartan kilt from them three years ago. It is one of three bespoke wool kilts that I own. Service was excellent (talked on phone with the owner while ordering) and I have been very pleased with the kilt. Fit is excellent and it wears well, and I've gotten good use of it the past few years.