AlphaKilt - an overdue review

[Hamish]

Firstly, my apologies to Daron for the long delay in getting around to this - I really do need 28 hours in every day (but know I am never going to get them!).

I first approached Daron for further details after happening, via a circuitous route, on the Alphakilts website way back in April. At that time he was not involved in retailing his kilts himself but, I think because I showed particular interest, he agreed to supply me direct. I believe I was also his first customer in the United Kingdom. I promised Daron that I would write a review of his 'Edinburgh' model but, I just never got around to it - until now.

Let me start by stating that the first thing that struck me about my Alphakilt was that it arrived, fairly loosely packed, in a sturdy cardboard box in which it had plenty of room to move about whilst in transit - there was not a crease on it. That told me a lot about the fabric, which is 12½oz poly-cotton. Next was the construction of the kilt; beautifully even stitching, not one out of place and no loose threads or un-snipped ends to be seen anywhere. The ample pleats are in what I would call a 'reverse Kingussie' style - very nice. Time to put it on, and what a fit! It was just perfect. Like many contemporary kilts, there is no adjustment at the waist - the snaps in one position and it fits or it doesn't ......... the Alphakilt does.

There are two pairs of snaps at the waist (and what strong, business-like snaps they are) which are neatly hidden beneath two of the belt loops. There is also one (yes, just one) hidden snap connecting the two aprons, and that really is all that is needed. It does the job, and whilst on the subject of snaps: I am particularly delighted that there are so few of them cluttering up the lines of this fine kilt. In fact, the only ones visible are the two fasteners on each of the two capacious cargo pockets. There is a smaller third pocket which is well out of sight on the under apron. This, I imagine, is designed to hold a mobile phone or a small-ish wallet, but I have not yet tried either. The aprons themselves are designed so that numerous layers of fabric, with their resulting weight, are correctly positioned when the wearer sits - there really is no danger of exposure here (although one should always - no matter what the kilt - exercise care when sitting!).

Of the available colours, I selected the Khaki, which brings me to the final point: the logo. Some kilt makers tend to make theirs as bold as possible, which I dislike, but Daron has provided his - the simple words "Alpha Kilts" - in virtually the same colour as the fabric on the flap of the left-hand cargo pocket.

Whilst I do not like comparing one kiltmaker's work with another, because most have their plus and minus points anyway, I will say that my AlphaKilt ranks highly among the numerous contemporary kilts in my 'Kollection'. I am pleased to have it and expect to enjoy it for years to come.

Here are a couple of photos:



Thanks Daron.

Take care,
Ham.

[Finn]

Very nice!

[Glaisne]

Very nice looking! Daron does a fantastic job.

[Mike in Dayton]

I also have an Alphakilt in the same color. Mine is the box pleated version. I agree with Hamish's assessment of the construction. Daron does excellent work. I have intended to post a few pictures but like Hamish I need at least 28 hours in a day.

Mike

[cessna152towser]

Looking good, congratulations on the new kilt Hamish.

[george7]

Very sharp looking kilt. Thanks for sharing.

[Alaskan Kilted Guy]

That's awesme. Thanks for the review. I am expecting my box pleated Alphakilt any day now!

[Captain Karrot]

I can back up this review...Daron does fabulous work - plus, customer service is top notch. I had a minor issue with mine, and he took care of it no problem. One of my favorite contemporary kilts.

[Kiltman]

The ample pleats are in what I would call a 'reverse Kingussie' style - very nice.

Thanks for the review. What makes it a 'reverse Kingussie'? Is it the knife pleats directions?

[sydnie7]

Thanks for the review. What makes it a 'reverse Kingussie'? Is it the knife pleats directions?

My understanding -- it is knife pleats facing rearward on both sides, with one box pleat in the center back.