8-yard AND 5-yard Advice

[TheOfficialBren]

I'm planning ahead for my next kilt purchase. O own a P/V in the Holyrood tartan from USA Kilts. I love it! I do not own any kilts from Scotweb but I do own a tweed fore and aft hat which is of very good quality as well as a pretty decent sporran strap. These items are the extent of my business with these vendors (both of whom have impressed me with stellar customer service).

I would like to (in the near future) order a nice wool kilt. I have scoured the forum and the internet and have narrowed it down to two that I think will fit my budget and expectations when the trigger time comes.

It will either be an 8-yard OR a 5-yard (not sure which yet), machine-stitched, knife pleated. I would like to know the differences in construction, quality, and degree of satisfaction the rabble have had with these two vendors' offerings specifically with these yardages.

It will be in the Shaw Modern tartan, most likely 16oz by Lochcarran or 13 oz by Strathmore or House of Edgar.
(I will use Lochcarron 16oz As the foundation upon which to base comparrisons and better-glean from the rabble's knowledge.)

Scotweb's Balmoral or USA Kilts?

(Note: Price is a factor BUT not the only factor and, like any prudent shopper, information is most valued. All measurements identical from quote-to-quote.)

Kilt length: 23.5" / 59.7 cm, Kilt seat: 42" / 106.7 cm, Kilt waist: 36" / 91.4 cm, Wearer's height: 5ft 10.5 inches
16oz Pure New Wool
140cm wide
by lochcarron

Scotweb, based upon the available options:
Casual Kilt
$275
The Balmoral Kilt, Traditional 8 Yard Kilt
$435



USA Kilts

Premier 8-Yard
$555.00
5 Yard Wool
$360.00




Now, posting the quoted prices was not for critical purposes. I simply want to make the best consumer decision here. It is an emotional and fiduciary investment.

If posting quoted prices was in any way a violation of the rules I will edit my post to conform to the forum rules.

Thank you, gentlement, in advance for your advice and experience.

[unixken]

Where I come from: I own both an 8yd Balmoral and a 5yd (also made by Balmoral), from Scotweb. I currently do not own a kilt from USA Kilts.

I can't speak about that which I don't own, though Rocky's work is well regarded on here. As to the two Scotweb offerings, I have no complaints. Do be aware that anything ordered from overseas, particularly if it ships via expedited courier, may get hit with an import tariff, which can add to the cost. However, of the 5 kilts I've received from Scotweb, the two that shipped via FedEx were charged. Those that shipped via DHL were not.

The kilts themselves are all top notch.

[Richrail]

I will be watching this thread closely as I'm in the same boat. I am leaning toward a 6 yard from New House Highland, wool from LOCHARRON 16 oz Douglas Weathered. I can't wait to see more responses.

[BCAC]

All my kilts are 8 yd 16 oz wool and I would never buy anything else. I would be inclined to say that you need at least one heirloom quality tank in your wardrobe, they are unlike any other type of kilt and an experience of their own. They last almost forever, too.

You can't really expect anyone to help you make this decision. You will get a good kilt whichever you decide to buy. The differences come down to personal preferences and they're, well, personal.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

[JohntheBiker]

I tend to agree with BCAC that you should have at least one good 8 yard kilt in a tartan that has significance for you. It will become your default kilt for just about any outfit and certainly for dressier looks - it is the foundation of any highland wardrobe. Beyond that, decide what you want and then shop for a vendor that can accommodate you.

[sydnie7]

Also consider your planned usage. If you mostly go to Games in SoCal, the warmth factor of 5 vs 8 yards might come into play. Bob wears his 5-yd casuals to most Games. But when we "dress up" for an evening event, the 8-yarder often comes out. Of course you can wear a tank to the Games, many do -- but if that is the majority of your usage, the casual might keep you cooler and free up funds for accessories, beer, all the necessities!

[RockyR]

I will leave discussions of quality to others as I am obviously biased.

The one quantitative thing I will point out about the costs... the price you quoted for USAK is the "delivered to your door" price. As you're in the US, shipping over $200 is free. There aren't any taxes as you're out of PA. The price you see is what you pay. No shipping, no US Customs, no brokerage fees, etc.

[Grizzly]

Bren, let me start by saying that I have neither. But I have done a lot if research on the matter before I ordered my 8.75 yd tank from Paul Henry. I think I must have looked at every kilt maker on the planet weighing up the pros and cons.

Fwiw I say go with Rocky. You will personally know your kiltmaker and his reputation is beyond reproach. No doubt the Balmoral would be a perfectly good kilt, but to have that contact with your tailor is priceless. Paul and I exchanged many emails and phone calls getting all the details exactly right and you don't want to gamble on the will they or won't they charge import fees. Factor it in when you make your decision.

Best of luck mate. You will get a great kilt either way.

[Dale Seago]

I will be watching this thread closely as I'm in the same boat. I am leaning toward a 6 yard from New House Highland, wool from LOCHARRON 16 oz Douglas Weathered. I can't wait to see more responses.

[Thread Hijack]
New House Highland 6-yard knife pleat, Lochcarron 16-oz Douglas Weathered:



[/Thread Hijack]

[StevieR]

Hi Bren,

Nothing beats quality so buy the best you can afford. Both vendors are well thought of on this forum.

Rocky quite rightly points out that buying in the US gives you a distinct benefit regarding postage, lack of import duty etc., so this might play a big role in your decision.

With this in mind, if I were in your shoes, I'd add forty dollars to the top price you mention and buy a USA hand sewn. It will be your pride and joy for the rest of your natural - and then some.

Actually, I've just noticed that USA Kilts "red tabbed" tartans, of which your choice is one, carry an extra 60 dollar charge. Hmmm. Think I'd stay in on a Saturday night or two and still go for it!