Ebay help.

[Moe]

I'm pretty new to kilts and kilt quality. I'm looking to buy my second one, a real one without pockets.
I've found this one it's the correct size and I love tartan. My question is it a quality kilt?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/142005541321...%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
I'm torn between this and an ex-hire from a forum vendor/sponser

[Calico]

Why four buckles? (should only be one per strap, so two total)

Kilts need three measurements, not one. Waist is a starting point, but you need hips and length also.

It "looks" like a dancer's kilt (made for a female with hips). Not sure it would fit the typical guy who has 32" waist.

Quality? I can't tell. You need to see under the inner lining, not just the lining it says it has.

edit: okay, it claims it is a men's, but it doesn't look like it. For $200 bucks (incl shipping) buy a new semi-trad from Rocky and save up for your $600-$800 traditional 8 yd wool. (Rocky's isn't $200, this eBay one is... but same ballpark)

Sigh, one more edit... it looks like a dancers kilt because of how they folded in the waist, making it look much wider at the hips. Still not sure of quality... but a good price IF it ends up fitting.

Good luck, however you go!

[Taskr]

(opinion removed on further info being read)

[Calico]

Be sure to check out the "Houston Kiltmakers" (where it was made) website here. They do look reputable, and Loch Carron is good fabric.

[plaid preacher]

Okay, I'm going to agree that the extra buckles are a puzzle...although if you scroll down and read the description is says it fits 32-40. I'm wondering if there is an extra long strap. Houstons is an advertiser here and have some lovely things. You might want to contact them (see ad at the bottom of the page) and see if they can tell you about the extra straps. It's a lovely tartan and a good price. Best of luck, whatever you decide.

[Moe]

Thanks for bringing up the extra buckles. It's interesting indeed, but I think I've figured it out. It has the number 105 on the tag penned with a sharpie. My guess it's a former exhire.

[Liam]

The extra buckles and long straps are to allow for additional adjustment for rental kilts. I have purchased exhire kilts previously via eBay with good results. The eBay seller has a very favourable feedback. So you probably will be getting a reasonable deal.
All that being said dealing with the vendors advertising here provides an assurance that eBay can never provide.

[ScottishStuart]

Sorry, I must have missed this post the other day, I can provide a bit more detail about the Kilt.

The tartan is not actually 'Scotland Forever' as stated, but 'Bute Heather Modern', part of our Bute Heather range, designed by Houston's owner Ken.

The black marker number on the label confirms that it is one of our Ex-Hire Kilts and I can confirm that it is a male Kilt - it might just be the way they have photographed it.

It will also be 16oz heavyweight wool and 8 yards. As it is an Ex-hire Kilt, the buckles are there so that it can cover a larger range of waist sizes, meaning we need less stock to cover more sizes.

If you want any more information just let me know and I'll help the best I can!

[Moe]

First off a big thank you to Rocky @ Usakilts. Great customer service, a great help even though I didn't get a kilt from them this time he was quick to respond to my emails.

ScottishStuart thank you for clarification on what the kilt in question is, as well as taking time out of your day to awnser this.
I do have a few questions on it.
You have the tartan linked it's listed as 17oz. Is that correct or is it 16oz?
What finish is the kilt?
How hard is it to replace the two buckles style to the more common single buckle?

I did purchase the kilt in question by the way.