Kilt Help Please

[Galb]

Last year I went to my first Highland games over in Dunedin, Florida. I loved it. When I got there, we found our clan tent, spoke to some of our clansmen, and headed off to see the sights, the games, and the shops. I admit, I felt out of place being in shorts and a T-Shirt with the majority of people running around in kilts. But, as luck would have it, there were kilts on racks at one vendor. Well two vendors had them, but only one had a very close tartan to my clan's (Galbraith).

With my luck, I didn't think I would find my size, but I did in the Scottish National Tartan. Not an exact match, I know, but it was close in design and color to my clan's. Anyways, I bought it, along with the hose, sporran, belt, kilt pin, and a T-shirt that says "REAL MEN WEAR KILTS!" I was, and am, very happy with my purchase. The thing is comfortable, looks nice, and seems to be well made. It is synthetic material, but that does not bother me in the slightest. Overall, I am very happy that I finally have a kilt. That being said, I went to the games this year and in my kilt (of course). I debated all day on whether or not to get another one of the Black Watch Tartan. But, I didn't want to spend $120 on myself that day. Instead I simply purchased some shirts, flashers, and jewelry for my wife who could not make it this year due to work.

Well, when I got home this year I decided to start searching for kilt vendors in the US. I like the kilt I have and would buy another from the same maker, but I have no idea who manufactured it. This is where I need help. The kilt is made of synthetic material. It has one belt fastener on each side, sewn pleats, and fringe on the apron. The pleats are sewn in a way that the plaid is continual. On the inside there is a large tag that simple says Highland Kilts. There is no "Made In" tag. There doesn't seem to be a manufacturer's name anywhere, unless it is Highland Kilts, and good luck finding that on the web. Type that in Google and I will get every kilt maker, history of, and everything bit of information I can imagine will pop up, except a manufacturer by that name. LOL. Anyways, anyone seen a kilt with this tag? And if so, who makes them?

Another question I have is can someone recommend a good inexpensive kilt maker? I see Stillwater all over these forums (I've lurked a bit here) and I called the gent the other day. For a Black Watch I will probably go with him because he was so helpful over the phone. Plus the price is right, and less than what I paid for my current kilt.

Another kilt maker I stumbled upon is Sport Kilts. They have my tartan (they list it as Hunter, but from my research it seems Hunter and Galbraith share the same tartan). But I cannot stand the thought of an elastic waist, or Velcro. Seems sacrilegious to me, not to mention one tug on Velcro in the right direction can lead to an embarrassing moment. ;) But they do have my tartan, and they mentioned that they could probably do a custom order with has no elastic in the waist, or Velcro and instead make it with the belts. Anyone have any experience with Sport Kilts? How are they quality wise? And has anyone requested custom orders from them?

A lot of questions, I know. Thanks in advance to those that take time to read this wall of text. Thanks more so to those that have some answers.

[Panache]

Galb,

From a fellow Galbraith, Welcome to X MArks the Scot! (I think between you, me, and Phil that is a grand total of three of us! )

A couple of things about your post.

While it is true that the main Hunter tartan is the same as the Galbraith there are several variations on the Hunter tartan. The Sport Kilt version is a variant and is a Hunter, not a Galbraith. I learned that the hard way when I ordered a skirt from them for my wife.

Rocky at USA Kilts offers Galbraith modern. I have one of his semi-dress kilts (in Mcleod for my wife's family) and I keep meaning to order another in my clan. I would see about getting a swatch first because some of the Marton Mills poly-viscose tartans vary slightly off the true clan tartan.

Cheers

Jamie

[McMurdo]

from Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

As far as getting a kilt in your family tartan might I suggest looking into USAKilts they have your tartan.

[James MacMillan]

from Sunny Southern California, just outside the back gate of Camp Pendleton!

Looks like you already have the info that I was going to pass, so I'll just say welcome!

[RobertParker]

From your descriptions, a Stillwater would be your best bet. I don't have one, but everyone here swears by them for great casual and starter kilts (meaning, something other than a custom-tailored 8 yard wool kilt).

For what it's worth - the pleats sewn to make the pattern continuous is called pleating to the sett (the "sett" is the technical term for the pattern). People also have them pleated to the strip, so that all the pleats are exactly the same, with one of the stripes being highlighted.

I don't really know exactly who makes "Highland Kilts" but my suspicion is its probably Gold Brothers. I've never really seen one of their products up close that I'm aware of...some people like 'em and some really don't. But it's always best to go with what you like.

Oh, and welcome.
Slainte,
Robert

[ardchoille]

from Seattle, WA.

I have made purchases from both USA Kilts and Stillwater Kilts and The quality of the items, customer service and shipping are all great.

[Galb]

Wow. Thanks for the fast replys!

Good to know about the Hunter. I thought it looked more like Ancient than Modern, which I probably would be fine with, but I would prefer the more vibrant colors. I'll look into USA Kilts. Seeing their prices though, this may have to be one of those expenses I decide to make after a nice side freelance job. Either way, they are probably the best option for getting the family tartan. Thanks!

And nice seeing a fellow Galbraith. ;)

[Prester John]

I own a USAKilt (Robertson Red). Excellent, recommended, and a great place to start your kilting, I think.

Welcome aboard!

[Master Boid]

from rainy Devon.

[Panache]

Here is a picture of the Galbraith Ancient tartan.

5 yard box pleat kilt by X Marks the Scot's own Matt Newsome (currator of the Scottish Tartans Museum)



Cheers

Jamie