First Tank Here!! J.Higgins Review

**Birddog** · 1st August 08, 07:38 PM

Finally, I recieved my Leatherneck tank from John Higgins today. I gleefully opened the box, unwrapped the paper, and pulled my kilt out. Wow, it is nice. But the first thing I noticed: No basting stitches! I wonder about this, since I have always heard of good kilts having them in place. One or two minor shipping wrinkles, those will steam right out. Other than that, first impression is quite nice. Pics to follow soon.
Kevin

**george7** · 1st August 08, 07:44 PM

I've loved the kilts I've worn from Higgins... never purchased one, but have worn many as band uniforms.

**Birddog** · 1st August 08, 08:28 PM

The workmanship of it seems really good; now I have never owned a truly hand sewn tank made in Scotland. But this is the same worsted wool, with both hand sewing and some machine sewing. For me, that was just fine. I still really have to wonder about the lack of basting stitches, though. Would I recommend it to anyone looking for their first tank? Yes.

**zeeew** · 1st August 08, 08:41 PM

I also got my first and so far only tank from Higgins. No basting here also. But I am very pleased with it, no problems from no basting. Flashes are lined up well, as are pleats. I took it out and put it on, I like it lots. So far I would have no problem suggesting Higgins as a kilt maker. Had it about 18 months.

Eric

**Mr. Woolery** · 1st August 08, 09:43 PM

My first kilt at all is a Higgins. Apparently, they have had some minor displeasure from a couple of folks on this board, but my kilt is wonderful. I also have found that any issues that come up will be dealt with immediately and properly. (No kilt issues for me, but I ordered a set of pipes from Higgins as well and there were two minor things that got cleared up right away.)

I'd also give him a thumbs up, but I have to admit I have never compared to an all-hand-sewn from one of the top folks. Still, for the price and the quality, I think it is a very good deal and very hard to beat.

And the whole band in Fairbanks wears Higgins kilts. For what it is worth. No complaints I have heard.

-Patrick

**Kilted_John** · 2nd August 08, 01:30 AM

I've had some minor niggles with the J Higgins Armstrong Modern that I bought in 2003, but with some work done by my local kiltmaker (North Channel Kilts), I've been pretty happy with it. Bought mine through the Kilt & Thistle Scottish Shop in Salem, Oregon. Not sure if it was worn prior to my getting it, since it looked unused.

-J

**Carolina Kiltman** · 2nd August 08, 05:43 AM

Got my latest from them too. Also bought a Braemer jacket, fit was perfect! (quite unusual for me in a readymade). Had a minor problem with a button shank breaking off, it was replaced immediately with no hassle whatsover, only the comment that it is most unusual. (I have to agree with the statement). It also arrived without any basting stitches, but the few pack wrinkles hung out, no steaming necessary. I have recommended them to several friends too.

**ForresterModern** · 2nd August 08, 06:03 AM

I jumped headlong into kilts less than a year ago with a custom 13oz 9 yd in my family Forrester Modern along with a black Barathea Argyll and vest and another charcoal tweed Argyll and vest. My killt also arrived unbasted but in perfect condition and fit. The main part of the order, including sporrans, belt and buckle, Balmoral, clan crest accoutrements, and ghillies arrived within about 7 weeks. The tweed Argyll was delayed about 6 weeks as there were some issues with their source and getting the right buttons, but when it arrived it also fit and looked great. No issues with Higgins---good communications from pre-order to arrival and follow-up.

**Riverkilt** · 2nd August 08, 01:11 PM

All my fully hand sewn kilts come from Kathy Lare in Albuquerque. She completed the Keith Kilt School in Scotland. She's a member of the Kiltmaker's Guild and has hand sewn well over 1,000 kilts. I now have ten hand sewn kilts from her. Not one was ever shipped with basting stitches. Never a problem.

I figure if she doesn't ship with the basting stitches in there's a reason for it. For me, I'd rather have a skilled craftsman pull the stitches than leave them for me. Seems like a little bit of extra service. The short time in transit is unlikely to cause any pleat creases that won't hang out or can't be steamed out. I'm not sure the basting stitches would keep a kilt from getting some wrinkles or creases in transit anyway.

Certainly nothing to worry about either way.

Ron

Ron

**Nighthawk** · 2nd August 08, 08:38 PM

Originally Posted by Riverkilt

All my fully hand sewn kilts come from Kathy Lare in Albuquerque. She completed the Keith Kilt School in Scotland. She's a member of the Kiltmaker's Guild and has hand sewn well over 1,000 kilts. I now have ten hand sewn kilts from her. Not one was ever shipped with basting stitches. Never a problem.

I figure if she doesn't ship with the basting stitches in there's a reason for it. For me, I'd rather have a skilled craftsman pull the stitches than leave them for me. Seems like a little bit of extra service. The short time in transit is unlikely to cause any pleat creases that won't hang out or can't be steamed out. I'm not sure the basting stitches would keep a kilt from getting some wrinkles or creases in transit anyway.

Certainly nothing to worry about either way.

Ron

Ron

Yeah, brother, I'm with you on this one. Please, PLEASE don't make me pull any threads! I will damage something. That's what I have a mommy for. :mrgreen: