Recommended Online Kilt Maker

[apisgogo]

Hello,

Greetings from Malaysia.

My name is Hafiz and i'm a snare player of my local pipe band (www.sjapb.com). I've been wearing a casual (polyviscose) kilt for quite some time now and felt that its time to upgrade to the real one; 100% wool.

Online ordering is only my option now. I would hope an advice from all which online kiltmakers should i approach. Im looking for a traditional 8 yrd, 16 oz kilt that i can treasure for the rest of my life. Im looking for that nice swing of the pleats. Im guessing Lochcarron Strome range is the way to go?

BTW, im planning to have it in nice Wallace Red Modern.

Thanks

[Mikilt]

Welcome to X Marks the Scot!

There are many advertisers/forum members here who can make you what you want. It's up to you to decide your budget and what you want. A partial list of things to consider: Do you want hand sewn or machine sewn? What fabric weight do you want? Is Wallace Red Modern a stock tartan or might it be a special weave? What features might you like? (Belt loops, slash pockets, etc) These factors can influence price.

In any case, as I said there are a good number of advertisers here who are all very reputable.

[tulloch]

Welcome from Massachusetts, USA. I would be very careful with your measurements. I have had splendid luck with USA Kilts and can recommend their 16oz wool 5-yard casual. Very nice and reasonably priced.

[Grizzly]

Hi and welcome to the forum.

I agree with Mikilt above decide on the type of kilt you want, e.g. Traditional tartan or Utilikilt style, how much fabric, typically 4-5 yards for a casual or 8-10 yards for a "Tank" and the weight of the fabric, 11, 13 or 16oz , this will probably depend on your weather climate. Remember the heavier the material the better the kilt hangs and swishes when you walk. But heavy fabric is very warm, so bare that in mind.

Finally browse the vendors who advertise on this forum. All have an excellent reputation and can be relied upon to make you an excellent kilt. In addition there are some excellent kilt makers on here whose reputations speak for themselves, amongst the foremost of these are Barb Tewkesbury, Bonnie Heather Greene, Matt Newsome, Paul Henry, Kathy Lare , the list could go on and on.

Deciding who, what, when, is all part of the fun. Good luck with finding the right kilt and maker for you.

Ooh and then there's accessories sporrans, hose, jackets, sgian dubh, kilt pins, shirts, hats the list is endless............

Welcome to the addiction.

[Germankilter]

My two cents, Freedom Kilt. Steve and Jackson are great. They can either a full traditional or a more contempory (pockets). It can take a bit of time to build a kilt. The guys at freedom are great for customer service and very helpful for sizing, accessories, and options in kilt construction.

[Wolfhound Jack]

USA Kilts all the way.

ps - I was born in Singpore, glad to see someone from KL posting. I hope to make it back to that part of the world again soon - a real Nasi Lemak will be my first meal.

[Manfialba]

Wise words.
Other possible issues, old or modern, estate or clan tartan?
Sporran, belt/chain....?

[Shedlock2000]

Well, Welcome to the gig, from snowy Canada.

21 years ago, when I was 16, Geoffrey Tailors of the Edinburgh Royal Mile made my tank. Its been hard done to, shipped around the world - several times, sweated in, danced in, slept rough in, vomited on, used and very badly abused; it has even been to at least 6 rambunctious Young Farmers Association Christmas balls -- and it is still in marvellous condition. Thus, I highly recommend his work!

That said, I have spoken with Steve from Freedom Kilts, Robert from RKilts, and Matt from New House Highland. I will try them all over the next year, and they have all been extremely helpful and patient with my queries, consequently, I recommend them as well.

Good luck with your purchase, but i might suggest that you may need a 5 or 6 yard kilt for your country - my tank can get pretty warm!