Does anyone have experience with Tartan Couture?

[jdbenson]

I noticed a series of what I assume to be reasonably 8 yrd, 16-oz wool kilts on Ebay UK recently, but the description makes no reference of the mill, or the kilt maker All are from Ebay seller 'Tartancouture'.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/tartancou...p2047675.l2562

Turns out there is a brick and mortar story, 'Tartan Couture', in Glasgow billing themselves as a Traditional Kiltmaker. Does anyone have any experience with this store or ebay seller?

[Tomo]

I assume this is the same business.

I bought a kilt on Gumtree about a year or so ago. The seller, Lynne is based in Barhead and also informed me that she has a business called Tartan Couture and directed me to her facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/Tartan-Couture-338361336656

I see from Google there is a business address for Tartan Couture in Barhead and that they also trade as Ward Kilts (which is the label in the kilt I bought).

I am very pleased with the kilt I bought - and it was a great price.



.

[KennethSime]

I checked them out on eBay, and messaged the seller. Most 8-yard kilts will be about 3x this price, so I asked where they saved their money. Some of the makers might chime in here, but most companies save money in one of the following areas:

• Materials. Imported, Pakistani wool.
• Labor rate. Imported kilts, made in Pakistan.
• Labor time. Not scalloping out the top of the pleats, leading to a bulky kilt which doesn't fit as well.

I'll report back with my findings. They have a Fraser of Lovat muted tartan, which I believe is usually made by House of Edgar. I'd love one at that price!

[KennethSime]

Well, I heard back from Lynne, the owner.

Hi Kenneth thank you for your enquiry. The kilts are made in Scotland I have a Facebook page tartan couture if you would like to view it. The kilts I have on ebay are various kilt lengths I have made up they are one offs. I also do made to measure kilts to order which are more expensive. The kilts I have on ebay are 100%pure new either 16 or 13oz the listing will tell you which. They are all traditionally hand stitched. If you would like more information please don't hesitate to contact me Kind regards lynne

I'll enquire further about made-to-measure garments. If I could get one of these guys for $200 or so I'd definitely want to try it out!

[KennethSime]

One last followup, definitely impressed by their work as displayed on the Facebook profile. I'm still not sure where they're saving their money to keep costs so low, but the kilts do look to be well-made.

[Tomo]

I'm still not sure where they're saving their money to keep costs so low, but the kilts do look to be well-made.

I can't speak to the price point or costs - but the kilt I have is great, no issues with this at all, it isn't bulky and fits well (although not made to measure) and is well made.

I did contact Lynne some time after buying it and she confirmed the cloth is from Lochcarron.

I found Lynne to be very helpful and easy to deal with.

[OC Richard]

The Fraser of Lovat Muted tartan they had is indeed a House of Edgar exclusive.

House Of Edgar's Muted Range of tartans is beautiful and unique. A tartan we're so used to like Black Watch looks invigorated.

The colour-shifts from "modern colours" to HoE's "muted colours" include:

Scarlet becomes lovely soft claret.
Dark blue becomes cobalt blue/French blue.
Dark green becomes olive green.
Black remains unchanged.

[KennethSime]

House Of Edgar's Muted Range of tartans is beautiful and unique. A tartan we're so used to like Black Watch looks invigorated.

The colour-shifts from "modern colours" to HoE's "muted colours" include:

Scarlet becomes lovely soft claret.
Dark blue becomes cobalt blue/French blue.
Dark green becomes olive green.
Black remains unchanged.

Richard, thank you for the poetic description. :-) I think there will be a Muted Fraser of Lovat kilt in my future.

[caig]

i had Lynne make me a Farquharson kilt about 18 months ago. She quoted me £190.00. The kilt is 8 yards, 16ox wool. The kilt seems very good to me and the only point I would make is that the kilt straps were flimsily stitched. I then had her make me a kilt in Dunnock tweed from Marton Mills and again this is fine, although she made it 1" too long and the straps were flimsily stitched, so small cost to have these attended to by a local tailor. For the price you cannot go wrong.