J Higgins Review

**ozone** · 22nd March 08, 08:59 PM

For those who dont know, J. Higgins is a USA supplier/maker of kilt stuff (mostly for bands). Here's their website: http://www.jhiggins.net/

I finally took the plunge and bought a jacket from them. Total cost including shipping was $214. I rang them up this past Wednesday because I am considering going to church for easter (of course, it's snowing now...so perhaps not) and i wanted to wear my kilt with proper attire. The person I spoke with on the phone helped me with sizing and stated that he would get the coat off to me straight away. Needless to say, I got the coat and here's my story in pictures:

1. Coat arrived in this little box! ( I Cant believe it fits in such a small space)

2. Here's the coat on a hanger....nice!

3. Here's the coat on me. It fits perfectly, it's 100% gabardine wool, it's got the nice silver-type buttons on it, it's a great argyle jacket! (BTW, I usually wear a 38-40 sport coat, and on the advice of the J. Higgins representative, I got a 42 short....perfect!)

**Prester John** · 22nd March 08, 09:02 PM

I've had nothing but a good experience with JHiggins.

Highly recommended.

**Panache** · 22nd March 08, 09:30 PM

It looks very good and the price is great.

Cheers

Jamie

**BoldHighlander** · 22nd March 08, 10:06 PM

Nice

I've used J. Higgins for my bonnets (and my first kilt hose /& garters).
I've always been pleased with their product, price & customer service

**Jock Scot** · 23rd March 08, 03:40 AM

I hope you don't mind me pointing out that it is usual not to button your Argyll.It fits you well,by the way.

**Arlen** · 23rd March 08, 04:42 AM

That looks fantastic. Very smart!

**JS Sanders** · 23rd March 08, 07:43 AM

Their off-the-rack items tend to be reasonably good quality. Not the best available, but good.

A made-to-measure kilt purchased from them didn't impress me though.

The seamstress didn't follow the provided measurements with a whole lotta care. Fortunately, I was able to make alterations.

I could've sent it back, but really didn't really trust them to get it right. The buckles were attached with fabric, not leather. I could see the strain placed on the stitching/fabric wasn't going to hold up very long, so I substituted them with something that would.

When one pays $450 for a custom-made kilt, expectations are somewhat high that they'll get it right the 1st time. Hopefully, by now they've corrected this situation.

Slainte yall,
steve

**macwilkin** · 23rd March 08, 07:45 AM

Originally Posted by JS Sanders

Their off-the-rack items tend to be reasonably good quality. Not the best available, but good.

A made-to-measure kilt purchased from them didn't impress me though.

The seamstress didn't follow the provided measurements with a whole lotta care. Fortunately, I was able to make alterations.

I could've sent it back, but really didn't really trust them to get it right. The buckles were attached with fabric, not leather. I could see the strain placed on the stitching/fabric wasn't going to hold up very long, so I substituted them with something that would.

When one pays $450 for a custom-made kilt, expectations are somewhat high that they'll get it right the 1st time. Hopefully, by now they've corrected this situation.

Slainte yall,
steve

I would second your observations, Steve. The first custom kilt I ordered from Higgins back in '98 was spot on; the second one in 2000 left something to be desired. My best friend had a similar experience with his two Higgins kilts as well.

T.

**Finn** · 23rd March 08, 07:55 AM

Looking good, sir!

**JerseyLawyer** · 23rd March 08, 08:24 AM

Contrary to what JS Sanders and Cajunscot have said, I have a Higgins kilt that I was very happy with (it was my first one!) of course, I've had it for nearly 15 years, so that could fit with Cajunscot's observations, and the quality could have decreased over time. A shame, really. At the time, buying a kilt sewn in the USA was a "new" thing. (Or so it seemed. I doubt it was all /that/ new.)