J. Higgins is a short drive away for me. I've been there a couple of times. Their kilts are well made. However they aren't as knowledgeable of some things as Barb or Steve, and I suppose USAKilt. Higgins will make you a good basic kilt, just don't ask for anything out of the ordinary. Asking for two straps instead of three shouldnt be a problem.

P/V is a a great option for a first or only kilt. It washes and doesn't stain. Wool isn't as hot in warm weather as you might think. Wool tartan is more porous that P/V and breathes better. It actually feels cooler when the wind blows. The frontier army dressed in wool uniforms. Reenactors out on the Plains tell me the uniforms are comfortable in hot weather. I think it is the stabilizing in a structured kilt that makes them hot.

A USA casual closed with Velcro is faster to put on than a buckled kilt. The Velcro can more easily be adjusted than buckles. A USA casual worn with a belt looks as nice as any other low yardage kilt. The belt covers any exposed velcro.