Doublets

[Stoneyburnpiper]

Hello,
After countless hours of searching for a clear cut answer on the age old doublet chase I figured I would rehash a new thread with hopefully a new direction on on the question.

I'm like many of you that don't have a boatload of extra money laying about to put into my expanding collection of Highland Attire. So I search for a said deal if you will on purchasing a doublet. And I have come up with 2 different categories 1.Genuine or MoD issued jackets which tend to be on the top end of price but I'm sure on quality as well. & 2. Pakastani companies that make replica doublets with either inferior materials or craftsmanship making them more affordable and eye catching.

Seeing as I just purchased a new kilt (my 3rd) from a very reputable kilt maker and spent a nice penny for it I'm looking or trying to save my behind from my wife and not spend $500 on a doublet and another $300-500 on a pipers plaid.

So my question is this. Those of you that have purchased from Pakastani or India companies that manufacture Highland Wear. Which ones have been sound investments. Meaning wait time, customer service, quality for price, actually receiving the good?.

I have found we all seem to be in the same boat ordering from there as far as as being curious on a deal yet cautious as to not wanting to get scammed. I personally will probably only wear this doublet a few times a year so I am open to buy from one of these companies that people have had good experiences. I appreciate everyone's 2 cents

[ASinclair]

Hello, Stoneyburnpiper!



If you haven't already done so, you may want to introduce yourself on the Newbies forum. I don't have any experience with purchasing from Pakistan.

[Carlo]

You might want to check USA Kilts (Advertiser Top Left). They sell a Doublet for $350. It's possibly a better deal than a Pakistani... made Doublet.

[Macman]

You might have a look at glengarryhats.com out of Saskatchewan. I think they source products in Pakistan. I've only ever ordered headgear from them, but the quality was very good. Do not get them confused with glengarryhat.com, which is a different company, albeit selling similar merchandise.

[Stoneyburnpiper]

Thanks for the clarification Macman. I believe I found both sites but was confused as to why they looked different so I didn't pay much attention. The internet is a awesome tool to connect the world but I find it a bit unnerving that you can find 10 sites who all use the same product picture and similar price. It makes it tuff who to choose

[MacLowlife]

Thanks for the clarification Macman. I believe I found both sites but was confused as to why they looked different so I didn't pay much attention. The internet is a awesome tool to connect the world but I find it a bit unnerving that you can find 10 sites who all use the same product picture and similar price. It makes it tuff who to choose

Sorry, I haven't done any business with Pakistani companies, though I have come close. Maybe if you told us exactly what you are seeking ( and mentioned your size ) you might draw some alternative suggestions. For instance, I have an old MOD piper's tunic and I can assure you it is too heavy for indoor wear.

One quick word of advice- anything you can buy that is already made, even if it requires alteration, is often better than the thing you are ordering from scratch- at least when wait times and sketchy delivery track records come into play. If you see something for sale that actually exists, you are several steps ahead of the buyer whose item "will be made to your order" and delivered sometime in the future.

We like to talk about durability and quality, but so many items of mediocre construction will do for the few times a year we need them. Sure, high quality goods are a pleasure, as are ones that fit properly, but I have yet to see post that begins "I have only had my X for two years and it wore out on me..."

[Stoneyburnpiper]

That's a very good point I was not seeing before. I do find it a tad odd that everything is made to measure from scratch. Think of a regular suit jacket, they already come in standard sizes. You would think a doublet would be the same way but in a smaller group of stores.


Im currently in the market for a military style doublet and ultimately a pipers plaid and cross belt (the whole shabang). I understand it's not a practical outfit but I can see certain instances where I'll wear it. My jacket measurements are 48short. I don't tend to find my size on the ex MoD you might find on ebay occasionally. Glengarryhats seem to have a good selection also usa kilts have a nice one. Jhiggins also as well. But when you see an over seas one offered for $100-200 less it makes it tempting to try the gauntlet lol


I'm not worried as to how hot the jacket might seem, and I've noticed some are offered in barathea instead of Melton or garbadien so that might be a viable option. When I typically get all dolled up its more for a piping gig rather than just milling about at the local scottish festival (usually because I'm there in band dress anyway). This would be more for the formal military funeral or a family members wedding or if the customer requests full no1 dress. Plus I always liked the look

[OC Richard]

I scour Ebay all the time and I often come across odd-looking doublets, made incorrectly (or perhaps I should say nontraditionally).

Here's a thread I did a while back on it. IMHO it deserves careful reading, because I point out a number of fairly subtle errors that can betray an otherwise legit-looking doublet.

http://forums.bobdunsire.com/forums/...ghlight=mutant

(sorry for the highlighting, I had to search with the word 'mutant' to find that old thread.)

Many/most of the doublets sold today are made in Pakistan or India.

There's a place in India called Replicaters (note the misspelt name) which can do very nice work. I've seen doublets from them which could nearly pass for Scottish-made ones, doublets from them looking like they were made in Victorian times with old-school touches. BUT they can also make doublets with strange features! It's bizarrely hit-and-miss with them. The best thing, with them, is to send them something to copy. They're quite good at that. For a big person like myself, the thing to do is to pick up cheaply on Ebay a Scottish-made vintage doublet (in a tiny size and/or poor condition, doesn't matter), send it to Replicaters, and tell them to make a copy in my size.

Many retailers in North America and elsewhere sell Replicaters stuff (though of course they don't tell you).

Here they are... beware that (I strongly suspect) the images are lifted from UK and North American sources; for example the photo of cuff styles appears on the Scottish Modern catalogue years ago

http://www.replicaters.com/pipeband.html

Then there's J Higgins. Their doublets don't entirely follow the traditional cut (compare the shape of the flaps to genuine military doublets from the 19th century till now).

BTW note that some of the jackets shown have their musicians' shells on backwards! One might think that they would know better.

http://www.jhiggins.net/sf_catproduc...UEOUWUMIB9DGKL

Here's the page of Glengarryhats.com doublets. Note that all the musicians' shells are incorrectly made, having the bars splayed out, not parallel as on actual musicians' shells.

http://www.glengarryhats.com/piperdoublets.php

[Stoneyburnpiper]

Thanks Richard. I did come across your posts on the mutant doublets. Good information! I was curious as to it did seem most of the websites in Pakistan had the same pictures for products. What makes me cautious is doing a search on those companies not much comes up for reviews. I found a few complaints but if you've been around since the 50 ' s you would think there would be something stating your cust reviews or quality. And another uneasy feeling is wiring a few hundred dollars when they list their address as a P.O. box

I'll keep checking ebay and weighing out the north American companies. At least with them they probably have a relationship with their vendors. With any hope I'll have one by May

[Eric D Scott]

I ordered my doublet from Ian at Glengarry Hats (www.glengarryhats.com). It is manufactured in Pakistan, Ian does not hide that fact, but he maintains the standard that leaves his shop. He can ave your doublet made many different ways to fit your needs.

For example I had mine made black with silver piping, zipper, 18 buttons, without a liner (Southern Ontario summers are too hot for a lining), and a specific collar made for me. The doublet I received fit to a T and was excellently crafted.

if you are interested, speak with Ian, and let him know that I have referred you (I get nothing but the satisfaction that I've helped him and you) and I am sure he'll get you squared away.

Should you have any questions, feel free to ask me!