How to recommend a kiltmaker?

[Mikilt]

I got my buddy into a kilt for a renaissance fair last month. One of mine happened to fit him. He loved it. He texted a picture to his mother who responded that she was going to buy one for him next year when she is in Scotland.

Because I deal with Rocky and Steve, I feel as though I know my kiltmakers. I know I can call and discuss, ask questions, etc. I once Skyped with Steve so he could assist me with measuring. I am a big proponent of knowing your kiltmaker.

As I understand it, kiltmaking in Scotland is very much a cottage industry. Ordering on someone else's behalf is a nightmare to begin with, but then having no direct communication with the actual kiltmaker just doesn't work for me.

I tried to caution him. I tried to give him the benefit of what I have learned here. I told him how different kiltmakers measure differently and simply giving generic measurements doesn't exactly help the kiltmaker. I implored him to either buy domestically or get in contact with an actual kiltmaker in Scotland who can tell you how they want you to measure.

He felt strongly that this is a gift from his mother and he wants to let her do it her way. I feel like the best I can do for him is put them in touch with a kiltmaker. If not that, at least let me take his measurements so he doesn't go giving his trouser size.

Here is the thing. As I said above, I have dealt with Rocky and Steve. I don't know an actual kiltmaker in Scotland.

I ask you Rabble, what is the best guidance I can give my friend and his mother?

[Mikilt]

Mods,
I meant to post this under Kilt Advice. Please move as you see fit.

[RockyR]

Thank you for the kind words.

To address your point, all you can do is show the prospective wearer a few of your kilts and stress the fact that there is a difference between a kilt MAKER and a kilt RETAILER. Other than that, they must make their own decisions and potentially, their own mistakes. You've done your job as a friend and as a customer loyal to the companies you prefer!

[plaid preacher]

The other glaring thing that sticks out in your post is the statement "she will buy him a kilt when she is in Scotland next year." As most of us are aware, the kilts we are proud to own are kilts that have been made for us. They don't hang too long on the back or like a shower curtain through the pleats because a true craftsperson has made it to measure. As a result one simply does not walk in to a store and say "I'll take the blue one." That level of service is one which has been lost in our modern age, and which most people simply do not understand. You might like to share that with your friend. While it is a generous gesture on the part of his mother to offer to buy him a kilt, I'm sure she would rather have one made for him here that he will actually wear, than something that is ill-fitting and hang in the closet.

My thoughts...for what they are worth.

Robert

[The Wizard of BC]

I'll thank you for the kind words too Mike.

As you have expressed this friend has worn a kilt once or twice. He may not be ready for a custom kilt costing hundreds of dollars. Only he can decide that.

If his mom wants to buy him a kilt while she is in Scotland, and ends up getting him a Gold Bros. kilt, then great. Free Kilt!

I'm sure that if your friend is truly bitten by the bug he will let you know and will seek out your advice. And I'm confidant that you will direct him to X Marks where he can learn just as you did.

Your friends and your children - you can offer advice, you can offer guidance, you can offer to teach them, you can even offer them the results of your experiences - but you cannot make their decisions for them, you cannot force them into anything.

"Good judgement is the result of experience and experience comes from bad judgements."

[sbevans]

I would refer him to this forum, where he can learn as I did, and perhaps this will help him and his mother to make informed decisions.

[MacGumerait]

I ask you Rabble, what is the best guidance I can give my friend and his mother?

Mike ,

I can only offer the following humble " food for thought " .

1. The first and most important question is .... what is your friend's expectations of a kilt that his mom buys for him when she goes to Scotland ? Given that he has now worn one of your custom made kilts , does he expect this quality ?

2. If he does expect this quality ( fabric type , size , etc ) , does his mom understand that she can't walk into some shop and buy the equivalent in an " off the rack " kilt ?

3. If your friend and his mom understand the two above points and she intends to " order " a kilt for him while in Scotland rather than " buy " him a kilt and bring it home ... the next question is ... do they understand the cost ?

4. If your friend and his mom understand all of the above and she is going to " order " him a kilt and pay for it while in Scotland , then I would recommend that she get all the contact information as possible with the shop and the kilt maker ( if possible ) and then let him communicate with them .

Lastly , given that your friend is a first time kilt wearer , he may or may not have great expectations for his first kilt ( this can vary a great deal depending on the individual ) . However , given that he has been exposed to your kilts , his expectations may be high .

If he doesn't have all of these expectations .... then no problem . He may only wish to dip his toe in the water before wading into the river .

Cheers , Mike