Clan.com (Scotweb) Balmoral Traditional 8 Yard Kilt Review

[Dreaghann]

The vendor's almost comically inadequate response was:
"From what I can see, you appear to have tied it too tightly."

This does not even begin to address the issues about the length, tapered rise, fell, kicking pleat, and uneven front-rear splits ratio.

Here are photos of the kilt worn tightly (front apron pulls away and kicks out; tapered rise too tight on ribs pushing the kilt down and causing top straps to angle out instead of laying flat; rear pleats do not lie flat; kilt length too short):

Worn loosely (front apron crumples, pulls away, and kicks out; fell falls below seat; rear pleats do not lie flat):


And in between (front apron crumples slightly, pulls away, and kicks out; fell falls below seat; rear pleats do not lie flat):


As you can see, it doesn't fit well in any state. (These photos and the fit of the kilt are discussed in more detail in this thread.)

[Liam]

It would help if you posted pictures....

[Dreaghann]

It would help if you posted pictures....

Good point. I've edited my post above.

[Dreaghann]

After corresponding for 2 weeks with Scotweb/Clan, they continue to deny that there is any problem with the kilt.

When asked specifically if the photos below show how the front apron, rear pleats, fell, and front pleat are designed to appear in their kilts, their head kiltmaker said that the kilt is hanging correctly in the photos:


(Expert kiltmakers on this forum have a very different assessment of this kilt's design and fit in this thread.)

Thus, based on the Scotweb/Clan head kiltmaker's assessment, it appears that one should expect Scotweb/Clan's Balmoral traditional 8 yard kilt to have a crumpled front apron, rear pleats and a front pleat that do not lie flat, and a too-long fell falling below the seat.

I also asked specifically at what height it is designed to be worn, and the head kiltmaker said it could be worn at any height that is comfortable but should not be worn as high as the ribs.

They also maintain that there is no problem with the measurement instructions. They have confirmed that the length measurement can be taken from either the navel or 2 inches above the navel to the knees and that the seat measurement can be taken snugly over jeans at the widest part of the hips. This is how my spouse took the measurements, so apparently there is nothing I could have done to prevent receiving this ill-fitting kilt which they refuse to fix or replace. Buyer beware!