Buying first kilt need help

[macwilkin]

Daftcanuck, why not purchase your new kilt from either Hector Russell in Toronto or Burnett & Struth in Barrie, Ontario? Both have excellent reputations for quality traditional kilts and have Locharran and the House of Edgar as suppliers of their wool?

I personally recommend Hector Russell, since my kilt is from there, and I know several gents here have kilts from Burnett & Struth -- B & S also supply kilts for some of the Canadian Armed Forces.

Welcome and Cheers!

Todd

[Burnout]

While I am not a piper, I have seen many competing pipers over the years. I have yet to see one wear anything less than a full 8 yard heavyweight traditional worsted wool kilt. Mr. Cajunscot and the others have listed some excellent kiltmakers. They would certainly be qualified to advise you and outfit you in the appropriate fashion. Do it right the first time. Be prepared to open your wallet... but you can be confident that it is an investment you will never regret making. Being dressed well and correctly can only add to your confidence in the circle.

[Barb T]

Lochcarron is a company that weaves excellent tartan - unless I'm making a kilt for a dancer, I order tartan almost exclusively from them.

I'm also a piper, and I agree that it's rare to see a piper competing in anything lighter than a 16 oz kilt in either the Northeast or Canada. Our band has their kilts made at Burnett's and Struth, and they do beautiful work. (I occasionally make kilts for people in our band, but I don't do it as a general rule because it's boring to make up the same tartan over and over again, and I'm not trying to make a living as a kiltmaker!.)

I assume from your screen name that you're in Canada, and there's always an advantage to ordering "in-country". You might also consider Tartantown in BC - they have a terrific reputation in the piping and dancing community. Terry Lee (Pipe Major of the Simon Fraser University Pipe Band) is the manager of Tartantown. The URL is http://www.tartantown.com

Be sure to post pictures when you get your kilt - preferably one of you piping! How long have you been at it?

Cheers!

Barb

[Colin]

I assume from your screen name that you're in Canada, and there's always an advantage to ordering "in-country". You might also consider Tartantown in BC - they have a terrific reputation in the piping and dancing community. Terry Lee (Pipe Major of the Simon Fraser University Pipe Band) is the manager of Tartantown. The URL is http://www.tartantown.com

Be sure to post pictures when you get your kilt - preferably one of you piping! How long have you been at it?

Cheers!

Barb

I live not far from Tartantown, and while I really like the store, I find that their prices are extremely high. The charcoal jacket I wanted was going to cost me $459 cdn for just the jacket. I found something similar at www.scottishkilts.net for cheaper, and the waistcoat was included. Based on that, I would be very hesitant to pay $200-$300 more for a kilt locally that I can get internationally for a better price.

Kiltstore has had a few good reviews, and offers a further discount to Xmarks members. Just click the link above.

[daftcanuck]

Thanks for all the help, I was blown away by all the great responses. I looked at Hector Russell and Burnetts & Struth and compared them to the kiltstore prices and kilts. Although the tartan material was the same, it looked different on each site, how can I be sure of the color I am getting? My price from kiltstore would be significantly cheaper than the other two. So my question is what is the difference between these manufacturers and is it worth spending an extra $200. I'm not trying to cheap out or anything, and like everyone said I don't want to sacrifice quality for money and end up with a lower quality kilt that I have to replace in a few years. I just want to know what the difference is and which kilt you think I would be happiest with. Thanks again for all the help, its great to be able to make an educated purchase.

[macwilkin]

Thanks for all the help, I was blown away by all the great responses. I looked at Hector Russell and Burnetts & Struth and compared them to the kiltstore prices and kilts. Although the tartan material was the same, it looked different on each site, how can I be sure of the color I am getting? My price from kiltstore would be significantly cheaper than the other two. So my question is what is the difference between these manufacturers and is it worth spending an extra $200. I'm not trying to cheap out or anything, and like everyone said I don't want to sacrifice quality for money and end up with a lower quality kilt that I have to replace in a few years. I just want to know what the difference is and which kilt you think I would be happiest with. Thanks again for all the help, its great to be able to make an educated purchase.

Ask the companies you are considering to send you a swatch of the tartan you're thinking about ordering -- you may have to pay a little for it, but most companies will deduct the charge if you order a kilt from them.

As far as paying "extra", if you're serious about getting a quality traditional kilt, you'll never regret paying a wee bit extra. My kilt is from Hector Russell, and the outstanding quality and customer service I received them, plus the years of training and experience by their kilt makers makes it worth every penny I spent.

T.

[Cawdorian]

A high quality 8 yard, 13 oz ,traditional knife pleated kilt from a reputable kiltmaker is going to cost $500 (US) or more. They are all custom made to your personal measurements, the fit is superb and the craftmanship will be outstanding. They are a work of art. Well cared for, it will last several generations and will never go out of style. You will get many years of personal enjoyment from your kilt.

I had many of the same thoughts you are having before I purchased mine.

Take the plunge, you will not be sorry!

Jim