Looking for review/opinions of TartanWeb

[Nick]

Hello,

I'm gearing up to buy my first tank, and have been cruising around looking for a maker. I've been considering ordering from TartanWeb, but I'd like to know if anyone has any thoughts or experiences with their traditional kilts? Their website is at www.tartanweb.com

A friend of mine bought a greatkilt for her fiance a little over a year ago, and I can personally attest that it's a good material and a fine garement. She had very good things to say about the service, but a great kilt isn't an 8yd sewn tank, and I'd like a second opinion if possible before I commit to buy.

Thanks,
Nick

[Riverkilt]

My first thought is that they're kind of vague about the "craftsmen" they employ.

There's the overseas factor too, even though its Scotland.

I've been VERY happy having my hand sewn traditionals sewn up by Kathy Lare here in the states...using her training in Scotland. www.kathyskilts.com if you haven't checked her out yet.

Pics of the kilts she did for me are in my gallery.

Ron

[Barb T]

Hi Nick

I do also make kilts, if you're keen to have a connection with the kiltmaker and worried about who the craftsman is!

Barb

[Hosehead]

I have not purchased a kilt from them, but I have purchased other accessories (dress sporran for my wedding, other items), and am VERY pleased with the service. There was a mistake in one of my orders that was handled very quickly. I would trust them from a customer service standpoint...

KL

[Aggie]

When I get my first I'll go to someone a little closer to home. North America is home to several qualified people. Scottish made is quality, but if you can find equally well made garments close by, why go half way round the world? All other factors being equal.

[Colin]

Why not check out www.scottishkilts.com they have:
5 yards kilt http://scottishkilts.net/store/5_yard_kilts.html
Standard 8 yard kilts (machine sewn) http://scottishkilts.net/store/stand...ard_kilts.html
Premium 8 yard kilts (hand sewn) http://scottishkilts.net/store/premi...ard_kilts.html
and Irish kilts http://scottishkilts.net/store/irish_kilts.html

I have received great service from them when I ordered a jacket and waistcoat, and am just waiting on a few swatches before I order one of their premium 8 yard kilts ( my first traditional kilt). They have great prices and provide great service.

[Robert]

Several months late, I just so happen to stumble into the question of Tartanweb. About 18 months ago I purchased a complete Argyl outfit from Tartanweb. As I do not intend on purchasing another of these outfits for many years, I paid up for the custom made outfit. I can say that the quality was excellent. I was very concerned about getting a made to measure jacket, vest and kilt over the internet/phone. However, despite my concerns, when the outfit arrived, everything fit perfectly and I mean perfectly. I was also very impressed with the quality of the materials that went into the jacket, etc. The quality of the kilt fabric is much easier to deduce because there is only about 3 makers. I think Loch Carron (sp?) is the best. I was also put off when I called a well know US maker of "tank" kilts and they seemed surprised and a little put off that I wanted to specifiy the weaver of my tartan. Probably due to proximity to the weavers the Scottish kilt sources seem much more willing to procure and make your kilt out of exactly the fabric you want. This may seem to be a minor point but the quality and weight of the kilt fabric is very important to the look and feel of the garment.

I just wore the outfit a week ago and I am still very satisfied with the product. The proprietor of Tartanweb was Douglas Gregor. This was clearly a small business as I called him a few times to ask questions and work out the details on my order. Basically when I called him he answered and would even walk around what I think was his small store looking for inventory, etc. that I wanted to know about (BTW if you have a MCI prepaid calling card from say, Costco, Sams, etc. the cost of calling the UK is very low).

I think the price of the package while not low, was very reasonable. I was able to cross shop a few things in his package, for example, the exact make and model of shoes for price comparision purposes and found his prices very competitive. I really like that he emphasized the better quality products and had different and unusual items on his site that most of the web competition (whether in the US or Scotland) did not. I have never seen anyone in the US with the same or even similar sgian dubh.

Unfortunately, for those of you who have read this far, I went to his site tonight and discovered that Mr. Gregor has sold his business and website to a Glasgow based firm. In a quick review I noted that the Tartanweb product line has changed drastically to machine sewn kilts etc. (His kilts were handsewn). Based upon the new ownership and changed product line I can no longer recommend Tartanweb. I suppose the original Tartanweb concept of higher quality from a small proprieter was just not able to make it in this competitive world.

[arrogcow]

Unfortunately, for those of you who have read this far, I went to his site tonight and discovered that Mr. Gregor has sold his business and website to a Glasgow based firm. In a quick review I noted that the Tartanweb product line has changed drastically to machine sewn kilts etc. (His kilts were handsewn). Based upon the new ownership and changed product line I can no longer recommend Tartanweb. I suppose the original Tartanweb concept of higher quality from a small proprieter was just not able to make it in this competitive world.

Based on their contact info it looks like tartanweb is now owned by the same company that owns scottishkilts.net , scottishthemes.com and several others.

Adam

[LoftGuy]

Robert,

Thank you for a most thorough review of Tartanweb products and sadly, I must agree with your conclusion. Its truly sad to see a small shop, dedicated to service and quality, cease doing business.

Having bought on both sides of "the Pond", I believe that in the future I shall make every effort to patronize quality oriented kilt makers in North America. There are a number of them who will take the time to communicate with and make recommendations to their clients and complete the product in a timely manner.

Bob

[macwilkin]

Robert,

Thank you for a most thorough review of Tartanweb products and sadly, I must agree with your conclusion. Its truly sad to see a small shop, dedicated to service and quality, cease doing business.

Having bought on both sides of "the Pond", I believe that in the future I shall make every effort to patronize quality oriented kilt makers in North America. There are a number of them who will take the time to communicate with and make recommendations to their clients and complete the product in a timely manner.

Bob

Check out our neighbours to the north -- Hector Russell used to have a store in Toronto (it looks like they've changed hands now, but if Darren P. is still there, you're all right) and Burnett & Struth in Barrie, ON -- B & S are excellent kilt makers!

Cheers,

Todd