Just ordered an Argyle from J Higgins

**JS Sanders** · 24th December 08, 05:25 PM

Originally Posted by Avonlea22

Well, 2 Days later and my jacket just arrived. You can't beat that. The only problem is, it doesn't fit....

I've bought several Argylls from them over the years and found they are true to the size. I've worn a size 42 regular for many years and when I order the same from Higgins, that's shows up on my doorstep ready to wear.

Men's garments seem to have been re-configured in recent years. Now it seems if I purchase a new jacket, sports coat, etc from men's clothiers it must be bought in a size smaller than 42 to accomodate me.

Perhaps the same is now being applied at Higgins.

Slan,
steve

**Bugbear** · 24th December 08, 05:33 PM

That exchange policy sounds like a big plus for this company.

Reading between the lines, I gather that the materials of the jacket and waistcoat are of a good quality. That's good to hear.

Thank you.

**Carolina Kiltman** · 27th December 08, 09:13 PM

Originally Posted by JS Sanders

I've bought several Argylls from them over the years and found they are true to the size. I've worn a size 42 regular for many years and when I order the same from Higgins, that's shows up on my doorstep ready to wear.

Men's garments seem to have been re-configured in recent years. Now it seems if I purchase a new jacket, sports coat, etc from men's clothiers it must be bought in a size smaller than 42 to accomodate me.

Perhaps the same is now being applied at Higgins.

Slan,
steve[/FONT]

I bought a Braemar (argyle with PC cuffs) from them about a year and a half ago, I measure exactly a 44, extra long and that is exactly the size I got. I would order a 46 next time. (gives me a little room to "grow".

They are very good at exchanging if fit is not right, so there should be no worries on that score. I would guess the fabric weight to be about 14 oz. Barathea (in black, of course).

**JS Sanders** · 28th December 08, 09:42 AM

Higgins retail a good Argyll jacket. You could pay far more and receive a finer garment, but for most kilties theirs do quite well.

I'm wearing my 3rd or 4th from them. The more recent jackets appear to be of a different fabric.

I go thru them not because I wear them threadbare, but the mount on my pipes' bass drone rubs against the shoulder. Over time it rubs the woolen fabric there shiny.

I've been alternating with a tweed day jacket when practical to extend the life of the Argyle jacket.

Slainte yall,
steve

**Avonlea22** · 31st December 08, 04:19 PM

They were very good (and fast to reply) to work with for the exchange. John (The J in J. Higgins) offered to send out the next size up right away, without even having the original in the mail yet! I mentioned that I'd be out of town for a few days, and he also to send it a couple of days later. I expect the new jacket to arrive on Friday, and he should get the original back that day as well. It cost me a mere $8.00 to return it via FedEx. With my anticipated weight loss, I'm sure the next size up will be perfect (even with the anticipated weight loss, the original 44" would have been way too small). All of my suit jackets are 44's, and they still fit, so maybe their sizing has changed just a bit...I don't know). I'm just very happy with how easy it was to deal with this company and how they weer willing to send out a replacement without even having the original in their hands. I will certainly order from them again.

**triolamj** · 11th January 09, 07:59 PM

I had the same problem as you with my 7- or 8-year-old J. Higgins Argyll. I have broad shoulders, a size 18.5 neck, a size 50 chest matched with a size 50 paunch, that fits comfortably in a size 52 shirt or jacket. I had to trade a size 52 up to a size 54 so that I could squeeze my shoulders in. The neck is now a bit wide, but I can live with that. I'm going to buy a better fitting 54 Long next summer. The problem is that it's Scottish sizing, not American. It's like an Australian XXXL equaling a size 48 chest.

The material in mine wasn't Barathea. It was a lighter black "denim twill" which I prefer anyway for its lighter weight. So I wouldn't need a vest, I had them cut buttonholes for me so that I could button it at the waist (the holes need to be 1/2 inch; mine barely work).

**slohairt** · 12th January 09, 02:07 PM

Even in the world of regular suits, there is a great difference between American tailoring and British tailoring. American suit makers traditionally favoured the "sack-suit" silhouette which fall from the shoulder, while the British suits are much closer fitting from shoulder to waist and then flare out a bit from the waist down.

**Avonlea22** · 12th January 09, 02:25 PM

Well, after returning the waistcoat twice, I finally have a combo that will fit well. I ended up going from a 44" to a 48" waistcoat, and a 44" to 46" jacket.

I will say once more that the customer service I received through this whole process was nothing but outstanding. I will (and actually already have) order from J. Higgins again.

**Carolina Kiltman** · 12th January 09, 02:45 PM

Sorry you had the problems but one often does when ordering "off the peg" clothing. You have the opposite problem of what I had. for over 30 years I wore a 36" coat (shirt 14 1/2 37 sleeve) with a 29-30 waist. As I am 6'-5" tall nothing fit right until I sprung for tailor made. Now that I have "filled out some" it is still easier, but my waist is still 6" smaller than my chest. My guess is that the "American style" has become almost universal due to our national weight gain. :beer:

int: :food-smiley-002:

I am, however, glad to hear that J. Higgins is still a good outfit to deal with. With the decline in "customer service" rampant, it is nice to know that there is still customer service out there. (bean counters always want to cut C.S. first, as it shown no immediate profit. Even the Frengi who put profit above everything else, recognized the value of repeat sales!