Buying a kilt, fly plaid and prince charlie in Toronto

[Andrew M. Stewart]

So I'm about to by a new kilt and fly plaid in 16oz strome weight, Stewart of Atholl (Modern) Tartan along with a prince charlie jacket and vest.I've priced it out at the two main shops in Toronto, and am looking at The Scottish Company. The price with them is a wee bit cheeper than Cairngorm whom I bought a vest from a few months back which was at the very top of the price range and all of the buttons fell off! The guys at the store told that this may happen and I would have said get lost then but someone was buying it for me as a gift. I was surprized that they would let a product leave the store knowing that this WOULD happen. It definetly speaks to theyre dedication to quality, I'm not going there again. So I then bought an Argyll and vest from the Scottish Company on Leslie st and the vest is too big,which isnt really a big deal, I'msure that they will help me out with this when I go back, but I am a bit hesitant as my next purchase is a significant investment, an I of course want it to be "TOP" quality! My question is.. Does anyone have any suggestions as to who to buy from to get the best -Price and Quality/Workmanship? I'm looking at Scotweb and USA kilts(good prices!) but I want a product made by a proper kilt maker and as far as Burnetts and Struth go, a Kiltmaker in Victoria showed me a bad example from them.

[slohairt]

Hi Andrew,

I live about 45 minutes west of you in Kitchener. Visit my website (either the link below or my rotating ad above). I also offer a 10% discount to X Marks The Scot members. Likewise, you could save on shipping as you live so close.

[McMurdo]

Andrew
I have dealt with all the companies you mention, as for buttons coming off I really think that is a universal problem, all these companies get their stock from the same supplier, I always reinforce my buttons when I buy a jacket.

I bought my 16oz Strome weight Isle of Skye from the Scottish Company, I would heartily recommend them, I lost some weight after measuring, I went into the shop one day wearing the kilt the immediately recognized the problem and fixed it right away. I've also had good experiences with Caringorm on numerous pieces to me they are wonderful people.

As for Burnett's and Struth I own a kilt from them and it is just perfect, remember Burnett's have been around for quite some time and have been the premier kilt maker for Police and military bands in Canada for some time, they are very knowledgeable and friendly. I went to them with my Aunt to have a tartan jacket made in my late Uncles tartan, we went up for the first fitting and it was perfect. There are going to be problems from any vendor. I'd say go with the shop that you are comfortable with. You may also want to check out the Wee Tartan Shop in Port Perry Ont.

[Canuck]

There will also be a number of kilt makers at the Fergus games this weekend and you can talk to them have a look at their wares, a good way to do some comparison shopping.
Cheers
Robert

[Andrew M. Stewart]

Thanks lads, I'll see you at Fergus!

[starbkjrus]

Andrew
I have dealt with all the companies you mention, as for buttons coming off I really think that is a universal problem, all these companies get their stock from the same supplier, I always reinforce my buttons when I buy a jacket.
...snip

Ditto. I bought a Braemar jacket and waistcoat (Hector Russell) and took them right to the tailor's and had the buttons reinforced. That is a standard practice with ANY jacket / waistcoat I've ever bought with metal buttons.

[McMurdo]

Even with the horn buttons Dee. I have had horn buttons go on me as well.

[Nighthawk]

OK, I'm going to quickly chime in here- You asked about USA Kilts. They are exceptional. I own two- one wool and one polyviscous- and I love them both. The workmanship cannot be beaten. I also have a Scotweb kilt. Scotweb is less expensive, but USAK is so much higher quality. You can't go wrong with USAK.

[Andrew M. Stewart]

Hi Andrew,

I live about 45 minutes west of you in Kitchener. Visit my website (either the link below or my rotating ad above). I also offer a 10% discount to X Marks The Scot members. Likewise, you could save on shipping as you live so close.

Hey John are you going to be at Fergus???

[kscaddo]

Andrew, I would look into MacIassac kiltmakers in Nova Scotia. I've been really pleased with my new Stewart of Appin kilt.
Regards,
Ken