Balmoral vs Manley Richardson

[ForresterModern]

Scotweb's Balmorals are mostly handsewn with a few parts that are not seen machine sewn, which from what I have gathered also helps make those portions of the kilt a bit stronger. The Balmoral is a fine kilt by any standards.

The Manley Richardson is the Mercedes-Benz/Lexus/Bentley of the kilt world, and has special custom monogrammed lining and all other manner of special cosmetic upgrades, but I do not know how much different they are "under the hood", so to speak. They, along with Kinlock-Anderson, are the gold standards in the retail kilt industry for extreme top of the line.

It is your decision as to whether they are worth the extra cost. What shows and how it stays together over the years is what is important to me. I am not making what I would consider to be an investment, expecting some heirloom payoff at some point in the future because my kilt has a certain label or was made by a certain person or company, and thereby must be worth more. I am a "more bang for the buck" kind of guy where my own personal impression of the differences in a Manley-Richardson seem to me at least to be "more buck for the bang". But I must temper this opinion by admitting I have never owned, worn, inspected, or, to the best of my knowledge, seen a Manley-Richardson in person, and do not personally know anyone who owns one.

Again, just one man's O.

jeff

[davidlpope]

The Manley Richardson is the Mercedes-Benz/Lexus/Bentley of the kilt world, and has special custom monogrammed lining and all other manner of special cosmetic upgrades, but I do not know how much different they are "under the hood", so to speak. They, along with Kinlock-Anderson, are the gold standards in the retail kilt industry for extreme top of the line.

Jeff,

As I understand it, "Manley Richardson" is merely a trade-name that Scotweb uses for this particular "class" of kilt that they sell. In other words, it's simply the best kilt that Scotweb sells. I'm not sure that its "luxury status" is independently attested to by anyone else.

That being said, I'm sure it's a well-made kilt and Nick would ensure that it is very high-quality. I wouldn't guess, however, that Scots would recognize that trade-name as a "Rolls-Royce" in the way that other highland dress establishments have attained a near-legendary reputation, etc.

David