Bespeaking of Bespoke - what is your experience?

[BoldHighlander]

All three of my kilts were made by Matt Newsome, which says enough in itself. I do not have any "off the rack" kilts, so I can't compare them, but I can say the my Newsomes fit me perfectly.

A_Hay! (Tom) made a sporran for me a couple of years ago, with my own design carved into the flap. I'd call this sporran "made to measure", because it's pretty much the same body style as several of his other sporrans, but the flap is customized to my wishes. That sporran is a work of art which I wear very proudly, and have received more compliments on it that an "off the rack" sporran would receive.

Like yourself, I have/had two kilts made to measure by Matt Newsome for me (one I sold, but that had nothing to do with the quality/craftsmanship of Matt's work). I do still have an off the rack kilt that I no longer wear. It served its purpose but, compared to Matt's handiwork, even if it still fit I couldn't possibly go back to wearing it, I'm spoiled by the quality of my Newsome box pleat(s).

I also have a bespoke sporran made by Artificer (Scott) and accompanying leathers (sporran strap & waist belt). It's beautiful and, unless I acquired an antique sporran, I just can't see myself now ever buying anything less than a custom made item.

As yet I don't own any bespoke or made to measure kilt jackets or waistcoats, but as money allows those are on my must have list. However, next on my list (again, as $$ allows) is a bespoke balmoral that I have been in contact with Redshank (Chris) about earlier this year.

[figheadair]

The differences between off-the-peg, make-to-measure and bespoke have been well discussed. What I would say is that some of the bespoke costs quoted seem rather high. One way to lower the cost is to source your cloth first and then use a tailor that you can trust.

I have a bespoke Harris Tweed jacket, material purchased from Marion Campbell when she was still on the go; and also a fantastic Tweed suit in cloth that I designed for 51 (Scottish) Brigade. Total cost for the latter = £380 all up.

The other great advantage, of bespoke is that one can send one's tailor cloth and just ask for something similar and it will fit. I ordered military trews when stationed in Belfast and they were perfect without the need for a fitting.

The key - find a good tailor. I can recommend one in Kelso if anyone's interested.