Local made or import from Scotland?

[Father Bill]

I'm much happier with the kilt made by Keltoi after he measured me himself than I am with the one made in Scotland after they measured me... and I then had to wait and hope they got it right... which they didn't... and John had to rebuild it for me. Always better when you can look the kiltmaker in the eye, and more to the point s/he has to face you and stand behind their product when you try it on and stand in it.

I'll work with John again. I'll not order from away ever again.

[JohntheBiker]

Matt:

Cairngorm has a kiltmaker on staff and I can attest that she does quality work. She just adjusted my "best" kilt, which she made for me years ago, and I am delighted by the outcome. They have knowledgeable staff, first rate service and a reasonable turnaround on the order. You could do a lot worse going elsewhere.

John Hart at Keltoi was also mentioned in this thread. He's less than an hour away in Kitchener and he'll do a fine job as well (I'm awaiting delivery on kilt from him in the next week or so).

[tulloch]

I think, as with any good, made-to-order, garment if you can go and talk with the tailor and be measured and do a fitting when it is nearly done then it is better than sending out for it. My band has its kilts made in Scotland by a Scottish firm, with a local "Scottish" shop as the agent. The last one they had made, despite measuring by the shop owner, went back and forth to Scotland four times! I vote get it made by a local, well-trained, maker.

[matt.mackinnon]

Matt:

Cairngorm has a kiltmaker on staff and I can attest that she does quality work. She just adjusted my "best" kilt, which she made for me years ago, and I am delighted by the outcome. They have knowledgeable staff, first rate service and a reasonable turnaround on the order. You could do a lot worse going elsewhere.

John Hart at Keltoi was also mentioned in this thread. He's less than an hour away in Kitchener and he'll do a fine job as well (I'm awaiting delivery on kilt from him in the next week or so).

It always seems to happen this way. You look and look but just can't seem to find what you are looking for. Then you commit to something and other options suddenly spring up around you like magic. I have phoned Cairngorm and expressed my concerns and have been asked to speak with Darren the owner tomorrow. I will see what he has to say on the issue. If I can't seem to get a solid answer (as prices for what I want seem to change from moment to moment). I guess if I can't get an agreeable solution, then I will just have to cancel the order and go with another kiltmaker.

[madmacs]

I have one scottish one new york. I never actually spoke to my NY one (was all email)... Would have to say it's pretty good though...

Do you need a scottish made kilt? No
Are there people in scotland making bad kilts? Yep
Are there people in north america makimg bad kilts? Yep

I chose my kiltmaker, not my kilt first...

[Braw Cathairneach]

If you have a local craftsman I would myself support them. If they are close you ha e the advantage of being personally measured for your Kilt.

[Phil]

My advice would be to buy local from someone who you know has a first-class reputation to maintain and, preferably, comes recommended. Sadly this is not such an easy option in your country as it is here in Scotland but even here, as I know to my cost, the most supposedly prestigious firms can sometimes let you down. It seems to be a fact, even here, that the cheap and cheerful option is taking over, driven, no doubt, by the success of those well known tartan tat merchants on the Royal Mile.

[Chas]

Something that has to be mentioned. Even here on XMarks there is a certain perceived notion that a kilt is somehow better for having been made in Scotland and that other kilts (no matter how good they are) are somehow inferior. That they are the 'real' thing, rather than second best.

I am not saying that this is right, because I don't believe it. But, be aware, that there is an undercurrent that does believe it.

Regards

Chas

[madmacs]

I have 2 scottish and one american... I dont think I'd agree either

[unixken]

There are doubtless good AND not-so-good kilt-makers, on both sides of the Atlantic. There are many advantages to going local (or at least on the same continent, if you don't live close to a kilt-maker.) That being said, all is not doom and gloom for north americans who want their kilt made across the pond. Among the kilts I own are two wonderfully constructed kilts made by Balmoral, and sold through Scotweb. I did have my local tailor take my measurements, to ensure they were accurate (with a hardcopy of Scotweb's instructions for measuring in hand, to ensure the measurements were taken correctly.) I opted for those particular kilts to be "scottish made", and I am very pleased with the results.

Go with whatever makes you most comfortable... a local or an overseas maker... but take your time and do your research either way. Talk to other kilt wearers, and solicit the opinions of those on here who own kilts made by makers you are considering.