Kilt makers near Toronto

**MJB** · 16th May 11, 05:48 PM

So I just picked up my first kilt in Scotland this past weekend where I spend vacation, and plan on wearing it to a wedding in a few weeks... I did not have time to get the kilt fitted there so I will have to do it back home in Canada.

I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions on good kilt makings close to Toronto (I live in Brampton). The waist is fine, but I think I will need to get it shortened a few inches, I'm guessing that's not very hard. I will also need to pick up a jacket, vest and ghillie brogues.

So far, I have the kilt, sgian dubh, sporran, belt buckle (I will need a belt also), cufflinks and pin. I suppose I will also need flashes also... I've found www.kiltscanada.com which I believe is the Canadian version of Hector Russell where I had bought the kilt, if anyone has experience with them or another suggestion please let me know... Also suggestions on how to wear, what else to buy or what colours to get would be appreciated. Kilt is "Black Watch" tartan, and the sporran looks most like this one http://www.hector-russell.com/Produc...ls.aspx?Id=505 except with a black leather piece below the cantle (think its called a targe?)

Thanks in advance for the help

**Brian K** · 17th May 11, 05:47 AM

If you go to the top of this page and look at the advertising links you will see Burnett's and Struth and Keltoi Gaelic Clothing, both of which are with in an hour or two of Toronto and which come highly recommended. There may, of course, be others, but they would be a good start.

**CMcG** · 17th May 11, 06:56 AM

I've had dealings with Cairngorm Scottish Imports (kiltscanada.com) and have been well pleased. I had the buckles and straps on an older kilt moved to fit me better and also purchased an ex-rental Argyll jacket in mint condition for very little money.

If by shortening your kilt you mean hemming it, any alterations shop should be able to take care of that. I'd give the ghillie brogues a miss if I were you and just wear some highly polished oxfords. Wear either the belt or vest but not both, so as to avoid an unsightly bump under the vest or the belt hanging sloppily underneath it.

**Chirs** · 17th May 11, 07:03 AM

What type of jacket are you thinking of? With only a few weeks to the wedding you're looking at an off-the-rack; there's no time for a custom-made. I've dealt with B&S and can say they're very good. They can do the adjustment - but I can't say how long that will take - and have full rentals (if you'd like to save your money until you have time to get a made-to-measure jacket), and they sell everything you'll need. (They are 45 minutes north of the 401, just off the 400.)

**James C** · 17th May 11, 07:34 AM

Originally Posted by Chirs

What type of jacket are you thinking of? With only a few weeks to the wedding you're looking at an off-the-rack; there's no time for a custom-made. I've dealt with B&S and can say they're very good. They can do the adjustment - but I can't say how long that will take - and have full rentals (if you'd like to save your money until you have time to get a made-to-measure jacket), and they sell everything you'll need. (They are 45 minutes north of the 401, just off the 400.)

Thanks for the recommendations. We would be able to help you out with your needs.

**slohairt** · 17th May 11, 07:38 AM

Shortening a kilt can be done in two ways:

1) By cutting the excess from the top. This preserves the selvedge at the bottom of the kilt but is a very costly and time consuming job involving taking much of the kilt apart.

2) Hemming. I would strongly advise AGAINST taking a kilt to an alterations tailor unless they have experience with kilts. Hemming a kilt is different than hemming a pair of trousers, The hem needs to be turned up higher in the deep pleat, the reverse pleat, and the bottom left edge of the under apron. The facings of the apron will also need to be taken apart at the bottom.

If you like ghillie brogues (and many do), make sure to get a pair with leather soles rather than rubber marching treads.

Oh, and yes, don't wear a belt with a vest!

**MJB** · 17th May 11, 01:26 PM

Thanks for the advice, especially about the belt and vest, didn't know that haha. well the wedding isnt till june 11th so I may have time if i get on it soon... I'll have to ask how long it would take... I'll keep you posted

**MacMillan of Rathdown** · 17th May 11, 04:32 PM

Just a quick question: You do know that the kilt is supposed to be worn at the waist, not on the hips like a pair of jeans? If you are wearing your kilt like pants, that may be the problem.

**MJB** · 18th May 11, 01:49 PM

Originally Posted by MacMillan of Rathdown

Just a quick question: You do know that the kilt is supposed to be worn at the waist, not on the hips like a pair of jeans? If you are wearing your kilt like pants, that may be the problem.

Yeah, I know, even at my belly button is hangs down a little below my knees.