Help finding the best place, but also the best price

**Piper Mike** · 25th October 13, 01:10 PM

Hi everyone. I'm new here. I hope this is the right place to place this question? I have a few cheaper kilts, but I have just been given the green light to start buying my bagpipe band uniform. Now I don't have a choice where I get my kilt, but I do have a choice where I get my prince Charles coat and vest, my hat, shoes, hose, etc. So anyways, I was hoping you might give me a bit of advice about where I could get them. My pipe major said they will cost around $600 not including the kilt. But I was looking at Atlanta kilts and they seem quite a bit cheaper on there. Ok I hope I can get a bit of advise and help and if I shouldn't of mentioned a certain place on here, I'm very sorry. Thanks

**The Wizard of BC** · 25th October 13, 02:16 PM

Mike,

It really does depend on the look of the other band members. Do you want the same quality of garment that the others have or do you mind a lesser quality.

If your Pipe Major is quoting you $600.00 for a jacket, vest, hat, shoes and hose I doubt he is expecting you to show up in an outfit made in Pakistan.

May I suggest you query those businesses who advertiser here. They are all known and proven to give a quality product at a fair price.

For $600.00 you can get a top quality Prince Charlie Coatee and vest made to your exact measurements. Many of our advertisers can give you a price for an off-the-peg outfit for much less than that.

Shop around and find the best quality your dollars can buy. You want your outfit to look good for many years. Buying a lesser quality or buying by low price alone is not always the wisest in the long run.

When you talk to vendors, specify that you are interested in a Piper's cut jacket that has some extra room under the left arm.

**dutchy kilted** · 25th October 13, 06:19 PM

I picked up an off-the-peg jacket and vest from Rocky at USA kilts for about $300 and could not be happier with the fit and quality. That would leave you plenty for a hat, shoes and hose.

**MacMillans son** · 26th October 13, 06:29 PM

Just checking, but it is somewhat rare in these parts to see pipe bands decked out in Prince Charlie coatees. Most wear black, or perhaps dark tweed, Argyle jackets. Be sure what you order is what you want.

**MacGumerait** · 27th October 13, 12:16 AM

Originally Posted by MacMillans son

Just checking, but it is somewhat rare in these parts to see pipe bands decked out in Prince Charlie coatees. Most wear black, or perhaps dark tweed, Argyle jackets. Be sure what you order is what you want.

Piper Mike

I agree with the above , be careful to order what you really want . Pipe bands don't typically wear a Prince Charlie .

Any advertiser here will help you with reasonable pricing , a quality garment and the proper garment .

I have noticed on ebay that many times people label an Argyle jacket as a Prince Charlie , thus it can confuse people as to the correct description .

Hope the following helps you out :

Prince Charlie ( very formal )

Argyle

Cheers , Mike

**Jon Lilley** · 27th October 13, 08:51 AM

Welcome to all the madness, Piper Mike!

I'm in complete agreement with the above comments. Double check with your Pipe Major or quartermaster on the appropriate style jacket & vest. Paying close attention to the detail now will safe you money. You don't want to spend money on something that'll end up living in a drawer next year. Also, if at all possible, aim for the midrange priced items. Avoid the cheap stuff at all cost! You'll definitely regret ending up having to fix, repair or replace something -- heavy wear items like gillies, sporran & belt come to mind right away. The cheap stuff just doesn't last. Henderson Imports or any of the Highland supply shops would be able to help you out.

Good luck and Happy Piping!

Jon

PS: And then take good care of it. It'll last you a long time.

**Piper Mike** · 27th October 13, 01:29 PM

I think you are all correct. Thanks. I'm getting the full list tomorrow. Thanks again
mike

**MacGumerait** · 27th October 13, 09:54 PM

Jon ,

I love your signature line " Only 9 notes . How hard could it be ? "

Mike

**Piper Mike** · 28th October 13, 06:13 PM

Just got the list today. Turns out I need both jackets. The prince charles one for Robert Burns night. I would imagine for other more formal dues also.
Thanks

**Jon Lilley** · 29th October 13, 02:32 AM

Hi Mike,

Yes, eventually you may need both, but I'd suggest you match what the band uniform first. My guess would be that the Argyll with the 5 button vest is what the band wears. You'll wear this a lot more and is perfectly presentable at any Burns Dinner, especially with your pipes on your shoulder or arm. The Prince Charlie is the more formal of the two and will set you back a few hundred dollars more and tend to shrink in the closet if you don't keep an eye on it.

Enjoy!

Jon