Review:British Army Surplus Store(ebay) Blackwatch Kilt

[rtc872]

G'day all,

As you can see I am living in Japan but get things sent to Aus because the customs is cheaper (ie free). This is painful as I have had this kilt sitting at my parents place for the past 6 weeks without me ever having seen it. Well the wait is over.

I was alerted to this kilt in this thread. I held off for as long as I could and bought it about 6 weeks ago. The ebay seller was great. He answered every question I asked him I even combined sales with a patent leather dress shoe he also has (which is a great shoe).

The fabric is darker than the picture he has but if it was shown that way it would look black oddly enough.

Being a military kilt the buckles are matt black and the kilt has a hemmed edge down the edge of the apron to allow for any growth. It also sits very high but it is made for someone who is 176cm (5' 9") tall compared to my 174cm (5' 8"). I also understand that military kilts do tend to sit higher.

Ultimately it fits fantastically and am very happy with my very cheap/ great quality kilt.

I am still yet to set up a photo sharing account but will have photos up asap.

On a side note I mentioned on another thread that I had a kilt made by St Kilda retail in Australia and the kilt was of phenomenal quality however I failed in measuring. It is too short and I underestimated my bum which has caused some unsightly flaring which I do not want. Ironic that a kilt I had made for me fits worse than a kilt "off the rack".

[rtc872]

Here are some photos. Just threw on my kilt under my work top but dont feel it looked too bad. I haven't got a sporran or hose so please excuse that.

The fabric in a well lit room. haha



Me in my lovely wool socks



Showing the rise of the kilt. the point of my tie is where my belly button is...



Lastly the side view. As you can see my backside is ample and out of all the kilts I have worn over the years this is the best fitting. The back doesn't rise up or sink too low and there is no excessive pleat bursting... like in the past

[cessna152towser]

Looking good, thanks for the review.

[McFarkus]

It does look good.

[McClef]

Looking good indeed but might I suggest that the front apron needs a press?

[rtc872]

might I suggest that the front apron needs a press?

Indeed you could. I think that is a combination of my father's not knowing how to store the kilt and the trip to Japan from Australia. I am surprised at how well the pleats held up though.

I am impressed. Now I can't stop Jonesing for my Christie tartan kilt in the right measurements.

Also just ordered two pair hose from Dunadd today so now I am going to explode with anticipation. haha

[thescot]

That's a very good looking kilt, especially since it wasn't custom made. I would be proud to wear that anytime if i were you. or if I were me.

[freddie]

That kilt looks fantastic and you're so lucky to be small waisted enough to wear one. I see loads of ex army kilts (some unissued) on ebay but they're all too small for me The quality and weight look superb and I bet it feels great when you're wearing it. Congratulations!

[rtc872]

Thanks every one.

I might just add a little more info for any of those out there that might be considering the kilt. The fabric seems to be at least 13oz but definitely not more than 16oz. It also has shallow pleats compared to the tank I had made which tells me that it would be about a 5yder.

I just can't wait for the opportunity to wear it outside.

[JerseyLawyer]

Thanks every one.

I might just add a little more info for any of those out there that might be considering the kilt. The fabric seems to be at least 13oz but definitely not more than 16oz. It also has shallow pleats compared to the tank I had made which tells me that it would be about a 5yder.

I just can't wait for the opportunity to wear it outside.

Hrm... I thought army kilts were 18oz+ "horse blankets". Is this not an MoD kilt, then? Or have things changed.