(Let me start by saying that if this thread is in the wrong place, I apologize).

Hello all! I just received two new kilts from Bob Chalmers; aka "Bobilicious" on Ebay, and I have to say that I couldn't be more happy with the finished products!

When I decided it was time to retire a few of my worn out, acrylic and PV kilts and upgrade to nice worsted wool kilts, I did countless hours of research and forum-searching to find the right maker. I was looking for the right combination of price, general value, tartan options, features, customer service and kilt maker reputation. After exhaustive communication with him, I decided to go with Bob Chalmers from the Ebay Market Place.

I ordered two kilts from him; one was a bespoke order made in the MacAulay Hunting Modern tartan, 8yds, in 16oz wool from Lochcarron Mills. The other was a unclaimed order for a kilt in my size made in the Irish County Waterford tartan, 5yd, 13oz wool from Lochcarron.

The price for both of these kilts together cost me right around $375 USD with shipping! An absolutely amazing deal by any means! Bob Chalmers uses mostly Lochcarron wool tartan and has his own private kilt maker complete the orders. He will not disclose who makes the kilts; this is done to protect the identity of the kilt maker (who I can only assume is working on the side from their full-time employer??). In any event, all of his kilts are made in Scotland of Scottish wool. The kilt is machine sewn and hand finished.

When I first opened the box and saw my new kilts, the tartan looked even better than in photos. These were my first kilts made of Lochcarron Mill's wool, and I can see why they are one of Scotland's most popular mills. The colors are much more vibrant than they look on Lochcarron's website, and very pleasing to the eye.

I was able to notice the difference in construction methods between the heavy 16oz, 8yd kilt and the lighter 13oz, 5yd kilt.


I'll start with the 8yd kilt first and post another entry for the 5yd later.



The construction of the 8yd kilt is truly first-rate construction. The attention to detail on the stitching, pleating, buckles, straps, liner, belt loops were all extremely well done. Speaking of the belt loops, I think we have all seen kilts where the belt loops do not match the pattern of the tartan at all or maybe they do just a little. The belt loops on this kilt are hard to distinguish from the body of the kilt because it is an EXACT match to the pattern of the tartan! The same goes from the material that secures the buckles as well: perfect match.






The 8yd worsted wool tartan is extremely well made as you might expect from Lochcarron, with tight threads, no burs, and no hickups. The wool is soft and far from the sandpaper feel of other kilts, but I have seen softer material from other mills. The front appron panel has the traditional fringe edge, selvedge edge on the bottom.

The pleats have to be the sharpest that I have ever seen! they lay so flat and swing so nicely; I can't compare it to any other kilt I've ever owned! The pleats are sewn down approx 8 inches (8.5 from the top of the waistband). The pleats are 5 inches wide each with an overlap of about 3.5 inches. I had this kilt pleated to the stripe.



The liner of the kilt is a very soft, black material (cotton/silk blend maybe??) that extends 6 inches down from the top edge on the side panels, and 8.25 inches down on the center (back). The stitching holding it in place is very good; preventing the annoying "bunching" that some lessers quality kilts are prone to.

The leather straps are secured well and are the typical style found on most kilts these days. The buckles are stout as well, and hold the buckles well; they have a bit more shine than my other kilt buckles FWIW.




In closing I will say that this is hands down, the best made, best wearing, highest quality kilt I have personally purchased. Hope you liked the review!

Regards,

J-