My new Braveheart Warrior tartan kilt arrived from J. Higgins today. I haven't been able to examine it in minute detail yet, but my over all initial impression is that it's a decently made machine-stitched kilt from five yards of heavy tartan.

However, going back to our previous discussion regarding pleating to the sett or the stripe, I have to say that I am disappointed in the kiltmaker's decision to pleat this to the sett. One thing that frustrates me most about John Higgins's approach to kilts is that he allows the customer very little in the way of choice. I asked to have the kilt pleated to the stripe, and I was flatly told that the kiltmaker would decide how to pleat the kilt. The result of the kiltmaker's decision was to center the apron between sett repeats and to mimic that same arrangement in the back. I will post pictures later, but I'm not in love with the pleating.

Other than that, it's a perfectly nice kilt, but now that I own a MAC Newsome kilt, I'm completely spoiled. The left buckle/strap that goes through the "buttonhole", which is quite standard, is now really annoying to me. I genuinely prefer Matthew's innovative hidden buckle/strap design. Maybe because the exterior buckle/strap seems to interfere with the buckle/strap adjustment on the inside of my belt. I don't need the belt, but I like the way kilts look with a belt when worn without a waistcoat.

Overall, I'd give the kilt a C+. The price is good (I have my suspicions regarding the labor-rate the kiltmakers are paid); the quality is average; the service (disregarding the whole pleating thing) was excellent; the aesthetics leave a bit to be desired.

I'll post photos soon with a more detailed write-up.

JDB