How to recommend a kiltmaker?

[Mikilt]

Mods,
I meant to post this under Kilt Advice. Please move as you see fit.

[RockyR]

Thank you for the kind words.

To address your point, all you can do is show the prospective wearer a few of your kilts and stress the fact that there is a difference between a kilt MAKER and a kilt RETAILER. Other than that, they must make their own decisions and potentially, their own mistakes. You've done your job as a friend and as a customer loyal to the companies you prefer!

[plaid preacher]

The other glaring thing that sticks out in your post is the statement "she will buy him a kilt when she is in Scotland next year." As most of us are aware, the kilts we are proud to own are kilts that have been made for us. They don't hang too long on the back or like a shower curtain through the pleats because a true craftsperson has made it to measure. As a result one simply does not walk in to a store and say "I'll take the blue one." That level of service is one which has been lost in our modern age, and which most people simply do not understand. You might like to share that with your friend. While it is a generous gesture on the part of his mother to offer to buy him a kilt, I'm sure she would rather have one made for him here that he will actually wear, than something that is ill-fitting and hang in the closet.

My thoughts...for what they are worth.

Robert

[The Wizard of BC]

I'll thank you for the kind words too Mike.

As you have expressed this friend has worn a kilt once or twice. He may not be ready for a custom kilt costing hundreds of dollars. Only he can decide that.

If his mom wants to buy him a kilt while she is in Scotland, and ends up getting him a Gold Bros. kilt, then great. Free Kilt!

I'm sure that if your friend is truly bitten by the bug he will let you know and will seek out your advice. And I'm confidant that you will direct him to X Marks where he can learn just as you did.

Your friends and your children - you can offer advice, you can offer guidance, you can offer to teach them, you can even offer them the results of your experiences - but you cannot make their decisions for them, you cannot force them into anything.

"Good judgement is the result of experience and experience comes from bad judgements."

[sbevans]

I would refer him to this forum, where he can learn as I did, and perhaps this will help him and his mother to make informed decisions.