Buying first kilt need help

[daftcanuck]

I am ready to buy my first kilt and I need some help. I am going to be using the kilt mainly in competition piping, I also plan on wearing it for weddings funerals, that kind of stuff. I just want to make sure I get a quality kilt that will be good for competitions and other uses. I have been looking on the internet for kilt makers and have come across many different ones. I am thinking of going with a place called kilt store, there site is kiltstore.net, they seem to have the best combination of price and quality, from their description I would guess they sell good kilts, but I'm not sure. I am planning on getting the 8 yard balmoral traditional kilt. I was wondering if anyone could tell me whether or not this would be a good investment, I really don't want to end up with a crappy kilt. I am planning to get a 16 oz. which has the supplier of the tartan listed as lochc (I don't know what that means). So those are my chosen options, is there any option or feature I am missing? If there is anyone who could tell me if this will work out for a good kilt I would greatly appreciate it.

[bubba]

Lochc is Lochcarron Mills (I might have misspelled that), one of the primary weaving mills that make tartans. From what others have said the Kilt Store is a fine supplier with decent quality.

[MacSimoin]

Bubba's absolutely right: The abbreviation "lochc" is for Lochcarron of Scotland. Their list of available tartans can be found at Lochcarron of Scotland Tartan Collection. The list details the four tartan fabrics Lochcarron makes for kilts and the Strome Double Width may be what you're looking for.

Lochcarron is a name most here are familiar with and I'm sure if you ask around (as you're doing), someone will 'pipe up' (no pun intended) with a more in-depth review of their own Lochcarron-woven kilt. There are several Xmarks members who are experts on the kilt (though I'm not one of them), so any questions you have will be warmly received.

By the way, Welcome to Xmarksthescot.com (from one of the resident 'Irishmen'). You're on the right track now: Click on the Kiltstore.net banner at the top of the page to see what I mean (if you haven't already).

[macwilkin]

Daftcanuck, why not purchase your new kilt from either Hector Russell in Toronto or Burnett & Struth in Barrie, Ontario? Both have excellent reputations for quality traditional kilts and have Locharran and the House of Edgar as suppliers of their wool?

I personally recommend Hector Russell, since my kilt is from there, and I know several gents here have kilts from Burnett & Struth -- B & S also supply kilts for some of the Canadian Armed Forces.

Welcome and Cheers!

Todd

[Burnout]

While I am not a piper, I have seen many competing pipers over the years. I have yet to see one wear anything less than a full 8 yard heavyweight traditional worsted wool kilt. Mr. Cajunscot and the others have listed some excellent kiltmakers. They would certainly be qualified to advise you and outfit you in the appropriate fashion. Do it right the first time. Be prepared to open your wallet... but you can be confident that it is an investment you will never regret making. Being dressed well and correctly can only add to your confidence in the circle.

[Barb T]

Lochcarron is a company that weaves excellent tartan - unless I'm making a kilt for a dancer, I order tartan almost exclusively from them.

I'm also a piper, and I agree that it's rare to see a piper competing in anything lighter than a 16 oz kilt in either the Northeast or Canada. Our band has their kilts made at Burnett's and Struth, and they do beautiful work. (I occasionally make kilts for people in our band, but I don't do it as a general rule because it's boring to make up the same tartan over and over again, and I'm not trying to make a living as a kiltmaker!.)

I assume from your screen name that you're in Canada, and there's always an advantage to ordering "in-country". You might also consider Tartantown in BC - they have a terrific reputation in the piping and dancing community. Terry Lee (Pipe Major of the Simon Fraser University Pipe Band) is the manager of Tartantown. The URL is http://www.tartantown.com

Be sure to post pictures when you get your kilt - preferably one of you piping! How long have you been at it?

Cheers!

Barb

[davedove]

You're on the right track now: Click on the Kiltstore.net banner at the top of the page to see what I mean (if you haven't already).

Be sure to note that if you use the link to Kiltstore from this site, you will get the XMarks discount.

[David Thornton]

Looks like my expected ship date has been pushed forward a few days. If you can wait a week, I'll be able to answer the question first hand.
David

[Jimmy Carbomb]

Since you're a competition piper, and you're planning to play weddings and funerals, PLEASE don't fool around with anything less than what Barb has stated.

I can speak HIGHLY for the Hector Russell kilts. In 2004 and 2005, I was schooled by three of their retired kiltmakers in the intricacies of a handsewn authentic kilt. It's a LOAD of work and precision that you just can't replicate with any other methods.

B&S will also give you a kilt that will be with you until you die. Either way, you just can't go wrong.

By the way, there are a LOAD of internet sites that are "brokers" for these kiltmakers. They may sell other items too, but the kilts may come from the same place... the only difference is the price. All you have to do is ASK where the kilts are made! IF they are reputable, they'll be MORE than happy to let you know that the kilts are made by the best.

[JBfromBS]

Hey Daft,

I have one of their 8 yard traditional balmorals, and I must say I am extremely pleased with the material and workmanship of the kilt. I have the 13oz version, but I would think the 16oz would be even better! I received it within the time frame quoted (about 8 weeks) and was not charged any extra customs fees or duties upon delivery. Some of the others on here have not been so lucky on the customs charges, so I consider myself lucky on that account. Maybe kiltstore.net has learned how to declare the goods in a way where it will not trigger the extra fees. Mine was described as a "man's wool wrap, national costume", and it had the value declared. So maybe the customs agent who cleared it was having a good day, or maybe their description saved me, but either way I am very happy! :grin: So to recap, I give kiltstore.net a big thumbs up, both in product and service!

Joe