Buying first kilt need help

[Colin]

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

I live not far from Tartantown, and while I really like the store, I find that their prices are extremely high. The charcoal jacket I wanted was going to cost me $459 cdn for just the jacket. I found something similar at www.scottishkilts.net for cheaper, and the waistcoat was included. Based on that, I would be very hesitant to pay $200-$300 more for a kilt locally that I can get internationally for a better price.

Kiltstore has had a few good reviews, and offers a further discount to Xmarks members. Just click the link above.

[daftcanuck]

Thanks for all the help, I was blown away by all the great responses. I looked at Hector Russell and Burnetts & Struth and compared them to the kiltstore prices and kilts. Although the tartan material was the same, it looked different on each site, how can I be sure of the color I am getting? My price from kiltstore would be significantly cheaper than the other two. So my question is what is the difference between these manufacturers and is it worth spending an extra $200. I'm not trying to cheap out or anything, and like everyone said I don't want to sacrifice quality for money and end up with a lower quality kilt that I have to replace in a few years. I just want to know what the difference is and which kilt you think I would be happiest with. Thanks again for all the help, its great to be able to make an educated purchase.

[macwilkin]

Thanks for all the help, I was blown away by all the great responses. I looked at Hector Russell and Burnetts & Struth and compared them to the kiltstore prices and kilts. Although the tartan material was the same, it looked different on each site, how can I be sure of the color I am getting? My price from kiltstore would be significantly cheaper than the other two. So my question is what is the difference between these manufacturers and is it worth spending an extra $200. I'm not trying to cheap out or anything, and like everyone said I don't want to sacrifice quality for money and end up with a lower quality kilt that I have to replace in a few years. I just want to know what the difference is and which kilt you think I would be happiest with. Thanks again for all the help, its great to be able to make an educated purchase.

Ask the companies you are considering to send you a swatch of the tartan you're thinking about ordering -- you may have to pay a little for it, but most companies will deduct the charge if you order a kilt from them.

As far as paying "extra", if you're serious about getting a quality traditional kilt, you'll never regret paying a wee bit extra. My kilt is from Hector Russell, and the outstanding quality and customer service I received them, plus the years of training and experience by their kilt makers makes it worth every penny I spent.

T.

[Cawdorian]

A high quality 8 yard, 13 oz ,traditional knife pleated kilt from a reputable kiltmaker is going to cost $500 (US) or more. They are all custom made to your personal measurements, the fit is superb and the craftmanship will be outstanding. They are a work of art. Well cared for, it will last several generations and will never go out of style. You will get many years of personal enjoyment from your kilt.

I had many of the same thoughts you are having before I purchased mine.

Take the plunge, you will not be sorry!

Jim