J Higgins Review

[ForresterModern]

When I decided to jump head first into the kilted world three months ago in anticipation of a trip to Scotland (land of my long distant Scots-Irish ancestors) this spring where I have to present at a convention of my international peers i did a lot of searching on the web for vendors of kilts and all the assorted accoutrements. I settled on Higgins after a phone call or two with convincing knowledge about what I wanted and what I needed. Ordered and recieved my Forrester Modern custom kilt (machine sewn) in 48 inch waist with 26 inch drop, matching fly plaid, custom Argyll jacket and vest in 52 extra long, dress and Clan Crest leather sporrans, sporran chain, clan crest kilt pin, acrylic bulky kilt hose, all leather ghillie brogues, belt with clan crest buckle, balmoral hat with clan crest cap badge, black bow tie, and bejewelled plaid brooch all within about a month of ordering (right after xmas). Ams still awaiting another custom charcoal tweed jacket and vest which should be here this week. Only issues were with the quality of the hose (bulky but not very comfortable or sturdy acrylic hose), with the belt (about two inches too big even cinched up as tight as I could get it, and with the delay in getting the charcoal tweek coat and vest (came in with the wrong buttons and they had to do some switching out). Their prices are pretty reasonable, they seem for the most part to use decent quality materials and to make quality articles using genuine scottish tartans and other fabrics. Turnaround time has been pretty quick considering the custom sizes needed. Best of all no import customs tariffs---probably saved a couple hundred dollars in that alone. I have been satisfied with my purchases so far. When I get the tweed hopefully this week I will get all dressed up in the whole outfits and take a few pics, then try to figure out how to post them here for your inspection and (hopefully) approval.

[Robertson]

In general, my luck has been better with them regarding accessories. Since they're just up the road in the KC metro area, shipping to SW MO never took long -- 1 to 2 days tops if they had the item(s) in stock.

Second Jack's observations on their tartan/diced hose.

T.

Ditto:

[Ancienne Alliance]

Thank you for the info.
Nice indeed.

[SFCRick]

looks great

[sharpdressedscot]

I've heard mixed reviews of this place, so I'm kinda on the fence...

[thescot]

Congratulations. That's a nice jacket.

[Riverkilt]

Be that the Maddux tartan that you skied in? A beautiful close up shot if it is...or if its another, what?? Very sharp tartan.

Ron

[orangehaggis]

I'm considering J Higgins for making a jacket of some good English tweed I have laying about. What about their jackets is "good" but not "the best"?

Mark - Ohio

[ozone]

Yes Ron,

That is indeed the Maddux Welsh Tartan kilt I have skied in before. I didnt realize that i had not posted a close up pic of it before...oh well, now you can see it!

I did previously post two, thus far un-answered questions:

1. Why is it not considered "proper" to button the kilt jacket?

2. What the heck is inscribed on those buttons anyway?

[Galician]

The kilt is from celtic craft center and the JACKET i am wearing the pictures is from J. Higgins. Just wanted to make that clear.

BTW, for the fashionistas out there: why is the jacket not buttoned? Is there some historical significance or something?

I suspect it is because a man is usually wearing a vest with it.