Kilt order snafu--your advice please

[davidlpope]

Honestly, though, I don't think there will be much difference between 13 and 16 ounce in the heat of summer. If you're wearing a wool kilt in the heat of summer, doing heavy athletics, you're going to be hot. The very small difference in wool weight is not going to mean the difference between comfortable and uncomfortable. But it's your call, obviously.

***. My experience is that it is the yardage of the kilt that determines how uncomfortable it is, not the weight of the fabric.

That being said, if you're dead set on 13oz., then find another supplier who can provide the kilt in your desired time period ans get a refund.

David

[Detroitpete]

I really appreciate all the input being given here-all very useful and thank you. I perhaps need to re-think how much of a difference there might be between the 13 oz and 16 oz for my needs.

Just to be clear, I'm not upset or looking to damage the reputation of the merchant or supplier here, I'm just asking for your advice on possible options.

Please, continue to toss in your 2 bits worth.

[TheBrus]

Bruce tartan is dear to my heart, but I've run into similar problems with it in the past myself, as far as availability goes. My own kilt is a 16 oz tank, and I've worn it in all types of weather. My advice is to go with the upgrade. I think with the lower yardage, the additional heaviness of the cloth will be an asset for wearability and durability.

[davidlpope]

My advice is to go with the upgrade. I think with the lower yardage, the additional heaviness of the cloth will be an asset for wearability and durability.

***.

[ForresterModern]

According to my sources there are several suppliers of Bruce Modern tartan in a variety of weights in wool:

Lochcarron in 10 and 13, Batley in 13 and 16, House of Edgar Old/Rare in 13, and Strathmore in 11 oz.

From your tale so far I assume you are desiring the Batley in 13 (logical, inexpensive but decent tartan) but they are offering to substitute the Batley in 16 for the same price but a longer delay than desirable.

First, I doubt that ANY retailer would be able to turn around a new kilt order before early March right now with the holidays upon us, unless you pay the rich premium for a rush job. The best shot at an earlier delivery is with the current vendor, who you may be able to guilt into a rush kilt build in whatever tartan you end up with.

Second, I assume you chose the Batley for throwing because of its low materials cost, and the 13 oz because of its comfort level. Seeing as Lochcarron and HOE also offer the same tartan in the same weight (and probably better colors IMHO), and Strathmore in 11 oz, you could ask the vendor to instead source one of those tartans for the same price, or at least a significant price break on the difference in materials cost.

Third, although I must admit I do not do "heavy lifting" exertion in my kilts so cannot equate my feelings with yours in that regard, I do not really notice the difference in weight of tartan so much as the amount, so a 4 yard casual in 16oz sooner than a 13oz later (potentially much later) would not bother me. And if my memory suits me what Batley calls 16 oz really did not compare to other mills' 16 oz the last time I had some swatch books in my hands, so may feel lighter and cooler than you expect. And the 16 oz will likely wear better than the 13 from a kilt longevity standpoint.

Good luck Pete, hope something I added helps, even if only a little bit.

jeff

[Panache]

I would suggest you cancel your order and instead order a 5 yard wool Bruce tartan kilt from Rocky at USA Kilts

http://www.usakilts.com/index.php/ki...wool-kilt.html

They have a number of Bruce tartans available

Life is too short to deal with folks that aren't interested in your business

Cheers

Jamie

[davidg]

I perhaps need to re-think how much of a difference there might be between the 13 oz and 16 oz for my needs.

Approximately 6 ounces, or a small bar of candy!

[auld argonian]

First, the difference in warmth between the 13 ounce and the 16 ounce won't be that great...the nice thing about wool is that it wicks moisture and breathes to a certain extent. If you're really sweating () August temperatures, a PV kilt would probably be a better choice but I can see wanting the weight of the wool.

Second, it sounds like the fella in Detroit has the same concern as the fella in Chicago: packages sitting unguarded on the front porch. Perfectly reasonable urban paranoia!

Best

AA

[mookien]

According to my sources there are several suppliers of Bruce Modern tartan in a variety of weights in wool:

Lochcarron in 10 and 13, Batley in 13 and 16, House of Edgar Old/Rare in 13, and Strathmore in 11 oz.

It may not matter that much at this point, but Lochcarron claims to stock the Bruce Modern in their Strome (heavyweight) cloth. See ...

http://www.lochcarron.com/tartanstrome/bruce.html

[Detroitpete]

Thanks everyone--great advice, per usual here. The situation has come to a satisfactory end and I'm still confident in my choices for merchants. Sure, once in awhile things don't go as hoped, and you have to consider options, but despite this small matter I have to admit I was treated with great courtesy and professionalism with all those I had contact with.