"Scottish-made" kilt

**cajuncelt** · 16th March 07, 09:51 AM

I had a run in my kilt and took it to a local company that sells/rents kilts. I had my kilt made 15 years ago by Lochcarron in Scotland. Their tag is on the inside. The proprietor of the local shop informed me that I was ripped off for the following reasons:
1. There is no canvas at the waist.
2. The 2 small loops to hang the kilt are silk, not heavy duty material.
3. It is a 3 strap kilt, not 2 strap.
4. The buckles are machine stitched and do not line up.
5. If you put your finger in the pleats at the top, there is no stitching up there.
Apparently, the following reasons are why my kilt is not from Scotland (although the material may be) and it is an inferior kilt.
Any comments? I would definitely like opinions. Frankly, I am a little bothered now. It is an 8 yd. kilt of my clan tartan and I paid big $$ even 15 years ago for it.
I have to admit his kilts seemed better quality.

**cacunn** · 16th March 07, 09:56 AM

The question that first comes to mind is: over the past 15 years have you gotten the amount of pleasure out of the kilt that you paid for it?

**cajuncelt** · 16th March 07, 10:03 AM

I guess my curiosity stems from wanting to know/learn about the quality of a kilt. My enjoyment of the kilt (I play the bagpipes) is a no-brainer for me. I just want to know about the quality of kilts now. I smoke Cuban cigars and can spot a fake a mile away because of my current knowledge. I would like this same knowledge of a kilt. Thanks...

**mrpharr** · 16th March 07, 10:05 AM

Not sure on all of the criteria but I have discovered that the whole kilted life (wearing, cleaning, apparel, etc) is a learning process.
steve

**turpin** · 16th March 07, 10:07 AM

I suggest you look at some of the threads in Kiltmakers forum here as a start on what makes a good kilt. You should also order Barb Tewksbury's book "The Art of Kilt Making" at www.celticdragon.com. It's a must for what you are asking about.

and Welcome to xmarks.

**Pour1Malt** · 16th March 07, 10:10 AM

e'ery kilt ai own wuz handmade in Scotland...

an they ALL have three straps...

alsa... silk hanger loops arr no unusual....

dinnae believe e'erything yur local mon has tae say...

**Fearnest** · 16th March 07, 10:14 AM

Welcome to the fray! (And happy knowledge hunting.)

**cavscout** · 16th March 07, 10:18 AM

Originally Posted by cajuncelt

I had a run in my kilt and took it to a local company that sells/rents kilts. I had my kilt made 15 years ago by Lochcarron in Scotland. Their tag is on the inside. The proprietor of the local shop informed me that I was ripped off for the following reasons:
1. There is no canvas at the waist. (not a good sign)
2. The 2 small loops to hang the kilt are silk, not heavy duty material. (Don't know about this but doesn't affect the quality of the kilt IMHO)
3. It is a 3 strap kilt, not 2 strap. (Most kilts will have 3 straps)
4. The buckles are machine stitched and do not line up.(not a good sign)
5. If you put your finger in the pleats at the top, there is no stitching up there. (not a good sign)
Apparently, the following reasons are why my kilt is not from Scotland (although the material may be) and it is an inferior kilt.
Any comments? I would definitely like opinions. Frankly, I am a little bothered now. It is an 8 yd. kilt of my clan tartan and I paid big $$ even 15 years ago for it.
I have to admit his kilts seemed better quality.

After 15 years there's not much to do about it so I'd just enjoy the kilt as you have been for the past 15 years. When you are ready to buy your next one though, you have found an invaluable resource in this forum to make a wise, quality purchase for your next kilt.

Where did you buy it from out of curiosity?

**Tattoo Bradley** · 16th March 07, 10:25 AM

Originally Posted by Pour1Malt

e'ery kilt ai own wuz handmade in Scotland...

an they ALL have three straps...

alsa... silk hanger loops arr no unusual....

dinnae believe e'erything yur local mon has tae say...

I will second what Robertson said.

The fact is that on an 8 yard kilt, 3 straps are VERY common... pretty much commonplace even (from what I've seen.) While the third strap is really useless, and some kiltmakers leave it off. This does NOT indicative of a "rip off." It sounds to me like your local guy is trying to convince you that you need to buy one of HIS kilts.

Stick around here. There is a LOT to learn. But, if you want a darned good place to start reading, check out Mr. Matt Newsome's (Tartan Scholar) blog. It is a great read at each entry. Oh, and there is plenty more information directed at Highland attire on his web page as well.

**cajuncelt** · 16th March 07, 10:27 AM

Cavscout,
Thanks for the reply. That's a 'lil more what I was looking for. I'm a new poster here, but definitely not new to wearing the kilt. The one in question I've had for 15 years and it's not my first. I guess I honestly never paid attention to the details until now. My Scottish pipe band provides our band kilts so I have a few now. If I ever have another made, I know what to look for now. By the way, I had it made at Claymore Imports which is not around anymore.