J. Higgins Value vs USAK 5 Yard

**SunriseEarth** · 27th November 17, 11:07 AM

I'm looking at getting a kilt made in the MacNaughton Dress Modern tartan. For now, I thinking a 5 yard option would serve my needs best. I was initially thinking I should have it made by USA Kilts. However, I am wondering if the J. Higgins Value kilt might be a comparable option. The USAK kilt would probably be about $55 more; is it money well spent? How do the two compare in quality?

**Richrail** · 27th November 17, 11:23 AM

I have no dealings with J Higgins but have heard some good things. I have purchased 9 kilts from USAkilts and all of them are wonderful. It is also nice to deal with an advertiser here, USAkilts are easy to contact via Xmarks or by phone or email.

**ASinclair** · 27th November 17, 04:27 PM

I purchased a pair of red/green diced hose from J. Higgins and was very pleased with the product, price, and service. As far as kilts, I don't know (my sweetie, @carolinanan117, makes all of mine). I know from many posts to this forum, that Rocky does excellent work. For a few dollars more, I would go with USA Kilts.

**bdkilted** · 27th November 17, 04:41 PM

I don't know about their economy kilt but I've been wearing a tank from them for years. Very good workmanship.

**tpa** · 27th November 17, 05:27 PM

SunriseEarth, I cannot comment on either supplier, but as you are obviously going for a kilt suited to warmer climes, I would recommend you get a 5-6yd (depending on your girth) one made in Marton Mills PV. You can throw it in the washing machine if it gets too sweaty, but it is cool and comfortable to wear in 5yd format. The downside is that they only do the Macnaughton Muted in that material, so you would have to compromise there. Alternatively a good 5 yd wool one, provided it is not too bulky around the waist, should also fit the bill, but will be more expensive. Try to avoid cheaper far east materials if you want longevity.

**sailortats** · 27th November 17, 07:01 PM

I have two USA Kilts of varying quality, a 5 yard PV and an 8 yard 16oz wool. I am very pleased with both but obviously the wool is the better of the two. I have one 5 yard PV kilt from J. Higgins which is very much like the 5 yd, USA kilt and I am also very pleased with it. I believe you will not go wrong with either of these companies. My experience with both companies has been very satisfactory and would order from either one again.

**Tobinn** · 28th November 17, 03:04 PM

I've been also looking at the USAK and Higgins PV kilts. I've narrowed it down to these since I do have a budget and my wife reminded me that she has a rather well-developed allergic reaction to wool (although to get my Parry Tartan one of these days it looks like I'll need to go wool but that's for another time).

They both are around the same price ($100 - $130), about the same amount of fabric (5-ish yards). I've read universal acclaim for USAK and mostly good opinions on Higgins although there seem to be some grumblings here and there over the years about varying quality.

To me, the main difference between the two at this price range is the buckle (Higgins) vs. Velcro (USAK) closure. The buckle closure seems more traditional (which I like) and perhaps a bit more secure (which everyone else within visual range will like).

Does anyone have an opinion on the Velcro closures on the USAK vs. buckles? I wonder if the folks at USAK would put buckles on their casual kilt for an upcharge?

Perhaps it doesn't matter?

**sailortats** · 28th November 17, 04:46 PM

I have one kilt with the Velcro closure. Like you I was a little concerned before getting the kilt but that is no longer an issue. The Velcro closure is very secure and when worn with a kilt belt there is absolutely no need for concern.

**Liam** · 28th November 17, 06:15 PM

Originally Posted by sailortats

I have one kilt with the Velcro closure. Like you I was a little concerned before getting the kilt but that is no longer an issue. The Velcro closure is very secure and when worn with a kilt belt there is absolutely no need for concern.

I have Kilts with Velcro and they actually have the advantage of being much quicker to get on and off. I order my Kilts with only 2 buckles so when a belt is worn you can’t tell wheather it is velcro or not. Velcro also washes much better than leather.
I’m not sure Velcro would work well with an 8 yd 16 oz kilt, but it is fine with 11 oz material, wool or PV.
Just some thoughts.

**Terry Searl** · 28th November 17, 06:26 PM

Originally Posted by Tobinn

I've been also looking at the USAK and Higgins PV kilts. I've narrowed it down to these since I do have a budget and my wife reminded me that she has a rather well-developed allergic reaction to wool (although to get my Parry Tartan one of these days it looks like I'll need to go wool but that's for another time).

They both are around the same price ($100 - $130), about the same amount of fabric (5-ish yards). I've read universal acclaim for USAK and mostly good opinions on Higgins although there seem to be some grumblings here and there over the years about varying quality.

To me, the main difference between the two at this price range is the buckle (Higgins) vs. Velcro (USAK) closure. The buckle closure seems more traditional (which I like) and perhaps a bit more secure (which everyone else within visual range will like).

Does anyone have an opinion on the Velcro closures on the USAK vs. buckles? I wonder if the folks at USAK would put buckles on their casual kilt for an upcharge?

Perhaps it doesn't matter?

I had my first kilt made of PV material and it has straps and buckles; of course they are very secure. However I use sporran straps to hold my sporran and that requires a belt to be worn whenever the sporran is worn. I found the weight of the sporran pulled the belt down to the bottom of the belt loops and then the top of the outer apron was pulled lower than the top of the inner apron. That required constant adjustment until I had my wife sew a strip of Velcro between the tops of the aprons and that fixed the problem.
My next Kilt is a 16oz wool kilt and the kilt maker said he preferred using Velcro as a closure, I asked him to put a couple buckles and straps on the outer apron as well and he agreed to. The buckles and straps really are more for looks as the Velcro is more than secure enough and can be adjusted with ease and wherever I want.
I am very much pleased with the Velcro closures. It is the Velcro that is really doing the job of keeping the waist of the kilt adjusted where I want it and is very comfortable. The straps and buckles give a more traditional look and are never stressed, because it is the Velcro that is doing the holding.