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Celtic Radio Community > General Discussion > Kilt Merchants


Posted by: Roberto Phoenix 11-Apr-2007, 04:59 PM
I thought I post a space where we can discuss kilts, were you got yours, how was the fit, price, quality, etc.

Unfortunately I have to start off the topic on a bad note. DO NOT buy from Clansman Knitwear unless the merchandise is right in front of you and you can see the quality. I put a $100 deposit on a kilt I've been wanting to get now for five years. luckily the maker of the tartan, who told me that no order had even been placed for my kilt, has no connection with Clansman. He hadn't had an order from him in over two years. I did this last August at Irishfest in Milwaukee. Nice guy, very accommodating. Come Nov I sent an email asking how the order was coming along. He sends one back saying it will be done in 2-3 weeks. Come Feb I email again. no answer, I call and get a machine. Into March and there has been no response. I checked the forum over at www.kiltmen.com and it turns out this company loves to make promises and not follow through. Filed a complaint with the BBB in San Fran. They have 96 complaints listed and more coming in.
They have changed their web name to scottishclansman.com but the site is still the same.

Posted by: Roberto Phoenix 11-Apr-2007, 05:02 PM
If anybody has done any business with Great Scot Shop let me know how it went. I may be ordering form them and I've seen no complaints so far. Otherwise I'll just have to save for my Italian tartan or order another tartan from the nearest store.

Posted by: Emmet 11-Apr-2007, 05:28 PM
I have several kilts; my last two from http://stillwaterkilts.com. For the money, they can't be beat, and both times shipping took about two days. I like the way they fit, too; up under your rib cage like a military kilt, not down on your hips like blue jeans or something. The acrylic fabric holds it's pleats very well, too; better than one of my wool ones.
thumbs_up.gif

user posted image

Posted by: A Shrule Egan 11-Apr-2007, 09:53 PM
Check out Rocky and Kelly, at USA Kilts, http://www.usakilts.com/

They have been in business for many years and have an excellent reputation. You can ask the boys from BarleyJuice, they get their kilts there.


Posted by: Madadh 12-Apr-2007, 04:00 AM
I have used Tartan web (www.tartanweb.com) They work fairly well and are responsive. I have had problems with them but they were able to fix them to my satisfaction. I keep using them.

Posted by: terpette 12-Apr-2007, 08:55 PM
QUOTE (Roberto Phoenix @ 11-Apr-2007, 06:59 PM)
DO NOT buy from Clansman Knitwear unless the merchandise is right in front of you and you can see the quality. I put a $100 deposit on a kilt I've been wanting to get now for five years.  luckily the maker of the tartan, who told me that no order had even been placed for my kilt, has no connection with Clansman.


My husband ordered his rig for our wedding from Clansman. The kilt actually came within a month, and was very nice and a great price for Bruce tartan. We're happy with that. The other stuff in the package (hose, sporran, flashers, etc) took so long to get to us that he complained to VISA about getting money back. The rest of the package showed up two days before our wedding. We placed the order in April or May and got married at the end of September.

The story we got was that the temp worker quit without telling anyone while everyone else was out at festivals for the summer. While the owner seems like a nice guy when you get him on the phone, they don't really seem to have a clue how to run a good mail order business. Sad, really, because it's hard to find affordable clan tartan kilts.

I will put in a good plug for the lady who made my wedding dress, Very Merry Seamstress (www.verymerryseamstress.com). Great selection and affordable prices (and no extra charge for plus sizes). She does male and female clothing, and while I didn't get any tartan clothes from her she will make them... but the fabric doesn't come cheap.

Karen

Posted by: Rindy 12-Apr-2007, 11:00 PM
Here is a nice place- I will add more when I get a chance..

http://tartanstore.net/?referrer=g13773&gclid=CKjy5qSHmYsCFRfOggodx0YvDg

Slainte

Posted by: dundee 13-Apr-2007, 09:59 AM

try joseph and laurie croft at the Celtic Croft

http://www.kilts-n-stuff.com/Kilts/index.html

they made mine and when the tartan didnt look as it appeared on the screen
(it was way to bright) they made me a new one in "brown watch" and got it to me with in a week because i had a show coming up the coming weekend... very good people to work with ... i would suggest a swatch in hand if you arent sure of which tartan you want.... because the computer will change the color .... hey i am a dane and they dont make a kringle tartan.... *L* and they have them in every price range. plus lots of other cool accesories..... thumbs_up.gif note.gif

Posted by: Avonlea22 15-Apr-2007, 02:52 PM
You can also try the http://www.scottishtartans.org/ in NC. I'll be ordering a kilt from them next month. I've heard very good things about them.

Why not check out http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/index.php? It's a community forum for kilt wearers and those that want to wear the kilt.

Posted by: Roberto Phoenix 18-Apr-2007, 10:21 PM
I stop by the X mark the Scot forums once in a while. Not to bad Usually I head over ot the braveheart forum. tht's were I foundout about clansman and its troubles. The bank did manage to get my deposit back so I'm hoping to order something next month.

Posted by: crazykiltedcelt 19-Apr-2007, 08:13 AM
I get my kilts from CrazyCelt Kilts. He makes a very nice four yard box-pelted kilt with hidden side pockets and two patch ones on the back. All for a very reasonable price too! the newest one is a brown cordron one.
his email address is [email protected] or here at celtic radio too!

OH BOY talk about blowing your own horn or should I say pipes. rolleyes.gif

Posted by: Robert Phoenix 15-Nov-2007, 10:02 PM
Utilikilts closed it Utilikilt ad contest on Nov 1st. It will announce the winners on dec. 1st. If you want to see some really original kilt commercials check out the 42 entries when they put them up on the site.

On a sad note the Italian National tartan I have been trying for 6 years to save up for seems to have disappeared off the net. Hopefully it will come back. There are other sites that offer it but most were through the original dealer whose website is now just a HTTP 403 sad.gif

Posted by: maggiemahone1 15-Nov-2007, 10:12 PM
so we get to see a parade of men in their kilts if we check out the utilikilts site! sounds good to me! angel_not.gif

maggiemahone1

Posted by: valpal 59 16-Nov-2007, 10:00 AM
Me too!!!!! thumbs_up.gif angel_not.gif

Posted by: Haggishead 16-Nov-2007, 12:34 PM
I have two traditional kilts. My dress kilt came from Scotland. The other was ordered through Kathy Lare in Albuquerque, NM whom I met through the Flagstaff, AZ games. She is a member of The Keith Kiltmakers Guild, which is now the Traditional Kiltmaker's Guild, of Scotland. She did an excellent job on the kilt and also on a jacket I ordered from her. Excellent service and delivery was always quicker than estimated. Each kilt was in the neighborhood of $450-$500.

Here is Kathy's http://www.kathyskilts.com/.

Posted by: Robert Phoenix 16-Nov-2007, 08:27 PM
Very nice. I really like the kilt pins.

Posted by: ballydun 24-Nov-2007, 12:11 PM
QUOTE
I have two traditional kilts. My dress kilt came from Scotland. The other was ordered through Kathy Lare in Albuquerque, NM whom I met through the Flagstaff, AZ games. She is a member of The Keith Kiltmakers Guild, which is now the Traditional Kiltmaker's Guild, of Scotland. She did an excellent job on the kilt and also on a jacket I ordered from her. Excellent service and delivery was always quicker than estimated. Each kilt was in the neighborhood of $450-$500.



I know Kathy, and she is a very nice person. Many of my customers have gotten kilts from her, and I often send customers to her! I reccomend her.

Ballydun

Posted by: The Wizard of BC 28-Nov-2007, 06:17 PM
Robert,

There are two Tartans listed with the Scottish Tartans Authority for persons of Italian/Scottish descent.

The first is named simply "Italian". It is STA no. 5285. This Tartan is copyrighted and available only through the designer. I can provide contact information if you would like.

The other is named "Italian National Tartan" and is the one I believe you are referring to. This is STA no.6315 and can be woven by any mill.
However, this will be a custom order and will be rather expensive. In the range of $65.00usd to $90.00usd per yard and will normally be woven single width. This means your 8 yards needed to a kilt will cost you between $520.00usd and $720.00usd.

You will then have to find a kiltmaker to make your kilt. Most kiltmakers in N. America charge apporox. $250.00 to $300.00 for their labor.
This brings the total cost of your kilt to approx. $770.00usd to $1020.00usd.

I will second Kathy Lare as a good choice.
And then there is Barb Tewksbury, author of "The Art of Kiltmaking" who produces true works of art. I own a Tewksbury and Barb is a personal friend. She is perhaps the premier N. American kiltmaker.

If there is any other information you need please feel free to contact me.

Posted by: Robert Phoenix 28-Nov-2007, 11:23 PM
I've seen photos of Barb's kilt and they are unbelievable. Does she have a website where you can order or just the book.
And that sounds like the right price for the Italian National offered by Clansman italia before they disappeared. I believe the price was $630 for a 13 oz. before they disappeared. No extra charge for labor so I hope they show up again. I do have other tartan options but that was my favorite.

Posted by: Robert Phoenix 05-Dec-2007, 09:58 PM
The new customer made commercials are up on Utilikilts website. The winning entry gives one way to respond to "nice skirt"

And remember the posting we had about what may happen when wearing a kilt while riding a motorcycle?
Yes its in there.
Good funny stuff!

Posted by: Druid_of_Ark 10-Dec-2007, 12:16 PM
For my money nothing beats the "Pride of Scotland" kilt which you can get for under $70.00 from http://www.kiltmart.com/zencart/ They have other great items as well so check them out!

Posted by: The Wizard of BC 10-Dec-2007, 10:03 PM
As long as everyone understands that the two companies mentioned above sell a garment designed for a particular purpose.

Steven V. of the Utilikilt Company does not claim, in fact he denies it strongly, that his product has any celtic, scottish, or any other ancestry. The Utilikilt is designed for a young, rebellious minded market that is as well founded in the Seattle Grunge movement as it's designer. According to Steven the only reason the company has kilt in it's name is to try for broader acceptance. He prefers the term MUG for Male Unbifurcated Garment.

The garments sold by the Kiltmart are made in Pakistan from an acrylic fabric. Depending on which of the 5 brothers company wove the fabric it may feel like anything from a very light weight Cotton to feeling more like polar fleece. Many of the Tartans are not actual tartans following the registered Sett but are only copied from photographs.
The buckles and straps on these garments are of a very poor quality and have sharp edges.
The Pleats are fairly random in both pattern and width, and instead of hanging straight and true, hang in large ripples similar to a stage curtian.

Now, it may seem that I am knocking these products. Believe me I'm not. Both are perfect for what they are designed and sold for. As long as the customer is informed and aware of what they are buying. Neither product is a custom made Traditional Kilt. They are not designed to be, nor can they pass for one. They are, resectivly, an alternative garment and a knockabout mow the yard garment.

If you are looking for something totally different and on the wild and rebelious side then a Utilikilt is perfect for you.
If you want something to lounge around the pool in or to use one time as a halloween costume then the Kiltmart garment is an ideal choice.


Posted by: Haggishead 11-Dec-2007, 10:04 AM
http://heritage.scotsman.com/topics.cfm?tid=806&id=945452006 is an article on the Utilikilt from The Scotsman from June of '06.

You'll probably have to register but it is free so no big deal. Many of us here are haggis hunters already.

Posted by: Druid_of_Ark 11-Dec-2007, 10:10 AM
FYi Many can not afford the true Scottish made kilt, even Braveheart would ahve been naked at the modern kilt prices. Kiltmart kilts are well made and I have worn mine at Scottish festivals throughout the states and gotten compliments on them (yes I have more than one) I wear the Pride of Scotland Tartan and it is a registered tartan faithful to the specs. I am sorry if the inclusion of them offended you more than the manufacturer of the Saffron (Hare Krishna anyone?) kilt.

Posted by: The Wizard of BC 11-Dec-2007, 11:01 AM
Oh, I'm not offended by any means. I own a Utilikilt. I have had many UK's and Kiltmarts in my shop for altertations. Also Stillwaters, Frugal Corners, Sportkilts, USA Kilts, Neokilts, R-Kilts and full Traditionals. Heck, I don't make Traditionals either. I just want kilt buyers to be informed about what they are buying.
It is so suprising the number of people who purchase a kilt based on price alone thinking they are getting a "Real Scottish Kilt" only to discover that they have something that has no Scottish connection at all.

This kilt world is small. I know almost all the kilt makers out there and have met many of them face to face. I count many of them among my friends. We all make a slightly different product and there is room for each.

But would I advise someone who comes into my shop wanting a Kilt to wear to his formal wedding wearing a Prince Charlie Jacket to buy a Kiltmart kilt? No. Nor would I suggest to someone that he would look good dressing his Utilikilt up with a sporran and Grouse Claw Kilt Pin. Not because I have anything against those products but because that is not what they were designed for nor sold to be.

An informed buyer will utimatly be a happier buyer. The customer who comes into my shop expecting my Freedom Kilts to be a full Traditional Kilt will find himself being directed to Barb Tewksbury, Kathy Lare or to one of the large makers such as Burnett's & Struth and steered away from what I sell because that is not what I make.

They are also told that the majority of the cost of a Tank (That's a full, 8 yard, hand-sewn Traditional Kilt) is in the fabric and not in the makers labor cost. On average the kilt maker charges approx. $250.00 for their labor. The rest of the cost is in the fabric. Most of which cost in the neighborhood of $60.00 to $100.00 per yard. It is not uncommon for the fabric to cost twice or three times the cost of the actual labor.

But Oh do you get what you pay for! A custom made kilt is head and shoulders above anything bought off the rack. The feel, the comfort, the swish, are unbelievable until you have worn one.

Here are my rankings and pairings of a customers' desires to the proper kilt.

For a custom made Traditional Style Wool Kilt;
Barb Tewksbury. Hands down.

For a custom made Casual Style Kilt in P/V;
No contest - Rocky and Kelly at USA Kilts.

For a custom made Contemporary Style Kilt;
OK I'm biased but, Freedom Kilts
followed closely by Robert Pell at R-Kilts.

For an off the rack knock-about Acrylic Kilt to go to the pub in:
Jerry at Stillwater. His customer service is supurb.

For an off the rack MUG when you want to do carpentry or attend Burning Man;
buy from one of the retailers selling a Utilikilt.

Posted by: Druid_of_Ark 11-Dec-2007, 12:12 PM
Point made but on my income (being disabled I have to watch my pennies) I have not found one of those that is priced at less than 2 months of my check, so if I were to wear a real kilt I would have to park my van on the side of the road, and eat nothing for 2 months, hardly an attractive option for me! But if you can afford the best I say wear the best. As for marriage my prospects are not great there I am 51 years old and not wealthy, nor am I particularly good looking. So my kilt is for everyday wear and for the times I speak in schools on Scottish Heritage, or attend Scottish Festivals where I run the Clan Cathcart Tent!

Posted by: Robert Phoenix 11-Dec-2007, 10:27 PM
Druid of Ark-I don't know if this is any help-maybe it will, maybe it won't. I'm also on an extremly tight buget and if and when I can get some spare change out of my expense making family I may order my Cornish hunting tartan from here http://www.greatscotshop.com/
They do have a layaway plan (thank God) which I believes runs about $60.00 a month. However I do not know what kind of quality the kilts they have to offer is like. The images on the site are all Loccarron images and I think they order through them. Wizard of BC-any help on this company? And thanks for all the info. Love to start making them myself but no time at the present.
And after seeing pics of a Barb Tewksbury kilt all of have to say is unbelievable. I will probably order my 8 yd from her. Any website or email address to get a hold of her for prices, etcs or does she just have the book.
As for Utilitikilts I like the front look but I have never been really happy with the pleating. Which is probably why I have held off ordering form them. I'm more of a traditional kilt person than any of the new modern ones. don't think you will ever see me in a guilty kilt. Wee bit too small amount of coverage on one of their models. However, I absolutely love the Utilikilt commercials and the atitiude in them!

Posted by: The Wizard of BC 12-Dec-2007, 01:39 AM
Guys, I'm not one to argue that a good kilt is an expensive investment.

But the nickname "Tank" is appropriate for a hand-sewn Traditional Kilt. Thay will literally last forever. It is not uncommon to be able to hand them down to the next generation. Try that with a pair of pants.

I have no personal knowledge of The Great Scot Shop other than they are resellers of other peoples stuff. Not uncommon or wrong. However you can usually cut out the middle man and go direct to the same place these shops get their stuff and save quite a few dollars. You can contact the US outlet of Lochcarron in Kearsage NH or in Canada at Burnetts & Struth in Ontario.
And almost any reputable kiltmaker will allow you to make installment payments while your order works it's way up the ladder and your kilt is started.

About Barb Tewksbury; I own a Tewksbury and it is the most wonderful thing I have ever laid eyes on or worn. She is also a dear personal friend. You can contact her through Celtic Dragon Press where her book is sold or find her on X Marks the Scot forum.

Barb, along with matt Newsome, curator of the Scottish Tartans Museum, and almost all the other kiltmakers don't make a ton of money at their chosen craft. Both Barb and Matt have alternate careers 'cause charging what they do is a sure way to starve to death.

What I'm saying guys is I was not knocking less expensive kilts. There is a need for a knockabout kilt. (I never wear a Wool kilt to the pub where a beer may be spilled on it.) There is certianly a market for MUGS like Utilikilts. (I'm just not ready to wear mine anymore. I'm tired of being asked if I'm gay when I wear it because that is the market Steven V. targeted to sell his product to.) I just want people to be informed so they are not dissapointed with their purchase.

Posted by: Druid_of_Ark 12-Dec-2007, 09:43 AM
Information is good but it seemed that you were looking down your nose on those that are not as financially gifted as you. If I misread you then I am going to be the first to apologize. After all the reason the Celtic people are in the shape we are today is that we were historically so busy fighting eachother that the British had no trouble subduing us!

Posted by: The Wizard of BC 13-Dec-2007, 03:52 AM
Druid, Believe me when I say I never stick my nose in the air over someone wearing the kilt.

It's just that I have seen the world flooded with cheap Pakistani kilts in the last two years and it sickens me. The Notorious Gold Brothers have totally ruined the Royal Mile with their Tartan Tat.

In fact I have three Frugal Corner and two Stillwaters in my shop right now. OK, the guy knew what he was buying and for what he wants to do in the kilts they will be fine but he brought them in to me to have be completly re-set the pleats. They vary from 5/8" wide to over 1" wide. The Acrylic fabric is so light that even in a light breeze they fly everywhere. They also wrinkle just by looking at them.

Of the five kilts not one is the proper Sett of the Tartan. I can compare them to an actual Tartan and they are not even close.

I appoligize if I upset anyone. It's just that kilts are my business and they are also my life. My passion for a quality kilt that the owner will be proud to wear sometimes takes over.

Posted by: The Wizard of BC 13-Dec-2007, 03:55 AM
Druid, Believe me when I say I never stick my nose in the air over someone wearing the kilt.

It's just that I have seen the world flooded with cheap Pakistani kilts in the last two years and it sickens me. The Notorious Gold Brothers have totally ruined the Royal Mile with their Tartan Tat.

In fact I have three Frugal Corner and two Stillwaters in my shop right now. OK, the guy knew what he was buying and for what he wants to do in the kilts they will be fine but he brought them in to me to have be completly re-set the pleats. They vary from 5/8" wide to over 1" wide. The Acrylic fabric is so light that even in a light breeze they fly everywhere. They also wrinkle just by looking at them.

Of the five kilts not one is the proper Sett of the Tartan they are supposed to be. I am a member of the Scottish Tartans Authority and have access to the thread counts that are registered and these are not even close.

I appoligize if I upset anyone. It's just that kilts are my business and they are also my life. My passion for a quality kilt that the owner will be proud to wear sometimes takes over.

Posted by: Boudica 21-Mar-2008, 10:08 PM
QUOTE (The Wizard of BC @ 28-Nov-2007, 06:17 PM)
I will second Kathy Lare as a good choice.

Count me in the Kathy Lare fanclub! My parents and I all have kilts made by her. And she is a very dear friend of mine.

Wizard -
Just a week ago, Kathy and I were talking about the Pakistani "tartan" that seems to be invading. I think that Scotland might, and should, try to get the same status that champagne, Parmigiano-Reggiano, and piņons have.

Posted by: Robert Phoenix 24-Mar-2008, 09:34 PM
Good news, maybe! While driving to my job the other week I was listening to public radio. One of the djs announced that someone from scotland wanted to have only scottish made kilts be deemed as authentic kilts. I was unable to catch the full story but it might be something that could hurt or help the industry. I'm sure this has probably been tried before. Has anybody else heard about this?

I found my Italian Natonal tartan again-e-kilts carries it but for now I'm rather hesitant to order from a company with such a generic internet name. I may try to contact Barb and see if she can get the material and get it made for me instead.
I have to go car shopping tomorrow first and get some other bills out of the way so I have time to check out e-kilts later and see if I can find any reviews.

Posted by: gwenlee 26-Mar-2008, 06:51 AM
Robert--I know I am late getting into this, but you asked about Great Scot Kilts. I have bought two custom made kilts from them one for my son and the other for my daughter. My sons is a 16 oz weave, woven in Scotland at the time I paid around 550 for it. My daughters was around 250. The people that run the place are very nice and helpful. My son and daughter have always gotten nice compliments on their kilts. I think you will be pleased, and they do have a layaway.

For those who can't wear wool someone in my clan got a kilt from Celtic Croft in poly viscous (?) it look pretty good and was a reasonable price.

Posted by: daronthomas 04-Dec-2008, 01:51 PM
QUOTE (A Shrule Egan @ 11-Apr-2007, 10:53 PM)
Check out Rocky and Kelly, at USA Kilts, http://www.usakilts.com/

They have been in business for many years and have an excellent reputation. You can ask the boys from BarleyJuice, they get their kilts there.

Ditto here, Rocky is a great guy and sells a good product.

Posted by: MrKrink 14-Dec-2008, 07:08 PM
QUOTE (Roberto Phoenix @ 11-Apr-2007, 06:59 PM)
I thought I post a space where we can discuss kilts, were you got yours, how was the fit, price, quality, etc.

Unfortunately I have to start off the topic on a bad note. DO NOT buy from Clansman Knitwear unless the merchandise is right in front of you and you can see the quality. I put a $100 deposit on a kilt I've been wanting to get now for five years. luckily the maker of the tartan, who told me that no order had even been placed for my kilt, has no connection with Clansman. He hadn't had an order from him in over two years. I did this last August at Irishfest in Milwaukee. Nice guy, very accommodating. Come Nov I sent an email asking how the order was coming along. He sends one back saying it will be done in 2-3 weeks. Come Feb I email again. no answer, I call and get a machine. Into March and there has been no response. I checked the forum over at www.kiltmen.com and it turns out this company loves to make promises and not follow through. Filed a complaint with the BBB in San Fran. They have 96 complaints listed and more coming in.
They have changed their web name to scottishclansman.com but the site is still the same.

I got to say I had a similar experience with them at the Grandfather's Mtn Games. I ordered a shirt there and they took my money and never shipped the shirt. I tried to no avail to get intouch with them but they wouldn't answer emails and not return phone calles. I filed a complaint with my bank and got my money back after a couple months. STAY AWAY!!!

As for the kilt discussion here, I have got to say that the cheap kilts look exactly that....cheap. You cna pick one out of any crowd. I am not opposed to the Utilikilt, they are what they are, a unique novelty, very cool. But outside of those, I think is anyone is going to "wear the kilt" they should save their pennies and get a real one which is a contribution to our sacred heritage and not just something to say I got one.

I purchased mine from the Scottish Lion years ago. They were made by Locharron in Scotland and were not to unreasonable in price....$400.


Posted by: Robert Phoenix 15-Dec-2008, 06:05 PM
I'm surprised they are still in business. I went to Irishfest the year after and there was one guy in a wheelchair who also got ripped off on the shirt deal. I told him to do what you had done. Hope he had some success.

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