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Geoffrey (Tailor) Kiltmaker

Founded in 1971 by Geoffrey Nicholsby, pioneering contemporary kilt tailoring, innovative tweed kilt jackets, and custom registered tartan design on the Royal Mile.

Geoffrey (Tailor) Kiltmaker in Royal Mile & Canongate, Edinburgh
57-59 High Street, The Royal Mile, Edinburgh
Scottish Retail Provenance

The Story of Geoffrey (Tailor) Kiltmaker

Occupying historic 16th-century stone premises at 57-59 High Street in the Netherbow district, Geoffrey (Tailor) Kiltmaker is internationally recognized as a pioneering force in contemporary and traditional Scottish Highland wear. Founded in 1971 by master tailor Geoffrey Nicholsby, the firm transformed modern kilt culture by introducing tailored tweed kilt jackets and designing official commemorative tartans, blending heritage tailoring with runway sophistication.

The multi-level High Street atelier houses an active bespoke tailoring workshop where time-served tailors measure, cut, and hand-finish garments on the premises. While honoring classic eight-yard worsted wool kilt construction, Geoffrey (Tailor) earned widespread acclaim for replacing austere black barathea jackets with textured Scottish tweed day jackets, finished with custom horn buttons, contrast collar welts, and bespoke silk linings dyed to complement individual tartans.

The Nicholsby family has also registered numerous historic and contemporary tartans on the Scottish Register of Tartans, including corporate, civic, and private family designs. Patrons visiting the High Street store experience an inspiring blend of deep sartorial expertise and design innovation, whether commissioning a full formal Highland dress package or purchasing luxurious cashmere scarves and artisan sporrans.

Curated Offerings

Signature Specialties & Crafts

Bespoke Hand-Tailored 8-Yard Kilts & Custom Registered Tartans
Pioneering Contemporary Scottish Tweed Kilt Jackets & Waistcoats
On-Site Master Tailoring, Fitting & Alteration Atelier
Handcrafted Bespoke Sporrans, Silver Kilt Pins & Formal Accessories
What to Look For

Key Venue Highlights

1

Pioneering master kiltmaker est. 1971, credited with popularizing tweed jackets for formal Highland wear

2

Official creators of Edinburgh's Millennial and Scottish Rugby tartans with custom design service

3

In-house tailoring workshops hand-stitching bespoke 8-yard kilts on the Royal Mile

Curator’s Insider Advice

“Inquire about pairing your kilt with a bespoke tweed Crail jacket woven in earthy lovat tones rather than standard formal black barathea.”

Tax-Free & Overseas Shopping Advice

Full direct international courier delivery zero-rating 20% UK VAT on overseas orders.

Direct overseas export zero-rates UK 20% VAT on qualifying purchases dispatched to non-UK residential addresses.

Visitor Inquiries

Frequently Asked Questions

Did Geoffrey Nicholsby really invent the tweed kilt jacket?

Geoffrey Nicholsby pioneered the modern tweed kilt jacket in the late 20th century as an elegant, versatile daytime alternative to traditional black evening coatees.

Can Geoffrey (Tailor) design a brand-new custom tartan for my family?

Yes, the firm provides custom tartan design services, weaving trial swatches and formally registering the new design with the Scottish Register of Tartans.

Are fitting consultations available for international travelers visiting Edinburgh?

Personal fitting appointments can be booked with in-house master tailors, with finished bespoke garments shipped to your overseas address.

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