Kilt Brands and the Like

**liammaclean** · 27th April 17, 12:12 AM

Hallo, I have a quick question about what brands are quality and which was are *****. I own a couple Sports Kilts (my first kilts) and I love them, they are easy though as far as I can tell the community treats them as the "sweatpants of kilts," neither bad nor good I suppose. So I was looking to branch out in terms of brand, and after checking out USA Kilt for a while I was a bit turned off by the 100 dollar price tag. I told myself "that's just the price of buying manly clothing" but then I stumbled upon a reference to Stillwater Kilts here. After a bit of interneting I discovered their economy kilts are A) what I wanted in my new kilt anyway (sewn pleats, buckles, belt loops and a good ole Black Watch Tartan) and B) only 50 dollars.

I am unfortunately painfully aware of the amount of low quality kilts out there though. I wanted to ask the community, can I trust Stillwater? Are their kilts qualityish?

**Tarheel** · 27th April 17, 04:50 AM

Unlike the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval and the United Labs reviews, kilts are judged here by the experiences of members, personal tastes and even peer pressure. Please be patient with the posts given, as some will be pro and some will be con. I have no idea what quality Stillwater kilts offer but I expect you will hear from those that do. I hope your final choice is based on good information, no matter the direction you choose.

Let us know what you decide at the end of this exercise. I expect this thread will help future folks looking for the same answer.

**Manu** · 27th April 17, 05:16 AM

I assume you're referring to their economy model, which I have never seen in person. However, I did own a Stillwater standard many years ago, and while I understand many people like them, to me they are low quality garments. Starting with the fit, it's not made to measure, so you end up with an ill fitting kilt. The pleats are sewn down but to some "standard" hip measurement, which might or might not fit you. The length is 24 inches, so 6 feet folks and above if you want to look proper in it. Next the fabric. It's made out of acrylic material, which to me feels like a very light weight fleece blanket, and it creates an insane amount of piling a couple of wears into it. Also, the hardware feels cheap and brittle. Again, Stillwater has it's niche, but in my opinion it does not stand comparison to a USAK casual for just a few more dollars. Better Look, better fit, and better quality IMO.

**ratspike** · 27th April 17, 05:28 AM

Stillwater kilts are what they are, which is an inexpensive way for someone to try out a kilt without spending a lot of money. The fabric is acrylic and kinda meh. You'll be locked into a 24" length, which will probably be fine unless you want to wear it on your hips. They're imported from Pakistan, if that matters to you.

Can you trust Stillwater? Absolutely. The owner has a great reputation. Are the kilts qualityish? Yeah, I think that's a fair description. Mediocre materials but sewn pretty well, and coming in at a low price point.

Comparing even Stillwater's top end kilt, which I've owned, to anything from USA Kilts is a little like putting a toddler into the octagon. My semi-trad from Rocky and crew is ten times the garment that the Stillwater was, and I wasn't particularly happy with the Stillwater even though I bought it at a second hand, dirt cheap price.

**javankrona** · 27th April 17, 07:24 AM

I have purchased an off the peg economy kilt from USAKilts: Ireland's National Tartan that I wanted for a St. Patrick's Day event. I wanted it for a couple reasons, I have a USAKilts semi-trad, so I'm familiar with the Poly-Viscise fabric they use, and I like it very much. I also didn't mind the Velcro closures as my weight has been fluctuating. I also wanted to have it as a knock around for the house, yard work and hiking ... something I could just toss on rather than shorts or jams. Though I got mine off the peg, USAKilts will also custom fit an economy kilt. I don't know if they'd add an option for straps though, I should have inquired, as I like the traditional look of straps.

Overall, you might pay more, but I couldn't be happier with the product.

Cheers.

**tripleblessed** · 27th April 17, 07:37 AM

Can you trust Stillwater? Absolutely. Two reasons; first, Steve lets him advertise here. You can trust anyone Steve allows to advertise,
else they would be gone. Second, the experience of the rabble is quite frank, as you noticed above. Our experience is that Jerry is exactly
who and what he claims to be in the business world. If what he has isn't working, he finds a better supplier. If what he has is what you
want, it'll be exactly what he says it is, and it'll be good quality for the price. The great thing about doing business with him is that he seems
to have shipped it about ten minutes before you decided to buy it. Excellent customer service.

If you want a high end kilt, it will cost more money. Stillwater kilts do well what they are designed to do. I don't have a standard body, so
they don't fit me. I am very pleased with my USA Kilts casual and semi traditional kilts. Well made to my measurements, and hold up to a lot
of wear. I am eager to get an XMarks tartan kilt from Steve. And one from Barbara. And one from Bonnie......... I've seen the work of most
of the advertisers here, and I want them. Again, if they last as an advertiser here, they can be trusted.

**Mike S** · 27th April 17, 09:04 PM

I concur fully with what Tripleblessed said.

**Geoff Withnell** · 1st May 17, 04:37 AM

Originally Posted by javankrona

I have purchased an off the peg economy kilt from USAKilts: Ireland's National Tartan that I wanted for a St. Patrick's Day event. I wanted it for a couple reasons, I have a USAKilts semi-trad, so I'm familiar with the Poly-Viscise fabric they use, and I like it very much. I also didn't mind the Velcro closures as my weight has been fluctuating. I also wanted to have it as a knock around for the house, yard work and hiking ... something I could just toss on rather than shorts or jams. Though I got mine off the peg, USAKilts will also custom fit an economy kilt. I don't know if they'd add an option for straps though, I should have inquired, as I like the traditional look of straps.

Overall, you might pay more, but I couldn't be happier with the product.

Cheers.

Having bought a number of kilts from Rocky, I can tell you that one of the several differences between the USAKilt Casual, and the USAKilt Semitrad, is that the former has Velcro closure, and the latter straps. So if you want straps, you need the Semitrad. The SemiTraditional also usually has kilt belt sized belt loops, and a bit more yardage. Rocky and his crew are super at explaining your options, so don't be shy about asking questions.

**liammaclean** · 2nd May 17, 10:44 AM

I got my Stillwater kilt yeasterday. I absolutely love it, and I've worn it for the last two days (and will again tomorrow if I can get away with it). It's my first kilt that goes up as far as a traditional kilt, and I underestimated how much I would like this. The belt loops make it 300 times easier to wear my sporan. The fringe and the straps (along with the pin I also ordered) make it feel a bit more formal, which great. So far as I can tell so far the kilt is well tailored. My only complaint is that the fabric is a bit scratchier than my sports kilt, but that's to be expected with the price difference and you really have to be looking for it to notice. Tomorrow I'm getting a high cut tweed coat (probably not actually argyll, but it it's a perfect fit and cut far higher than a sports coat), and I'm looking forward to putting the whole outfit together. When I have disposable income again, I'll definitely be going back to Stillwater to grab another kilt or two so I have more to wear during the week.