SWK Standard vs. Heavyweight

**Marleyfan1101** · 13th March 10, 11:21 PM

Hello, I tried to post this before but I don't think it worked. If it did and this is a double, then a mod can delete this.

I am looking into buying my first kilt and I think I will get a SWK. I know this kilt will get a lot of use from dinners at peoples' houses to camping with my scout troop. Since the price of upgrading from a standard to a heavyweight isn't much and wool is supposed to be much nicer, is it worth it? What are some specific reasons why one is better or worse than the other? Do they need to be super and specially taken care of (dry cleaned in fairy tears and then left in the light of a full moon) or can I just toss it in the wash? I have no problem with spending the extra 50 if it will be better in the long run.

Thanks in advance.

**Big Mikey** · 14th March 10, 12:49 AM

My suggestion would be the standard if you plan on giving it LOTS of wear. The only reason for this is that it can be laundered at home being acrylic.

**denmcdough** · 14th March 10, 04:52 AM

For an all arounder, I'd go with the standard, especialy if being active outdoors.

I have a SWK Standard in Irish National, and it's great for the price. I've only warn it, maybe, eight times, and have not noticed any pilling, yet. That seems to be one complaint of many on this forum. Oh, and if you're wearing it around a campfire, use caution, as these babies can go up in flames. Since you're associated with the BSA, being around the campfire, well then, maybe go with the heavyweight, which is wool!??

Jerry, at SWK, is great to deal with, and sends things quickly! Don't forget to order a hanger, too. Good luck with your decision!

**graham_s** · 14th March 10, 06:51 AM

I say get the heavyweight.
I have a standard, and although the ability to throw it in the wash is nice, it's just too light.
it flares up in the slightest breeze, and it's showing heavy pilling under the sporran.
If I was buying another, I'd get the heavyweight wool one. It's not that hard to look after, and will last longer and drape better.

**creagdhubh** · 14th March 10, 08:02 AM

Originally Posted by Marleyfan1101

Hello, I tried to post this before but I don't think it worked. If it did and this is a double, then a mod can delete this.

I am looking into buying my first kilt and I think I will get a SWK. I know this kilt will get a lot of use from dinners at peoples' houses to camping with my scout troop. Since the price of upgrading from a standard to a heavyweight isn't much and wool is supposed to be much nicer, is it worth it? What are some specific reasons why one is better or worse than the other? Do they need to be super and specially taken care of (dry cleaned in fairy tears and then left in the light of a full moon) or can I just toss it in the wash? I have no problem with spending the extra 50 if it will be better in the long run.

Thanks in advance.

Go with the heavyweight worsted wool, you can't beat it: superb swing, more durable, heirloom quality, etc. All of my kilts are 16oz worsted wool from Lochcarron. Cheers!

**mbhandy** · 14th March 10, 08:06 AM

I would go with the wool because if you get sparks on it camping it will not melt and it will breath better. As far as washing it. You do not need to send it out to the cleaners. Just wash it in the tub and I use a Shamwow(or towel)

to pat it dry and then lay flat on a towel and press when dry. It is not to hard, just a little time consuming.
I have both standard and wool SWK.

MrBill
No Fairies were hurt during the wash or dry.

**turpin** · 14th March 10, 08:14 AM

For the difference in price go for the wool. Unless you actually get them dirty they rarely need more than a light briuhing and air-out, the wool brathes better than acrylic, it won't melt onto your thighs in a fire situation, and as said above, the acrylic pills way to easily, both under the sporran and in the seat (from rubbing on cloth furniture, I guess). I bought one acrylic from SWK and would never buy another. I have 3 wool SWKs.

**dfmacliam** · 14th March 10, 08:16 AM

I concur with the Heavyweight, wool is the way to go. I had a Standard myself and even though I liked the way it wore, wool would have been a much better wearing (tough) option.
I have since moved up to made to measure kilts, and I feel the difference in the fit. SWK is a great starter kilt, and probably a great camping/outdoors banging around kilt, but I would suggest you seriously look into a made to measure kilt. The fit and rise is much more comfortable, and you will never regret the extra money spent.

**creagdhubh** · 14th March 10, 08:29 AM

Originally Posted by mbhandy

I would go with the wool because if you get sparks on it camping it will not melt and it will breath better. As far as washing it. You do not need to send it out to the cleaners. Just wash it in the tub and I use a Shamwow(or towel)

to pat it dry and then lay flat on a towel and press when dry. It is not to hard, just a little time consuming.
I have both standard and wool SWK.

MrBill
No Fairies were hurt during the wash or dry.

Quite, never send your kilt to the cleaners! The chemicals and the actual process of dry-cleaning is far too harsh on the worsted wool, plus the kilt doesn't need it. All the cleaning you'll ever need to do, if any really, can be done at home. I am sure this topic of how to properly clean your kilt, or any typ eof worsted wool, tartan material for than matter, has been discusses on the forum already.

**timseh** · 14th March 10, 08:33 AM

I've got 2 standards and I like them a lot. That said, I wear my UK when camping. The fire risk with the standards is too much for me. I'd rather not have my kilt melt to my man parts. They are nice for washing, though, as opposed to wool.