USA Casuals vs. Stillwater Standard?

[David White]

Anyone have one of the USA Casual kilts?
I was wondering about the velcro instead of buckles?

Also I really like the Irish National at SW. However I've heard the
fabric will "pill" and it does have buckles.

Pros and cons of each please.

Any overall comments?

thanks,

dave

[GMan]

Hi Dave,

I do have both and adore each of them. Like any child they have their similarities and of course their own distinct personalities.

As far as the velcro vs. buckles no major problem, the velcro does seem to make it easier to put on, so when sleeping in a little bit, about 15 seconds faster to put on.

I have not noticed and "pilling" on the Stillwater nor have I on the USA.

They are both fine kilts and I have heard nothing but positives about either one. They are indeed both great kilts as far as the every day wear of kilts we all so want to do.

Hope this helps.

[David White]

Hi Glen and thanks.
I've have only worn "tradition" tailored kilts and great kilts-all 100% heavies, I would like something to beat around in, working in the yard etc...

I really like both.

dave

[David White]

Hi Keith,
Thanks for your imput.
The sale price at SW is pretty hard to beat for something to beat around in,
Is Matt making you a box-pleated kilt? I have one (not from Matt) and its
fantastic, you are going to love it! I keep going to Matts site and staring
at the Buchanan box-pleat, its very drool worthy.

dave

[cavscout]

Hi Glen and thanks.
I've have only worn "tradition" tailored kilts and great kilts-all 100% heavies, I would like something to beat around in, working in the yard etc...

I really like both.

dave

I don't own a stillwater yet but I doo have a USA Casual which is a great casual kilt. I WOULD NEVER CUT THE GRASS IN IT!!!!!! That's what sport kilts and economy kilts are for.

If by "knock around" you mean to wear casually to burger king or the grocery store where you just want to be presentable without the full get up then you have a much tuffer decision. The USA's are awesome but only 4 to 5 yards. Stillwaters give you much more weight at almost half the price.

[Jimmy Carbomb]

Before you take any more information about the Stillwater kilts from anyone that really doesn't know the construction or the fabric... please ask them. The 2006 line will put the thumbscrews to many of the complaints that some have voiced (wrong or right).

You also need to understand the authenticity of the tartans (certain ones are more important than others) and who does and who does not have the licensing to create and sell them. Some tartans are "just off" the standard, while others are the "real deal". Look at the 2006 Stillwater line... compare pricing with them and every maker (solid and tartan)... look at the styling... then decide.

Don't forget to check with the formal-wear and Scottish shops for rentals. Those are top quality in make and fabric for a "song". It's a way that I've bought three times now, and every one is a bargain beyond a bargain.

[Ranald]

Hi Glen and thanks.
I've have only worn "tradition" tailored kilts and great kilts-all 100% heavies, I would like something to beat around in, working in the yard etc...

I really like both.

dave

Dave have you not thought about wearing the philabeg, 4 yards and maybe put some stitches in , some one called this a cheater I think.
What do people think about this alternative ?

[possingk]

I have a USA Casual and a still water economy, I believe the fabric is the same just made differently. My economy was first kilt and has done me quite well, It does pill quite a bit, the buckles are not the best in the world but do well and have a more traditional look than the casual. However the pleats on the past SWK's were not sewn down, I did sew mine down myself and it made the kilt lay better.
The USA kilt is one of the most comfortable things I have ever worn, the facbric feels better on the skin than my SWK, the pleats hold there shape very nicely, the SWK hold a good pleat as well, but for some reason the USA kilt seems to hold up better. I also find that washing my USA kilt doesn't seem to abuse it as much as when I wash my SWK. When I was my SWK, I can see the water sitting on the pilled fabric, not a big deal but just amplifies the pilling. I tend to wash my USA Kilt more (therefore wear it more). To wash them both I put them in the washing machine on the hand wash cycle, small load and gentle then hang dry them. I tend to wash my cheaper hose that way as well.
Not to start a conversation, but I think another reason I like my USA kilt so much is the fact that it is made in the USA, by two great people Rocky and Kelly. I will probably buy a few more SWK's, but I know I will continue to buy as many kilts from USA Kilts and US kilt makers as I can. Looking forward to my Ireland National from Rocky, and hopefully a Xmarks from Matt Newsome in the near future.

I hope this helped.

Keith

[billmcc]

Hi Dave,

I really like my USA Casual (Scottish National tartan). One difference nobody has mentioned yet is the Casual comes with belt loops for a 1.5 inch belt. So, you can wear a regular belt instead of having to buy a kilt belt. Furthermore, Rocky will provide wider belt loops upon request. USAK will have an Irish National pv tartan soon.

I don't have a Stillwater kilt yet, but I will probably be getting a 2006 Nightstalker in the near future now that the pleats are being sewn down at the hip.

The big difference is a USAK is a custom made kilt (you get exactly what you want) and a Stillwater is an off the rack kilt with no options.

[David White]

Hi Bill and thanks,

The more tailored kilt is swaying me.

dave