Stillwater = Value

[Panache]

A new member (l'esprit) posted some questions about finding a reasonably priced kilt for her fiancee.

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/s...ad.php?t=23788

I posted a lengthy answer strongly suggesting she look at Stillwater Kilts.

I wanted to show that I do practice what I preach and encourage those newbies and lurkers out there who haven't taken the plunge and bought their first kilt that one can be had without breaking the bank.

I have had a SWK Standard Hunting Mcleod for the better part of the year and it is the kilt I wear most often. It is comfortable, looks nice, is washable, and gives me the sense of security that if something unfortunate happens to it I can easily replace it. I have worn it to Highland Games and Scottish Country dancing and never felt it looked bad compared to the other kilts around me. As I said on l'esprit's thread, it isn't as nice as my 16 oz. 5 yard handsewn kilt, but it's a very good kilt for the price.

I've had a bee in my bonnet to get a red tartan kilt. My son Sinbad chose the Royal Stewart tartan for his Sport Kilt and I thought it handsome. I decided I wanted one too.

I ordered online from Jerry last Wednesday at noon (PST) and received my shipment at 2:00 on Saturday. Here's what I got:

1 Royal Stewart Standard kilt $80
1 Set of Royal Stewart flashes $5
3 pairs of off white blend kilt hose $15
1 Brown fur day sporran $36
1 kilt hanger $4

I am very pleased with my purchases. The kilt is well made and good looking (I think one of the reasons that Royal Stewart is so common is the simple fact that it is a very striking tartan). Wearing all that vibrant red takes a little getting used to, but I like it. The leather on the sporran is thick and pliable (thicker than the black braided sporran I bought from SWK last year). I like the antique finish on the chains and tassels caps. It is subtle and classy but doesn't seem too dressy for a daywear sporran. The hose were from his closeout specials, if they have blemishes or imperfections they aren't readily apparent. I am tempted to order another set to try to dye them like Cavscout has done with ecru hose.

Here's what it all looks like



View of the SWK Standard's pleats



Brown rabbit fur day wear sporran



Socks and Flashes




The sporran didn't come with a belt or chain so I was motivated to use Phill's advice on leather dyeing. I turned a light tan belt from the clearance rack at Target into a nice brown belt that matches fairly well with the sporran and belt (as well as my brown Freelander sporran ). The belt, dye, and wax polish came to under $19 and I have supplies for the next project to boot.

This is my 5th order from Stillwater kilts and I highly recommend them to someone who wants a kilt and all the basic accessories but is hesitant to take on a huge investment in them.

One last note, it sure is worth the $4 to have your kilt actually stay on a hanger!

Cheers

[kiltedcossack]

When I ordered from Stillwater Kilts, they actually sent me a hangar for each kilt I purchased (black watch, Wallace, and solid black economies).
I'll definitely be going back to them, and I recommend them to anyone who asks me where I got my kilt(s).

[Panache]

...I'll definitely be going back to them, and I recommend them to anyone who asks me where I got my kilt(s).

I gave one of Jerry's cards to a Scottish gentleman at my SCD class who has been having his daughter in Scotland look for a second hand kilt in his size because he can't afford the cost of an 8 yard "tank". He thought that this kilt looked very nice and when I told him what I was wearing was $80 he was floored. Hopefully Jerry will get a new customer.

Cheers

[Tattoo Bradley]

It looks nice Panache. I DO like the tartan. I have a couple of pairs of those hose myself and wear them fairly often.

[wesd]

GOOD DAY, Just my two cents, I have come to the belief that pant and kilts are the same. No wait I no heretic, kilts and pants are both garments and both come in various grades and styles. There is a big difference between a hand made fitted kilt and say a SWK, just as there is between a pair of talored pants and a pair off the rack form any large retail store. Some have better workmanship and may uses a finer material, and some are mostly cheap crap only good for around the house on weekends and maybe running the kids to the local burger place. SWK are the best kilts for the dollor, they are not hand made, and they are not of the best worst wool, but they made of good quality fabric and are well made. I have four standard kilts from SWK and will be getting more in the future. One more thing when out and about in public kilted the positive feedback from people about the kilt is greatlly out numbered by the negetive jerks. One more thing I am about 6 ft 3 in. and the SWK length is perfect, I do understand that there are some guys out there that this is not enough, maybe someday SWK will come in longer lengths for the really tall brothers out there.


THANKS Wes

THE MORE PEOPLE THAT I MEET, THE MORE THAT I LIKE MY DOG.

[Jimmy the Celt]

Looks good, Panache. I like the brown fur sporran.

[David Dalglish]

You carry it off well Panache

[McMurdo]

Panache
You seem to carry off that look the very red Royal Stewart with ease, I suppose that is what comes from being comfortable in a kilt. I keep looking at the Stillwater site and I think from everything I have heard, from various members, that I will order a kilt or two from them next. I was thinking aboutt the Black Stewart as my Mom is a Stewart, because I was under the impression that the red would be too much, however I think you have changed my mind.

Thanks for the review, and Happy new kilt.

[cessna152towser]

That's a very good looking kilt for the money, Panache. I'd have to admit it looks much smarter than the equivalent budget Royal Stewart kilt sold in Britain which I posted pics of here, also with a rabbit fur sporran:-
http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/s...hlight=stewart
Your pleats look really smart and despite the low price it looks like a kilt which will stand close scrutiny from the kilt police at Highland Games.

[ckelly327]

I have a standard Black Stewart and economy Black Watch from SWK and both hold up very well. I can't complain about anything in the transactions exccept that now I find out they will supply the hangers with the shipment? Next time. Looks nice Panache.