SWK Thrifty Review and Picts

[Marshal Moroni]

Greetings All,

Well I finally have had a few minutes to figure out how to post pictures of my first kilt!

The SWK Thrifty kilt is pretty neat, remember, I'm new and have nothing to act as a comparison. What I can tell you is that it seems to be well made, the stitching is strong the fabric breathes well. It is very comfortable and affordable. I really like the support I feel from the wide waistband.

My family has had many levels of reaction, but since I wore it to a family gathering (for Father's Day) along with my son, who also wore his first kilt, a recent birthday gift, there were two of us to absorb the shock.

I hope the photos will give some idea as to how the Thrifty kilt fits. Please note I am a gentleman of substance, what your seeing is a 3XL.

IMG]http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa271/MarshalMoroni/P6177923.jpg[/IMG]





Cheers,

[Monkey@Arms]

Ah father and son in their first kilt, who could not be moved?

I offer some unsolicited advice, which you are of course free to ignore. I note both of you are wearing your kilts at hip level, like pants. Some kilts are designed to be worn that way, like UKs and the USAK casual. Traditional kilts, which the SWKs are modeled after, are usually worn higher, about an inch or so above the navel. You guys might want to give it a try and see whether you like it. Either way, bravo to you both.

Best regards,

Jake

[Knocko]

Traditional kilts, which the SWKs are modeled after, are usually worn higher, about an inch or so above the navel.

I get a little confused when reading some of these posts, and I see on sites that sell kilts, that the kilt waist is directly at the navel. And that's where I have been measuring from. I'm a short guy, and 1-2 inches above my navel would be covering my rib cage. As a point of order, my drop is only 21.5 inches. I'm 5'7", too. I'm not sure if height makes a difference in this, but I see different answers from everyone, and then I see the kilt sizing info on several sites frequented by members of this forum; those sites always say - measure your waist at your navel and your drop is measured from that point, as well.

Can someone please clarify if there actually is a 'right' way to do it, if it is open to 'interpretation', or should I go by what I'm ordering?

I apologize if this is considered a thread-jack...if so please let me know, but if possible, a little would be greatly appreciated...

[Bob C]

I agree that time of day matters not, when choosing the color of your leathers, and that you should never mix them. Wear what looks good with the kilt.

We need to dispel the "oatmeal hose go with anything" myth, however. They do NOT suit cool colors, such as blue and black. Stone-color hose are better for that.

Oatmeal looks great with "warm" colors, such as browns, greens, etc.

I would not wear oatmeal hose with black leathers or a kilt that is best complimented by black leathers.

[michael steinrok]

I think I will get e thrifty kilt to match the one that the gf picked up. Glad to see the back of the kilt was what Jerry promised

[Monkey@Arms]

I get a little confused when reading some of these posts, and I see on sites that sell kilts, that the kilt waist is directly at the navel. And that's where I have been measuring from. I'm a short guy, and 1-2 inches above my navel would be covering my rib cage. As a point of order, my drop is only 21.5 inches. I'm 5'7", too. I'm not sure if height makes a difference in this, but I see different answers from everyone, and then I see the kilt sizing info on several sites frequented by members of this forum; those sites always say - measure your waist at your navel and your drop is measured from that point, as well.

Can someone please clarify if there actually is a 'right' way to do it, if it is open to 'interpretation', or should I go by what I'm ordering?

I apologize if this is considered a thread-jack...if so please let me know, but if possible, a little would be greatly appreciated...

Every manufacturer measures a little differently, it seems. Yes, height does matter. (I'm 5'7" too, and have a similar drop.) I've read that military kilts do actually go up to your bottom rib. Others say a traditionally styled kilt should sit an inch or two above the hips.

I'm no expert on these matters, but Steve at Freedom Kilts has some very detailed measuring instructions for different styles of wear. You might want to check them out here

Best regards,

Jake

[Knocko]

Every manufacturer measures a little differently, it seems. Yes, height does matter. (I'm 5'7" too, and have a similar drop.) I've read that military kilts do actually go up to your bottom rib. Others say a traditionally styled kilt should sit an inch or two above the hips.

I'm no expert on these matters, but Steve at Freedom Kilts has some very detailed measuring instructions for different styles of wear. You might want to check them out here

Best regards,

Jake

Thank you for the information and link, good Sir. This helps tremendously. So, it's nice to know that it is slightly 'open to interpretation'.

[billmcc]

So, it's nice to know that it is slightly 'open to interpretation'.

How a casual kilt is worn is personal preference.

However, if a Prince Charlie or some other short, formal jacket will be worn with a traditional kilt, the top of the kilt needs to be about 2 inches above the navel. If not, the jacket will appear to be too short.

[Kid Cossack]

I like your bonnet!

At the risk of ethnotyping, you don't happen to play bocce, do you?

[Marshal Moroni]

Monkey@Arms,
Thanks for the advice, I think mine started a bit higher and may have slipped over the afternoon a bit. I want to wear it at the right hight, so the question is ...is the top of the waistband (?) at the navel or the middle of the band?

Kid Cossack,
I have played boce, a time or two, but the nome de computer really comes from my Cowboy Action Shooting handle, it worked well and represents a couple of things heredity and faith.

Cheers and thanks for the input,