TKN 16oz. PV v. SWK HW wool -- informed opinions wanted, please

[Tim Little]

So I'm contemplating the addition of a "casual" kilt to my collection, preferring to keep my Geoffrey (Tailor) Mackenzie for formal occasions. I'm looking for something versatile that won't break the bank (~$100). I'm not looking for TANK quality, of course, but I'd like to come as close as possible for my price range.

Stillwater's heavy weight looks like a pretty good deal for just over $100, and certainly Jerry seems to have a good reputation on this site.

However, Jaeson's testimony for The Kilted Nation 16oz PV kilt for about the same money has got me in a bit of a bind.

My initial sense is that I'd be just fine either way, but I'd love to hear from anyone with an informed opinion about either (or ideally both) of these kilts: pros and cons, general impressions, etc.

Thanks in advance!

[cavscout]

I'd do some more research on the 16 oz. PV. There's only one weaver I think who can do 16 oz. right now and it's still in the experimental phase last I heard. Just be sure it's PV and not acrylic. If they are acrylic, Stillwater has them beat price wise.

I love my HW Stillwater but if you are looking for something machine washable then PV is a great choice. Anything with 8 yards of PV though will run you a good bit more than $100 though.

[The Wizard of BC]

From someone who is in the business of making Kilts may I suggest you do a search on this forum for discussions about heavy weight P/V fabric.

It has been said many times, but is still not sinking in, that there is no 16oz. per fabric yard, Polyester/Viscous(Rayon) Tartan fabric, suitable for Kilts, available anywhere in the world, that we kiltmakers know of.

Please be very cautious when hearing claims of P/V fabric. Most have been found to actually be Acrylic or Acrylic blends and although thick and fuzzy actually weigh 4 to 6 oz per fabric yard.

A fabric yard is defined as a piece of fabric 60 inches wide X 36 inches long.

A Kilt made from 16 oz fabric will weigh almost 4 pounds.

[Panache]

Tim,

I can't speak for the Kilted Nation's kilts, but I have three SWK Heavyweight kilts and feel that they are a great value (as long as a standard 24" works for you).

Cheers

Jamie

[Livingston]

Tim,

I can't speak for the Kilted Nation's kilts, but I have three SWK Heavyweight kilts and feel that they are a great value (as long as a standard 24" works for you).

Cheers

Jamie

And even if the standard length is too long, you can always hem it.... I did and it wasn't that hard, just took a little time.

[Tim Little]

And even if the standard length is too long, you can always hem it.... I did and it wasn't that hard, just took a little time.

I'd definitely have to get it hemmed up to 22 1/2" from 24", but I certainly wouldn't dare do this myself. Some things are best left to professionals!

[Carolina Kiltman]

And even if the standard length is too long, you can always hem it.... I did and it wasn't that hard, just took a little time.

Lucky you! I'm still looking for a kilt stretcher (and a board stretcher too) for that matter. . . ..

[Tim Little]

From someone who is in the business of making Kilts may I suggest you do a search on this forum for discussions about heavy weight P/V fabric.

It has been said many times, but is still not sinking in, that there is no 16oz. per fabric yard, Polyester/Viscous(Rayon) Tartan fabric, suitable for Kilts, available anywhere in the world, that we kiltmakers know of.

Please be very cautious when hearing claims of P/V fabric. Most have been found to actually be Acrylic or Acrylic blends and although thick and fuzzy actually weigh 4 to 6 oz per fabric yard.

A fabric yard is defined as a piece of fabric 60 inches wide X 36 inches long.

A Kilt made from 16 oz fabric will weigh almost 4 pounds.

Thanks, Steve; I'm familiar with the aforementioned threads, but appreciate the caveat nonetheless. Perhaps I should have titled the thread "TKN '16oz PV' v. SWK HW wool" instead to reflect the dubious nomenclature of the fabric in question.

That said, I'm really more interested to hear if anyone besides Jaeson has had any actual experience with a TKN garment of this sort -- regardless of what the fabric actually is -- particularly in comparison to SWK's HW kilt: How do they compare in terms of fit, finish, durability, etc.? Is one discernably closer to TANK quality than the other? (Reailzing that neither will compare directly, the question is how far off are they and would I really notice?)

SWK has received very positive reviews here -- Steve, I particularly appreciate your review of SWK's Standard model, if I recall correctly -- so I'm particularly keen on hearing about individual experiences with TKN kilts -- and again, ideally, from someone who is also familiar with Stillwater's product.

Thanks again to all who have weighed in thus far!

[george7]

I really like what SWK has to offer. My SWK standard (It was called heavyweight when I bought it, but I think it's more comparable to what they call the 'standard' now) has held up for years. It's been through the washing machine, dried, and ironed.

[Chrissss]

I don't own an SWK Heavy, but do own 2 SWK Standards. I also own 2 of the TKN "16 oz" PV's.

The TKN Kilts are a 65% PV 35% Acetate blend. The cloth feels quite robust and durable. Certainly more durable than Acrylic, but not as durable as wool. Be careful pressing the PV as it will melt it exposed to a hot iron.

Given the choice, if the SWK Heavy was available in the tartan I wanted I would take that route, but I have no problem recommending the TKN kilts.

Chris...