Next Kilt

[Adalan]

So after successfully receiving and wearing my first kilt (Alphakilt), I've decided that I need another. I fell in love with the new Compass kilt offered by Alphakilt but have decided to get a tartan style for my second one. I'm leaning towards a Stillwater Kilt this time. I'm stuck on the Standard or Heavyweight. I do like the Nightstalker tartan for the standard but I'm thinking the wool would be nice to have.

Seeing as I will be spending a lot of time sitting while at work which is were it will get worn MOST of the time, what would you suggest? Thoughts or opinions?

[ChubRock]

I just picked up a SWK Standard Nightstalker. It is not a lightweight kilt and isn't scratchy! Though it is acrylic, the pleating and amount of material used to create this is incredible and the kilt is full quality.

My two cents.

ChubRock

[Tattoo Bradley]

I just picked up a SWK Standard Nightstalker. It is not a lightweight kilt and isn't scratchy! Though it is PV, the pleating and amount of material used to create this is incredible and the kilt is full quality.

My two cents.

ChubRock

Just a point of clarification: SWK Standards are acrylic, not PV (polyviscose.)

[ghostlight]

I don't own a Standard so I can't compare the two for you, but my SWK Heavyweight is a very comfortable kilt and holds the pleats well when I sit for extended periods. I think it's a solid product and money well spent if you're looking for an everyday kilt. I will definitely be getting another one in the future.

I've heard other folks mention that they feel the heavyweight is too thick for summer weather. I haven't experienced this myself. I live in central Florida and the heat index here has been over 100 deg F regularly this summer. I have heart-related problems regulating my body temperature and my choice of hose, belt and footwear cause more heat issues for me than the kilt. I previously owned two Utilikilts (Survival and Workmans) that were much warmer than the SWK Heavyweight for me. This is probably something you will have to judge for yourself -- assuming you live somewhere heat is even an issue.

[csbdr]

I own both and there are significant differences. The acrylic is a lighter weight fabric than the wool, by far, but I actually think would be more uncomfortable in the heat. The wool breathes better. I've never had both on in the same day for comparison, but I would think that the wool would actuALLY BE MORE COMFORTABLE (opps...) Bear in mind that even given this, I find BOTH to be hot in the summer, but that's just me.

Heat aside, the acrylic is definately one of my most comfortable kilts against the skin. As was said, NO ITCH!!. I think the acrylics swing well (though not as well as a wool tank!) and seem to hold the pleats well. They might take to wrinkling a bit easier than wool, but steaming works fine and you'd do this with a wool one as well. The fabric does pill a bit, especially under the belt and sporran. If this bothers you, PM me and I can tell you what I do to get rid of it. Lastly, there are more tartans to choose from with the acrylic, which I'm sure you've noticed.

As for PV, I don't own one yet, so I have no info. Bottom line is you can't go wrong with either. I'd give the advantage to wool, myself, for all around versatility and ease of care, but both are good. Jerry just has a damn fine product.

[Adalan]

What if I throw in USA as an option...PV versus the Wool?

[ghostlight]

As I don't own a USA Kilt (yet ), I'll have to limit my contribution to the above.

[Phogfan86]

USA PV vs. SWK acrylic.

I had a Nightstalker standard. Then I bought a USA Douglas Modern casual.

I now own two USA casuals, having picked up an American Heritage. And how did I afford the USA casual? I paid for a good chunk of it with the money I made selling my Night Stalker.

Just my two schillings.

[zeeew]

I can say that my USAK casual is cooler than my 13oz wool tank. USAK has less pleats so less material, and no itch on skin.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

Of course you could throw caution (and a few dollars) to the wind and order a 4-yard, all wool, box pleat kilt from Matt Newsome... the result would be a more versatile kilt in so far as it could also be worn with traditional Highland dress.