Stillwater Comments

[cdarwin]

I am considering buying a new kilt from Stillwater Kilts. Specifically, their 'SWK Standard Kilt- Irish Saffron' model. I am interested in a solid saffron coloured kilt and the price of this particular kilt seems very attractive. I also like the idea of the 'easy care acrylic fabric'. I consult the rabble for advise on whether to pick up one of these or to spring for a 'Solid Semi Traditional Kilt' in the same colour from USA Kilts. I imagine that the cut of these two will be extremely different. As I understand it, SWKs are sort of a one-size-fits-a-range where USAKs will fit to my exact measurements. However, considering I am a fairly average build the price of the SWK is extremely enticing.

What say the rabble?

Cheers,
-J

[thescot]

The USA Kilts model will be ther better kilt by far--hands down.

The Stillwater is a pretty good buy for what you are getting, though. There are two considerations as I see it:

1. Do you need acryllic because you plan to do something that will require freequent washing? If it's for competition or something definitely go with the acryllic. But you should know that the SWK will not look anywhere near the quality of the USA Kilt. It's just not the same beast and doesn't claim to be.

2. Is quality a concern? I only wear wool kilts because I like the wool. If Rocky makes a kilt, it will be a fine garment you'll be proud to own.

Having said all that, I have a wool Leatherneck from SWK, and I love the kilt. I'm not in any way knocking SWK, but you're comparing apples to oranges here. One is a pretty OK kilt designed to be inexpensive and easy to wash. The other is a finer garment made to measure, so it's really a matter of what you are looking for. Either way, you deal with good people who make great products.

Just remember: photos are always required!

[GreenDragon]

I own 3 kilts, all are SWK's. Prices are great. I'm happy with my kilts.

[Rob, ClanMacMillan, NM]

...Having said all that, I have a wool Leatherneck from SWK, and I love the kilt....

And I have the SWK Standard Acrylic Leatherneck formerly owned by thescot. Admittedly, it is not near as nice a kilt as my 16oz tank handmade by Kathy Lare -- but it is a very nice looking kilt for which I've received many many compliments.

Rob

[cdarwin]

I think I have a pretty good idea about the quality difference between the two kilt makers. Admittedly, I have two (an 8 yard premier wool and a semi traditional PV) on order from Rocky and am quite anxious about their arrival. I am just looking for a decent inexpensive kilt to add to the collection. The price of the SWK is really appealing. Perhaps a better comparison would be of the previously mentioned SWK with a similarly priced Sport Kilt. My experience with the sport kilt is that they are pretty low quality and I don't really feel right wearing it outside of my own yard. This is my biggest concern with SWK being in that same price range. However, I have a feeling the Sport Kilt are just ridiculously overpriced.

I live in Florida and an worried the wool kilts will be too much to wear for about half of the year. I plan to wear the kilt to work/pub.

[Whidbey78]

SWK Standards and Sportkilt aren't apples and oranges. That's more like apples and goldfish. I agree with others here that USAK is superior to SWK in many areas, but SWK is better than SK in all areas.

IMHO, Sportkilt is a waste of money. By the time you pay extra for options that will make it a kilt worth leaving the yard in you have nearly matched the cost of a USAK casual and have blown right past the SWK price. The USAK is made to your specs, and if you are of average build the SWK won't be too far off from a custom fit.

You're on the right track with the SWK standard. I wouldn't go for one the thrifty or economy kilts though. I had a thrifty and wasn't satisfied at all, but the standard isn't bad. Just be advised that if camping is one of the intended uses for this kilt stay back from the fire. Acrylic burns easily, and you could wind up in a hurt locker very quickly. While I don't have one of the SWK heavyweight wools, I've read good reviews and they appear to be very well suited to outdoor activities of all types. Plus, at that price they are a bargain. A saffron heavyweight is on my list as well.

[thescot]

Go with the Stillwater. It really feels like a wool kilt and it good enough for most daily outings. When I get my acryllic to mail to Rob, I'd forgotten how nice it was for an inexpensive kilt. It feels like wool, and looks pretty good. I only sold it because I'd bought the wool version sometime later.

You won't go wrong with SWK, and the service is par excedllence.

[Dale Seago]

Go with the Stillwater. It really feels like a wool kilt and it good enough for most daily outings. When I get my acryllic to mail to Rob, I'd forgotten how nice it was for an inexpensive kilt. It feels like wool, and looks pretty good. I only sold it because I'd bought the wool version sometime later.

You won't go wrong with SWK, and the service is par excedllence.

I agree. I have three acrylic Stillwater Standards, and a Stillwater wool Leatherneck. I probably wouldn't do it among kilted cognoscenti, but I've worn the acrylic to excellent effect on fairly formal occasions among mainly-non kilted folk.

I have a PV I do like a bit better than the acrylics. But for the price I don't think you could do better than a Stillwater Standard.

[The Thirsty Viking]

I agree. I have three acrylic Stillwater Standards, and a Stillwater wool Leatherneck. I probably wouldn't do it among kilted cognoscenti, but I've worn the acrylic to excellent effect on fairly formal occasions among mainly-non kilted folk.

I have a PV I do like a bit better than the acrylics. But for the price I don't think you could do better than a Stillwater Standard.

Quoted for truth.

I absolutely love my SWK standard. It has become my favorite casual kilt, but it does dress up pretty nicely. In a sea of tanks, you will definitely notice the difference, but on occasion where few or no other kilts are around, It passes nicely.

Also, its just bloody comfortable. I throw it on with a cap, boots and t-shirt, and spend the whole day in it on a regular basis. And as has been said, SWK is a pillar of customer service, and should serve as an example for many other vendors of any trade.

[Fitzy]

My first kilt was a Stillwater Irish National that my Girlfriend bought for me. I've only worn it a few times, but it is very comfortable.

It looks and feels like wool heavier than it is, but without any itchy-ness. I only notice the differance in it when I place it next to the five yarder that Rocky made for me. The 5 yarder's wool is a bit stiffer and looks smoother with a more uniform, tighter weave.

The only problem I have with it is that the bottom edge is uneven, especially at each of the vertical white stripes. Standing back several feet, the uneveness doesn't show unless you know it's there. You can see the affect on the threesome wearing the same Irish National on the opening page of their website. I don't see that happening with any of their other tartans so I think it's unique to just that tartan weave.

And for the little use it's had, it is starting to fray in one small spot at the bottom of a pleat. The good news, being a synthetic, I can stop the fray with the careful application of a heat knife.

For the money, it's a nice kilt, it doesn't itch, and I don't have to worry about moths.

However, after getting Rocky's five yarder, I'm spoiled !

Paul