Stillwater shadow tartan

**cdarwin** · 11th September 11, 04:11 PM

This is my SWK Heaveweight Black Shadow Tartan kilt. It is a great value, in my opinion. Don't expect a tailor made kilt here. My waist is 35" and I wish my SWK was a 34" instead of the 36". Not a huge deal, just something to consider.

**fluter** · 11th September 11, 05:43 PM

Originally Posted by cdarwin

This is my SWK Heaveweight Black Shadow Tartan kilt. It is a great value, in my opinion. Don't expect a tailor made kilt here. My waist is 35" and I wish my SWK was a 34" instead of the 36". Not a huge deal, just something to consider.

Interestingly enough, I like to buy my Stillwaters up a size, if I'm in between. To me, the apron feels a little narrow the other way. Of course this requires moving a buckle (right) and a strap (left) by an inch.

If you take on that alteration, be aware that the right buckle is sewn in with the top-stitched pleats. So, it's a little more involved than moving the buckle on most traditional kilts; but can be done with sufficient motivation. The pleat has to be repaired after extracting the buckle's fabric tab, then it can be sewn down in the traditional way. See TAoK for details!

This is the black shadow that convinced me; it's an inch smaller than I was.
Still, it's a good looking kilt.

Purple7, on Flickr

**James Hood** · 19th September 11, 06:47 PM

On a calculated whim, this July, 'purcased one each Stillwater Thrifty-Kilt, Economy Kilt and Standard, the total about $180.

In this opinion, one receives precisely what was paid for, a Pakistan-made acrylic suitable for knocking about without regard to if it will get stained or roughed up. The Thrifty proved a perfect garment for Chicago in the summer, temps in the mid-upper 80s and humidity in the 70s.

'Twill be interesting to see how the other two weather the coming seasons.

**OC Richard** · 21st September 11, 03:48 AM

BTW there are a load of ex-hire kilts in a black-on-black tartan, nice 16oz handmade kilts, up on Ebay right now.

**biblemonkey** · 21st September 11, 05:39 AM

Originally Posted by OC Richard

BTW there are a load of ex-hire kilts in a black-on-black tartan, nice 16oz handmade kilts, up on Ebay right now.

Link please?

**fluter** · 21st September 11, 06:24 AM

Originally Posted by biblemonkey

Link please?

I searched "kilt ex-hire black -watch" then "kilt ex hire black isle" for 25 hits.

Seller is unknown to me, but they appear to be doing something right (9,000 positive feedback). Takes PayPal. Ebay store link TARTAN4LESS.

You may get lucky and find your size there, but like many sources the hip measurement is not stated: probably a standard/average ratio similar to Stillwater.

**CMcG** · 21st September 11, 07:49 AM

I have a green Stillwater green shadow tartan and I quite like it. The stock size is a bit too long for me, so I had it hemmed by an inch and a half. The wool is a bit softer than worsted and is quite comfortable. The colour is quite rich and the shadow tartan pattern only shows up in direct sunlight. It doesn't get quite as much wear as my true tartan kilts but it's great for Irish events.

Some of these pics have been posted on the forum before but I'll post them again just for good measure.

The kilt was a xmas present and this was the first time I wore it. December in Vancouver with no snow!