Stillwater Thrifty Review

**Downunder Kilt** · 9th August 12, 04:03 PM

Not a problem mate, hope you enjoy the kilting experience, and get yourself the "addiction, like a lot of others here.

**sailortats** · 9th August 12, 05:49 PM

I think you are being a little harsh on your critique of the SWK thrifty kilt Fat Irish. I just got one in the mail yesterday from them and I was pleasantly surprised at just how good it was considering the price I paid for it. Granted it is not a 16oz wool tank, but then it doesn't claim to be. For someone just wanting a kilt to see if they like it or not, I would say this is a good way to go.
I bought it as a gift for someone that will probably only wear it once or twice a year. I gave it to him today and he was very happy with it. I certainly will not be ashamed to be seen with him when we are both kilted at the Highland Games next month.
Let me just say this: for the price you could do a lot worse than the SWK thrifty.

**MacGumerait** · 10th August 12, 12:04 AM

Fat Irish ,

I own an SWK economy kilt ( the next step up from the " thrifty ") in Black Watch and was quite pleased when I got it considering that I was ordering a budget kilt . I own two 8 yd tanks , but recently wore my SWK economy to two local Highland Games due to the heat ( whew ! , hot here in the midwest ) and was very pleased .

Of course , as you stated , these are not " tanks " but I found the SWK economy kilt did just fine . Naturally it doesn't have the same hang and swag of a tank , but I was willing to forgo that given the temps . :)

By the way , you might check out " brewerpaul's " thread on an SWK economy kilt that is being offered in 100% wool ( as opposed to acrylic ) in Black Watch tartan . http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...-review-73426/ .

This might be an inexpensive way ( $ 84 ) to jump up a notch and get a budget kilt that may give you a little more traditional features and still fit the budget ( if you're okay with the Black Watch tartan ). I am seriously thinking about ordering one myself as another alternative to the tanks .

Just food for thought . :)

Best kilting to ya and best regards , Mike

**Spinnaker** · 10th August 12, 02:37 AM

I recently received my new SWK Standard kilk, and I can speak nothing but praise(4"'deep pleats, strong buckles). Yes, it is acrylic, but the construction is great. As background, I spent 6 months of research, hemming and hawing, I and I chose Stillwater because of the fine recommendations on this forum. Am very pleased with the above-value I got.

**Mirthlesstroll** · 10th August 12, 05:23 PM

I got the Thrifty for my son, then the brat lost weight!! :-) I did sew the pleats down to the hip - I think that improved the swing some. I think the Thrifty and Economy are good choices for fast-growing kids, and parents on a budget.

**Fat Irish** · 10th August 12, 05:48 PM

Mirthlesstroll, I totally agree. They are prefect for the market they are tailored to (no pun intended)...budget minded kilters.

**Lord Eoin** · 10th August 12, 06:28 PM

I received my Scottish National Thrifty Kilt last night.....My wife sews historical costuming wanted to add the "missing Leather straps". But she thought it was OK for me to wear for SCA and or steampunk as is. My next one will be a "MacKenzie Tartan" as I am a MacKenzie. The Thrifty Kilt is a lot lighter than my wedding kilt in wool. Better for outdoors wear/summer use.

**BatlRatl** · 12th February 13, 03:20 PM

The SWK is great for us Scouters (MacLaren) and scout troops who adopt it as their uniform. It's durable enough and easy on the budget (A scout is thrifty). Overall,
a great deal for those who want one but don't have enough to afford an $800 tank.

Thanks SWK!

**Fat Irish** · 10th August 12, 06:04 PM

Okay, so let me try one more again...apparently I wasn't a very good communicator last time. The down side to any e-communication, is that it is too easy to read into it what was not intended.

I don't dislike Stillwater Kilts, the fine folks who work their, nor even the Pakastanis who make them. My purpose was only to share my oppinion of the product delivered to me. I have heard in this forum and even on the Stillwater site that their Economy and Standard kilts are fine products. I didn't order one of them, I ordered the thrifty. Had I ordered a better model, I'm sure my review would have been as positive as the others I've read on them.

I ordered their cheap-o model because they is what they offer that fits me. The Econ and Standard do not come in my size.

**Fat Irish** · 10th August 12, 05:51 PM

Spinnaker, I've heard that the Economy and the Standard are (according to the Stillwater site) "orders of mangnitude" better quality than the Thrifty. Several people sing their praises on this forum. I'm very happy that you enjoy yours, and I wish I could order one of their better products, alas, my **** is too large for anything they offer other than the thrifty.