Kiltmart, Stillwater Kilts, reviews etc etc... HELP PLEASE

[beverlonian]

Many posts here give Stillwater good copy. I'm afraid I have to disagree. Although they are relatively cheap, it has been said many times in other topics that "you get what you pay for". I found mine to be ill-fitting and pleats soon lost their shape. Never wear it now, total waste of money. Apologies to those who find them satisfactory.

[Casey]

Colin,

I hope you are not discounting our execellent Canadian kiltmakers.

Casey

[beerbecue]

I'm with beverlonian on this one concerning stillwater... the more I wear mine, the less I like it... even after altering it and working on it quite a bit...

If you have the opportunity to go for a hand-sewn traditional, that is definitely the way to go... however, you still get what you pay for...

In terms of the other supplier mentioned here, does hand-sewn really mean hand-sewn? all the stitches? there are literally thousands of stitches in the pleats alone.... at the advertised price, I have to be skeptical of those kilts.......

In my opinion, however, the kilt doesn't have to be made in Scotland to qualify as REAL, there are MANY excellent kiltmakers on the N.A. continent....

As I am still very new to kilts myself, these are all just opinion, but from my personal experience, I would rather have not purchased my first couple of kilts and used the money to buy one that was of better quality... even though the Jones are very painful, it will probably pay off in the long run to be patient and spend your money wisely....

[macwilkin]

If you have the opportunity to go for a hand-sewn traditional, that is definitely the way to go... however, you still get what you pay for...

In terms of the other supplier mentioned here, does hand-sewn really mean hand-sewn? all the stitches? there are literally thousands of stitches in the pleats alone.... at the advertised price, I have to be skeptical of those kilts.......

In my opinion, however, the kilt doesn't have to be made in Scotland to qualify as REAL, there are MANY excellent kiltmakers on the N.A. continent....

Quite right, sir: Hector Russell's Toronto branch, Burnett & Struth's in Barrie, Ontario, Kathy Lare in New Mexico and our own Bear in BC all come to mind.

You do get what you pay for, so whilst a traditional handsewn may be expensive, it will still be a quality and sound investment down the road, as well as an hierloom to pass on -- that's priceless.

Cheers,

Todd

[Colin]

Colin,

I hope you are not discounting our execellent Canadian kiltmakers.

Casey

Never!! I would always promote them first.In fact I have my 5th on order already. As an extra bit of information, Bear is now offering traditional handsewn kilts http://bearkilts.com/traditional/traditionalkilts.html . I can't wait to see how one of those turns out.

However the question on the poll was Stillwater kilt or Handsewn Traditional.

All I said was you can't go wrong with a handsewn traditional (no vendor named).

[Canuck]

In terms of the other supplier mentioned here, does hand-sewn really mean hand-sewn? all the stitches? there are literally thousands of stitches in the pleats alone.... at the advertised price, I have to be skeptical of those kilts.......

...

Not sure about the other supplier....but a hand sewn,... as most of us are given to understand is ,Yes, the pleats and the assembly of the kilt is hand sewn, and when you come to think of it. the amount of material = to, two quality business suits + being hand made custom fit to you. The reality is, that a kilt is a bargan!
What does one pay for a wool tailor made suit these days?....
Save your pennies there is a difference.....

[Raphael]

The last time I checked, $700 and the wait is 6-8 weeks.

[Jimmy Carbomb]

Let's clear this up real fast. "Traditional" in terms of a kilt just means that there are numerous, thin pleats and three buckles according to all the kiltmaker sites. There is NO mention of the tapering, the wool material, the quality of the fabric, or the education of the kiltmakers in MANY cases. Buyer beware.

"Hand-sewn" means just that. NOT 99% hand-sewn and 1% machine or whatever. "Hand-sewn" is a true art that can not be learned (properly) without a load of education and experience. There's also a stitching that NO machine can immitate. It's VERY easy to spot as Barb will attest to.

As for the two companies that you've mentioned, I have disected and altered BOTH many times over. I've had the opportunity to touch the materials. I have had the opportunity to examine the stitching that I've had to rip in order to make the alterations. I've also had the leather straps in-hand, and seen how they're applied to the kilt.

I will tell you this much... YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR. If you're happy with the kilt... GREAT! If you want something that will last longer and stand-up to maintenance, then you'll need to keep searching. Look for a QUALITY material that will stand-up to time... usually wool. Look for a reputable kiltmaker with good feedback from knowledgable kilt owners. Ask the kiltmaker about the taper of the apron, and the width for YOUR waist size. Ask about the pleating. Ask about the "return policy".

You CAN get a custom-made kilt for only a few bucks more, and it will last a LOT longer. You can check with the Formalwear stores in your area for "re-sell" kilts. Highland Heritage in Philly is just one example. An HONEST handsewn for $250 is just unbeatable. If that's still too much... surf and search.

If worse comes to worst... find some wool material on the web (or wherever) and ask a kiltmaker to do it for you at a discounted price. Believe us, it's MORE than worth the time to research the options and get what you'll be happy with in 2025.

[beerbecue]

Not sure about the other supplier....but a hand sewn,... as most of us are given to understand is ,Yes

I was pondering what hand-sewn was in terms of a kilt that costs $79.

And, once again, Jimmy is right. Ultimately, if an individual is happy with what they have, that is the real test.

And to reiterate what the Rt. Hon. Carbomb mentioned as well, just a few phone calls to places that rent kilts, and you can have one in your hands for very little compared to what they cost new..

I'll tell you one thing.... I have been working on my first kilt now for almost 2 months, granted, most of the stitching has been done on the weekends, and I am a novice sewer - well, regardless - it is a lot of work to do, and even more work to do it well (which I am still trying). My hats off to all of you who do this for a living with the high quality that you are known for.

I look forward to the day when I can place orders with the lot that post regularly here...(keep fingers crossed for good professor position)