Quote Originally Posted by arrogcow
Anyone have a USA kilts Philabeg and a Stillwater standard that can make a fair comparison. I am thinking about jumping on the Thompson bandwagon (my mother is a Thompson), but had had a few other kilts in mind first, so trying to decide on the Philabeg or wait and get a more substantial kilt later in Thompson.

Adam
Style:
USAK- they're sewn to fit the individual in waist, length and hips.
SW- they're sewn to fit in waist, but the hips and length are set at their sizes.

Material:
USAK- you have options, but the PV is wash-and-wear.
SW- they're acryllic and pretty much wash-and-wear with a little ironing.

Closure:
USAK- velcro
SW- three buckles

Tartans:
USAK- you want your clan?
SW- you get the few that they have.

Customer Service:
USAK- you'll get a custom-fit in pretty good time.
SW- you'll get a kilt in days that may need a little easy altering.

Value:
USAK- no question that the Philabeg or a BearKilt is GREAT for the money.
SW- still one of the best values in style and cost.

Overall, you're looking at two entirely different kilts. Sure they're tartans, but the look and fit is not the same. I happen to know how to hem a Stillwater, so they're a great value... and that's the one beef that guys have. The USAK will arrive ready-to-wear in virtually every case. The Stillwaters have three buckles and multiple/thin pleats that resemble a traditional. The USAK Philabegs are more like the casuals that we know, but have the draw of being (pretty much) maintenance-free.

Since I wear both, I can highly recommend both. Just be aware that the Philabeg is a comfortable casual, and the Stillwater is a little more formal in appearance.

The "Thompson" issue can only be met by USAK.