Stillwater Economy vs. Sport Kilt

[NewKilt]

I have 5 Stillwater kilts: 2 heavyweights and 3 standards. I'm also planning to purchase the Stillwater Irish National when the 2006 model is available. At the same time, I'm in the process of selling off all of my Sport Kilts, but before I do, I was wondering If anyone knows how the Stillwater Economy Models compare to the Sport Kilts with the sewn down pleats. I thought I would pick up a couple of the Stillwater Economies to knock around in because I like the traditional styling, but if the Sport Kilts are better than the Economies, I would probably hang on to a few.

I would appreciate any advice you can give me.

Darrell

[cavscout]

The best thing I can say about the sportkilt is the elastic waistband makes for easy on and off without the rip of velcro or adjusting straps. Since you have one already I would keep one simply to have the option.

[GlassMan]

Even the Stillwater Economies are a completely different beast than a SportKilt. SportKilts are great for hot weather and athletics. I have 4 SportKilts in my collection for the express purpose of wearing them out on summer days that are simply too hot. If you're thinking about a Stillwater Economy, I suggest buying one first and then deciding if you really want to get rid of your SportKilts.

[Riverkilt]

I'm pretty blind at this...have two of the old gathered SportKilts and one of the new sewn down pleat SportKilts. Don't have any Stillwaters since they only size them around, not up and down.

SportKilt now lets you order custom length (for a fee) but what's the point of having a kilt too long or having the first thing you do after buying a kilt be find someone to adjust the length properly.

Other difference would seem to be the fabric. SportKilts come in cotton/poly while I think the Stillwaters come in acrylic.

I think Sportkilts are sewn up in California while Stillwaters are sewn up overseas...? Correct me if I'm wrong. That may be why Stillwater clings to the fixed length...easier to do adjustment work if your sewing machines are nearby.

A few months ago I had intentions of buying a Stillwater to make this comparison...got stymied by the fixed length. The Stillwater folks are polite, but they won't budge and deal with the reality of people having different length legs. SportKilt didn't budge either, until they got real a few months ago.

Hopefully, Stillwater will follow SportKilts lead and offer custom lengths for a fee.

And true, SportKilts are great for hot weather hiking...not only cool, but from a distance most folks don't see anything but a kilt.

No clue why SportKilt puts that funny little pocket in the front. I can never get to it without un velcroing...which makes it useless except for a secret stash I won't need until undressed. Would rather have the cost savings than the pocket. Thinking about cutting my SportKilt pockets up for belt loops and flashes.

Not sure that helps, and may even be wrong. I'm sure if it is someone will be kind enough to correct me.

Ron

[Jerry]

I just ordered one of the solid black Stillwater economies. I plan on using it for wear around the house . I currently have three of the older Sport kilts with no rise above the pleats, which I wouldn't wear out in public. The economy will probably be a different story.

[Jimmy Carbomb]

Simply put...

Stillwater Economy Kilts are fine for going out in public and doing golf, festivals, lounging, etc.

SportKilts are fine for in the house, washing the car or being around anyone that doesn't know what a real kilt is.

I used to own both but have "released" all of them in lieu of a load of my casuals.

[Colin]

Here's the major differences that I have gathered from this board

STILLWATER has continous praise for their product, their service, their turnaround time, their desire to meet consumer wants, and their ever changing product offerings. Stick with the standard though. For a little bit more you are getting a whole lot more.

SPORTKILT seems to have a few satisfied customers, althought the vast majority are not happy with the product. The quality of their service, product, and shipping methods have been questioned numerous times, their product will never actually be mistaken for a nice looking kilt, the fit and hang look horrid, and most people that own one say they would never buy one again.

Stillwater makes kilts whereas Sportkilt (despite the name) makes mobile changing rooms.

I too have withheld from ordering because of the set length (it's the length I need though) but Stillwater offers instructions on how to shorten the kilt yourself so that upon arrival you are not looking for alterations.

I am not sure if Sportkilt offers instructions on how to turn their "kilts" into something resembling a kilt once you get it.

[Raphael]

I have both and have retired both of them.

My Sportkilt was purchased back in 96' as a portable change room when I was racing mountain bike. It was no more than a wrap around towel with a tartan print.

My Stillwater Economy was great for awhile. It looked way better than that Sport kilt. It was warmer than the ultra light weight Sport Kilt. I don't have a problem with them not offering custom length. It is probably quicker if I do the length altering locally.

[mudd]

I have a couple of each (actually a standard and heavyweight SWK but not economy) and I’d like to speak up for the SportKilt.

It’s a very nice lightweight and comfortable casual kilt. I stress the word casual because it’s not supposed to be a traditional kilt and it isn’t.

I like to wear them around the house and working out in the basement. (It really look cool working out in a kilt, you know).

I especially like the elastic waist. You can just set the size with the Velcro and leave it, even while washing; which I would do with Velcro anyway.

One negative though, I do think they should be priced a little lower. If you pay for the belt loops and the sewn down pleats, it’s about a much as a USA casual; which is a much better garment.

Cheerios, :-)

[AckZel]

SportKilt is great at the gym!