Which kilt- Stillwater Economy or Kiltmart Affordable?

[Tommie]

kakkui,How many companys do you know that would send you another kilt before you return a kilt that was sent in the wrong size by mistake.

Jerry did that for me,and I doubt seriously he even knows who I am.
My only contact with SWK was to inform them by e-mail they sent the wrong size,and asked how I could exchange it.
I recieved a reply within two hours with instructions,which included an apology for the mistake.

To accuse Jerry of showing special favors to members of this website is sheer nonsense.

[Spartan]

I'm certainly impressed with the reputation of SWK as evidenced in this thread. I will definitely consider them seriously for a future kilt. In fact I've got my eye on a MacRae, since it's in the family line.

Getting back to the original question, he wants a cheapo that he doesn't have to worry about. With that criteria, you can't go far wrong for $30.

[CDNSushi]

Though I've ordered from both companies, I would also be comparing apples and oranges (at least as far as kilt quality goes) because I too ordered the SWK standard. But if you want to read everything I had to say to compare the two companies, do a General forum search for the keywords: Kiltmart naive review, and you should be able to find it. It was only a few months ago.

My two bits on the Thrifty is this: the fact that it has velcro also makes me shudder. So does the fact that it's reversible. From the 4 kilts I now own, I've learned to appreciate two things. One, an inner lining. Don't know if the Thrifty SWK has it -- the standard does and the KM Affordable does too. Second, sewn-down pleats. Again, the SWK standard has it, the KM Affordable didn't... But a trip to the seamstress took care of that for $15 and it looks (and feels) really sharp now. Why is that so important? I found that without the pleats sewn down, the kilt was a bit too womens' skirt-like for my taste. It really didn't hang nicely and didn't have the right "swing" that I got so used to when I wore my SWK Standard. It really did make a world of difference for me -- maybe it's just my body shape. Individual results may vary. When I received my most recent kilt, Black Watch from Hassan Geoffrey in Pakistan, I didn't even have it on for 15 minutes before it was on its way to the seamstress to get the pleats sewn. For me, if one kilt had it and the other didn't, that would be the deal-breaker right there.

If I really had to buy another el-cheapo kilt, it would be a toss-up for me too. I'd almost say flip a friggin' coin, to be honest. In the end, I think I agree with what some of the others have been saying here -- if you can afford it, don't skimp, pay the extra $$ and upgrade to the SWK standard. It's a damn fine kilt. Sturdy, comfortable and it fits well.

[Ayin McFye]

the fact that it has velcro also makes me shudder.

It's a cheater kilt for a cheap price. The velcro is actually rather nice. I use my SWK thrifty for an after shower kilt. I dry off using a towel, and then I just wrap the Thrifty on in a matter of seconds. Trust me I like a good set of buckles, but if someone is looking for a quality "Cheapo" kilt then the Thrifty is the way to go in my opinion. Obviously we all have our standards that we like to live up to, so I'm sure there are many kilt wearers out there that not only would NEVER wear a thrifty, many won't wear anything less than a tank.

To each their own.

[Starshine]

Starshine,

For simplicity's sake I have merged your two threads into one.

Thanks Jamie, that makes it much easier to find everything.

But if you want to read everything I had to say to compare the two companies, do a General forum search for the keywords: Kiltmart naive review, and you should be able to find it. It was only a few months ago.

It's funny you mention that, yours is one of the first threads I found when I started looking for reviews!

It looks like the overwhelming response is for Stillwater, which I was leaning toward anyway. The only thing that bothers me a bit is the economy being closeout with no returns, but for the price I can probably sell it on eBay if for some reason it doesn't fit quite right. Everyone also has me considering the standard instead, but I think that'll depend on what kind of deals I can get on Black Friday for some of the other "toys" hubby wants (well ok, me too but don't tell). It sounds like I'm definitely safe to wait until after then if I order from Stillwater with their super fast shipping. :mrgreen:

Thanks again for all the help!!!

[Brewboy]

I should say right off the bat that I am a huge fan of Stillwater and own 5 Stillwater kilts, including 2 economy kilts. On the last economy I got (Irish National Tartan closeout), however, one of the straps started disintegrating after one wash. It's almost in two pieces now.

I have not bought from Kiltmart, but read a review that said there were some problems with the straps on those too (detaching from the kilt I believe).

You get what you pay for.

I do still love Stillwater, and my solid black economy kilt has made it through several washes unharmed.

[O'Callaghan]

I have no experience with Kiltmart, but one of my kilts is a Thrifty Kilt from Stillwater Kilts. The acryllic material 'pills' a bit, but it is warm and looks good. It has sewn-down pleats, which makes the pleats hold better. There is no lining in the Thrifty, and I'm not sure if the Economy Kilts were lined. I say 'were' because they are non-returnable closeout specials. Anyway, I'm very pleased with my Thrifty Kilt.

AFAIK the Economy is basically the Thrifty with buckles. I'll risk being flamed and say I'd sooner have Velcro anyway. I get what you say about your husband having been traumatised by his mother with Velcro shoes, which I think do look very dorky, LOL! My wife had to wear them when she had just come out of hospital, and they do make you look like an invalid or a senior citizen, IMHO. On a Thrifty Kilt the Velcro shows slightly if you are bigger than the middle of the size range, but even that could be covered by wearing a wide belt, which a lot of guys wear with their kilts anyway, although I don't think my Thrifty Kilt has any belt loops. Personally, I always wear a belt with trousers, but don't bother to wear one with a kilt, but that's just me.

My order from Stillwater Kilts came so fast I was wondering how he did it, like does he have a time machine or something? Perhaps he's really Dr. Who, LOL! No favouritism there either. He doesn't know me from Adam.

[Dan R Porter]

I purchased a thrifty Kilt fro SWK last year and it was my first kilt. I am no expert on kilts by any means. I have yet to purchase any more kilts due to the fact that I am poor, But I love the thrifty.

One mistake I made was wearing it to a St. Paddys parade, see pic below, and let me tell you the smallest gust of wind will show everything off to the other bystanders.

Here is a pic of the thrifty, since I dont see any in this forum, though I have seen many standards and heavyweights from SWK.





If you would like more pics of my thrifty (Such as inside the kilt or anything else) let me know I have a digi camera and can post in minutes. Goodluck!

[dowofbuchanan]

looks like jerrys still the man ... i was actually looking at kiltmart too ... but seeing the thrifty in my tartan out on the street ... good to go ... btw not to hijack but where did ya get that ira shirt