Been done before-But here's my 2 cents

[NorCalPiper]

So I've made the rounds with all the off the rack "Casual" kilts that are out there at this point. I've worn all enough now to form an opinion.

Here it is-

The Poly V kilts from Heritage-

While yes this company is somewhat shameless, I have found that their PV kilt is actually EXTREMELY durable and the material holds the pleats no matter how many in-and-outs you do with a car. I'm finding myself really using these for out and about stuff more and more. The material is stiff at first and takes some wearing to loosen up a bit, but other than that-I find them perfectly worth the money.

The Standards from StillWater-

My first casuals were from Jerry and I love the customer service! I think you all will agree on that. SWK standards are probably the best acrylic out there. They are fun, fit well , and are as comfortable as can be (Although the material isn't pleat friendly for in-and-outs of cars)......I do have one real problem with them though-They material tends to thread-catch pretty easily. I won't wear a sporran chain with these. I even brushed by a door knob that must of had a small burr, because it pulled out about 12 inches of thread....Other than that-These are my preferred casual.

*NOTE* I bought a Heavy Black Watch and I think hands-down, this is the best deal for a wool kilt. Mine is just....well...perfect!

Kiltmart-

Um....Their kilt was OK, but the material was light and didn't hold up well. I don't wear it much if at all...Maybe I got a bum one. But good service.

WPG-
While not quite casual kilts, I did want to give them a thumbs up. Their kilts are REALLY nice and have enjoyed my Black Watch when it was in the 20's at night here in Atlanta (I guess I'm SoGapiper now). A little pricey for me, but no regrets.

[Bugbear]

Well... I only have the SWK kilts on your list, standard and heavyweight, and I agree. The wool SWK kilts are great, and easy to alter and adapt for a better, less off-the-rack fit.

[Atlanta Kiltie]

Welcome to Atlanta.

[Ian.MacAllan]

I have nothing from Heritage or Kiltmart. I agree with your comments on SWK except:
1) I've experienced pilling and pulling only on the saffron Standard, not on the Hunting MacLean Standard.
2) My Black Stewart Thrifty is eminently satisfactory for what it is and will probably prevent my ever needing an Instakilt.

My black SWK Heavy is IMHO the best buy available in wool, though the Burnett's & Struth casual is a VERY close second, as is the WPG Gordon.

I love my WPG Gordon, but in the Maryland climate I don't need another heavyweight, especially at the prices of the others.

.

[kakkui_1037]

Thanks for actually trying out the different companies, there seems to be a lot of partiality, so it is nice to hear an informed opinion.

[Larry124]

...The Poly V kilts from Heritage-
While yes this company is somewhat shameless, I have found that their PV kilt is actually EXTREMELY durable and the material holds the pleats no matter how many in-and-outs you do with a car. I'm finding myself really using these for out and about stuff more and more. The material is stiff at first and takes some wearing to loosen up a bit, but other than that-I find them perfectly worth the money. ...

That is my experience also.

[Nick]

I have a SWK standard, and while after several years of wear and hard use it is pilling, I've never had any problem with pulling threads. I've been wanting a WPG kilt for a while, but haven't bought one yet.

[cessna152towser]

Excellent review.
The only one of those listed which I have is the Heritage of Scotland PV and I can agree with all you say about it.

[McNulty]

Great review and dead-on to my experiences with the above mentioned kiltmakers. The Heritage does soften up after wear, have a bunch of SWK's and use the pilling ones for hiking in the sage brush and scrub oaks out here. Some of the other SWK's I use for school and semi dress ups with my wife(going out to dinner/shows/theater). "The Beast" (my WPG MacKenzie) is for temps of 40F or less. My good wools (Scottishlkilts/E-bay/SWK heavy weights) are for the dressier situations. I agree that dollar for dollar my SWK BW is the best thing out there, but no match for the construction and fit of my IOS and Cameron of Erracht 16oz's Lochcarron. I do wear the SWK heavies more though, even in warmer weather.
Nulty