SWK Economy Kilt Review

[Yodhan]

I wish I could have posted this a little sooner, but as the post truck we pulling up with my box from Silltwater, a tree in the yard a house down the road decided to come crashing down in the middle of the street, blocking the whole road. By the time I made sure everyone was okay that was near it and called the police, it was time to go to work. So, I decided that one part of my testing should be wearing it to the store while shopping for groceries after work. Tonight was one of those lovely lukewarm nights where the clouds were threatening big rainstorms by sprinkling water on me, the nights I love. What a perfect test night.

But, lets start at the beginning.

Ordering and Shipping:
Okay, I think we all know how the shipping part goes when it comes to a SWK. I ordered it Thursday night, got an email it shipped Friday, got it today, Monday. As for ordering, I do wish that they had a few more tartans available in the Economy line. As of right now, they offer the Black Watch and Irish National tartans, as well as a solid black fabric, where the Thrifty has 9 available tartans. I know it is small, but a bigger selection may make them a little more appealing. As with all of the SWK's I own, it came in a bag with a small piece of paper telling you how to remove the basting stitches and to have fun.

Material and Construction:
Material wise, this fabric is lighter that the fabric in my two SWK Standards. I would certainly wear a kilt pin with this kilt if I thought it was going to get a little more than breezy out. It does have a lot of the same options of the Standards. The double fringe edge on the apron is just like my Standard. The buckles feel just like those on my Standard, but the straps, however, feel a little thinner. Not cheap or weak, just thinner. The pleats are just as deep and good and straight. One thing I did notice is that this kilt is a little tighter in the hips compared to my other SWK's. All of my kilts are size 34 and this one is a little tight. Nothing bad, since there is room to adjust the buckles. When I first measured myself, I came right to 34". If someone were in between sizes, I would recommend going the next size up. Also, the belt loops seemed a little thinner than that of my Standard's. I only worry about this because I hang my keys on a clip from my belt all the time.

Looks:
I am a little new to this, so this part may want to be taken with that in mind. It looks like a kilt to me. The fabric looks great to me and the swish is just fine. I think that the Black Watch is a great tartan because it is subdued and dark, yet still with color. I wore it with a black tshirt, black socks, green military cap and black leather belt and sporran (I am a lot more of a casual guy) and thought it looked great.

Conclusion:
I think that for the money, this is a great casual kilt. I would wear this anywhere from lounging in my house to going out to the pub or a casual dinner. If it were a fancier place to eat, I think it would pass the test for most people as long as I wore an appropriate shirt, jacket, etc. I got this one as more of a casual kilt to wear whenever I feel like it and to give my other kilts some resting time so I don't wear them out as fast. For this purpose, the kilt is perfect. Price wise, it is a little close to the Standard, maybe to close for some people, but I think it holds it's place. Looking at the features of the Thrifty, it makes more sense to get the Economy for me if you are looking for something casual. I think that this kilt will hold up longer. No, it won't replace my Standards, but I will happily wear it without feeling shorted. For me, this will most likely be worn on the hotter days when I know I am going to be outside and the lighter material will be a nice treat.

I will post some pictures tomorrow when I get some time. I hope this is helpful to those who are looking into the SWK Economy kilt.

[Highlander31]

Nice review. Thanks for posting it. I look forward to seeing the photos.

[JolyStNicholas]

Thanks for sharing, waiting for the pictures!

[IrishGodfather]

Great review bud! My buddy is thinking about buying a SWK economy as his first kilt, so this is a good post for him to read, appreciate it! And now some PICTURES!

[Kilted Jeeper]

Thanks for posting, I've been considering one of these for my next.

[Yodhan]

Okay, I finally got some pictures taken of the kilt. I wish I could look as snazzy, or have as nice a garden for a backdrop, as Hamish, but my very messy bedroom is what I had today. Also, like I have said, I am a very casual guy, so a matching polo or long sleeve shirt like the one in the picture is way more common than seeing me in a coat and with flashes.





All in all, I really like the kilt. It will serve it's purpose well.

I hope this helps anyone looking for a new kilt.

[KFCarter]

I really do appreciate the detailed review and pics.

[tooltruckguy]

Where did you get the belt bickle you're wearing in the pics?

Thanks.

[Yodhan]

Where did you get the belt bickle you're wearing in the pics?

Thanks.

I picked it up from a friend who worked at a weird kiosk in a mall about three years ago. I lost it for a while and just found it again this past week. I had someone at a bank compliment me on it today. I love it.

[kennethrmc]

Thanks for a useful review. I can see how these economy kilts have their uses. Nice outfit w/ the Blk Watch & green garments.