Acrylic vs. Poly Viscose

**MrShoe** · 23rd January 10, 02:37 PM

If I was to buy a "trial" kilt to see what I thought of kilting it would be an acrylic. Followed closely by a better economy/casual/value kilt of PV and better construction. I would wear those two until I determined what proper kilt I wanted and who I would have make it.

Kennethrmc,

Thank you so much for your reply. I have been torn between a USA "off the rack" in Irish Heritage and a SWK Heavy weight in Saffron. (OTR due to when I need it shipped to me) My desire is to buy a Saffron kilt, but public opinion said buy from USA. Public opinion also said buy "Wool over PV", but that Pakistani kilts are "bad". This will be my first and will be worn for St Patrick's Day wheich here in Michigan can be VERY chilly. I want it to last with minimal usage and be nice enough to wear with a jacket and waist coat.

To me I thought it a no brainier. Wool vs PV at the same price. Wool. But I have not been able to get straight answers to my situation.

Anyone else care to weigh in.

**Smayniac** · 23rd January 10, 02:42 PM

I bought a wool SWK for my now ten year old. We're both happy with it. The objections to Pakistani kilts here are generally about the failure to disclose origin in advertising. Jerry at SWK has high marks on all counts, yes his goods are from Pakistan, but he's up front about that and his service is first rate.

Bob

**Semiomniscient** · 23rd January 10, 02:43 PM

Originally Posted by NewEnglander

Where did you get yours?

It was my dad's who gave it to me, and my grandmother took in it (albeit she made the apron too narrow and it needs to be fixed.) He got it by trading a set of bagpipes to someone back in the 80's. It's not a cheap kilt and wouldn't compare price-wise to a synthetic one. It is hand-made afterall. But if you refuse to wear anything but wool, it will be a bit cheaper than heavy-weight worsted.

**timseh** · 23rd January 10, 03:49 PM

I have 2 SWK Standards (acrylic). I have to say I've been pleased with them. I have to admit, they don't breathe all that well, at least when walking around Vegas in 90º+ weather, but they look nice and I've gotten plenty of compliments on both of them. For the price, I think they're a good value.

Other than special occasions, I'm much more likely to be seen in a UK, but that's just a matter of preference and an active lifestyle.

**fluter** · 24th January 10, 08:45 PM

Originally Posted by MrShoe

To me I thought it a no brainier. Wool vs PV at the same price. Wool. But I have not been able to get straight answers to my situation.

Anyone else care to weigh in.

As I hinted before, it depends whether they fit you! However if the sizes are OK, you cannot go wrong with either the SWK heavyweight or the USAK casual.

Actually I think (check with Rocky) the SWK may give a bit more hip room for a given size. The off-the-rack USAK is about waist + 4 inches.

I would never discourage anyone from dealing with USAK, but the Stillwater saffron may suit your requirements best. March in Michigan sounds like a good fit for wool. The SWK wool will have a little more fabric, more pleats, and more "swish." Consider a USAK semi-trad for a subsequent kilt, or the casual model if you want something extra light-weight for summer. Down here at latitude 34, I wear both models in summer.

**Santa Wally** · 24th January 10, 09:26 PM

Originally Posted by MrShoe

If I was to buy a "trial" kilt to see what I thought of kilting it would be an acrylic. Followed closely by a better economy/casual/value kilt of PV and better construction. I would wear those two until I determined what proper kilt I wanted and who I would have make it.

Kennethrmc,

Thank you so much for your reply. I have been torn between a USA "off the rack" in Irish Heritage and a SWK Heavy weight in Saffron. (OTR due to when I need it shipped to me) My desire is to buy a Saffron kilt, but public opinion said buy from USA. Public opinion also said buy "Wool over PV", but that Pakistani kilts are "bad". This will be my first and will be worn for St Patrick's Day wheich here in Michigan can be VERY chilly. I want it to last with minimal usage and be nice enough to wear with a jacket and waist coat.

To me I thought it a no brainier. Wool vs PV at the same price. Wool. But I have not been able to get straight answers to my situation.

Anyone else care to weigh in.

You need to find out what your measurements are, check out the websites of of a kiltmaker with "how to measure instructions" and if you are going for an "off the rack kilt", you'll want to it's measurements, including the length. You won't be happy with a bad fitting kilt that's too long even if it is made of wool.

My suggestion, order a made to your measurements PV casual kilt from Rocky at USAKilts. You'll be able to know how it fits. Then order your wool kilt made to order. You'll be much happier and you'll have 2 kilts rather than one poor fitting wool kilt.

Don't wait, it takes some time to get a made to measure kilt after you order. Call and speak directly with the kiltmaker's rep to have questions answered about your order.

**MrShoe** · 25th January 10, 02:11 PM

Santa Wally -
I know my measurement and have already waited too long to get a made to order form Rocky. Well, I could pay the $25 to rush it but that defeats the point of price. My bad for waiting so long. An off the rack being too long won't be an issue at 6"4". I was holding out hopes of finding a retailer selling a saffron around $100 in PV.

Fluter -
"off the rack" sizes should be alright for me. My breech measure is about waist +5 so they should not be too off.

**Santa Wally** · 25th January 10, 03:43 PM

Originally Posted by MrShoe

Santa Wally -
I know my measurement and have already waited too long to get a made to order form Rocky. Well, I could pay the $25 to rush it but that defeats the point of price. My bad for waiting so long. An off the rack being too long won't be an issue at 6"4". I was holding out hopes of finding a retailer selling a saffron around $100 in PV.

Fluter -
"off the rack" sizes should be alright for me. My breech measure is about waist +5 so they should not be too off.

I'm sure you won't have a length problem being 6'4". I'm 5'8" so an off the rack length would be well below my knee and I wouldn't feel right in it, wouldn't look right in it either.

**seanachie** · 26th January 10, 06:58 PM

Originally Posted by MrShoe

I have been torn between a USA "off the rack" in Irish Heritage and a SWK Heavy weight in Saffron. (OTR due to when I need it shipped to me) My desire is to buy a Saffron kilt, but public opinion said buy from USA. Public opinion also said buy "Wool over PV", but that Pakistani kilts are "bad". This will be my first and will be worn for St Patrick's Day wheich here in Michigan can be VERY chilly. I want it to last with minimal usage and be nice enough to wear with a jacket and waist coat.

If Jerry has a Saffron heavyweight in stock in your size I would grab it. I really wanted the heavyweight and waited several weeks for one to come in stock in my size and it did not happen. Jerry is really good about updating info on the site. If you pass it up now then down the line one may not necessarily be in stock. I had an event that I needed the kilt for so I purchased the Standard Saffron. I DO like the standard a great deal and it was at hit at my wife's Christmas party. I don't have a USAK yet but am planning on it. I have bought a couple kilts and accessories from SWK and feel they provide excellent value for the money and outstanding service.

**Detroitpete** · 27th January 10, 06:36 AM

Originally Posted by MrShoe

If I was to buy a "trial" kilt to see what I thought of kilting it would be an acrylic. Followed closely by a better economy/casual/value kilt of PV and better construction. I would wear those two until I determined what proper kilt I wanted and who I would have make it.

Kennethrmc,

Thank you so much for your reply. I have been torn between a USA "off the rack" in Irish Heritage and a SWK Heavy weight in Saffron. (OTR due to when I need it shipped to me) My desire is to buy a Saffron kilt, but public opinion said buy from USA. Public opinion also said buy "Wool over PV", but that Pakistani kilts are "bad". This will be my first and will be worn for St Patrick's Day wheich here in Michigan can be VERY chilly. I want it to last with minimal usage and be nice enough to wear with a jacket and waist coat.

To me I thought it a no brainier. Wool vs PV at the same price. Wool. But I have not been able to get straight answers to my situation.

Anyone else care to weigh in.

Aye Brother, time is closing in on us, eh? This is just my opinion: If Rocky has the kilt you like in your size "off the rack" at a price that makes sense to you, and can get it to you in time, I'd say snatch it up. If the answer is no to any of the preceeding--run to Jerry at SWK and get the heavyweight. Either way, you'll have a great first kilt.

Is the parade you're in, in Pinkney?