TKN 16oz. PV v. SWK HW wool -- informed opinions wanted, please

[Tim Little]

Given the choice, if the SWK Heavy was available in the tartan I wanted I would take that route, but I have no problem recommending the TKN kilts.

Thanks, Chris; this is exactly the sort of feedback I've been hoping for!

I wonder if you could elaborate on your preference for the SWK? I seem to be leaning in that direction anyway, but am interested in why in particular you'd go with SWK over TKN.

[Carolina Kiltman]

And even if the standard length is too long, you can always hem it.... I did and it wasn't that hard, just took a little time.

Lucky you! I'm still looking for a kilt stretcher (and a board stretcher too) for that matter. . . ..

[Chrissss]

Thanks, Chris; this is exactly the sort of feedback I've been hoping for!

I wonder if you could elaborate on your preference for the SWK? I seem to be leaning in that direction anyway, but am interested in why in particular you'd go with SWK over TKN.

It's simply that wool should hold up better in the long run. Wool requires less care, less pressing, etc.

I bought the TKN's to try out the fabric and because Brad had tartans that I wanted. And the kilts are just fine. They are solidly built and the cloth should be quite durable. But they wrinkle easier than wool and are a little stiffer.

I would really like of try one of SWK's Heavy's but they don't have any tartans I want.

Chris...

[Tim Little]

Chris -- Excellent; very good to know. Thanks again for the feedback!

[brad.hutchins]

The tag in these kilts say:

65% Viscose Rayon
35% Acetate Fibre

http://www.swicofil.com/viscose.html
http://www.fibersource.com/f-tutor/acetate.htm

Not trying to sell these as anything there are not. The manufacturer sells them as 16 oz PV. I pass that description though but am more then willing to give you what's on the tag.

I've got samples of the acrylic kilts.....these are definitely not acrylic.....I am not a fan of the acrylics....feels like a heavy flannel to me.

Most of these kilts start of a little stiff, but loosen up over time. Some start off much looser, the only thing I can think of to cause this is the way the fibers react to the die.

I also have wool kilts from Lochcarron and House of Edgar come through here....these "PV" kilts or good, but no where near as good as a well made wool kilt. I haven't seen the SWK wool kilts in person, but have heard only good things about them. (plus they are good folks to deal with)

I feel you couldn't go wrong either way you go.

Brad
TKN

[brad.hutchins]

After feeling the physical weight of the first 16 oz wool kilt to come in....I'm more inclined to say the "TKN Kilts" are more of a 13 oz fabric.

I need to get this changed on my web site.

Brad
TKN

[Tim Little]

Excellent, Brad -- thanks for the input!

[billmcc]

...Not trying to sell these as anything there are not...

Brad,

We appreciate your honesty.

Are these kilts made of (about) 8 yards of material or 5 yards of material?

Are the pleats sewn down at the hip like on a traditional wool kilt?

[brad.hutchins]

They are marketed to me as 8 yards.....and they certainly seem to have the requisite amount of fabric, although I have never pull one apart to physically measure. Same company used to offer a 5 yard kilt...which I still have a couple....and there is definitely a huge difference....so...given a certain margin of error...I would say these are 8 yards, or close to it.

The pleats are definitely sewn down, a good 8 inches.....(I can't stand open pleats...they puff out and look too "skirty").

Hope this helps.

Brad

[billmcc]

That was very helpful. Thank you. Some of us are confusing the 8-yard tartan kilts you are currently selling with the 5-yard kilts found elsewhere.

The pleats are definitely sewn down, a good 8 inches.....(I can't stand open pleats...they puff out and look too "skirty").

I agree!!!!!