USA Kilts Casual VS SWK

[Larry124]

IMHO:
SWK is softer and warmer (stationary).
USAK is cooler and firmer/more wind-proof.
In the spring or autumn seasons either will answer.
In summer I prefer cotton or poly-cotton (solids) from AmeriKilt or SportKilt.

[Thebigeman77]

I own a USAK Casual and a (soon two) SWK Standards. I plan on getting a USAK Semi-Trad someday, though the casuals do me all the needed things that I look for in a kilt right now.

The USAK and SWKs are really hard to compare because, as Ron said, the materials are just so different. I happen to like wearing both personally, but it depends on weather and on which tartan I feel like that day.

I agree with Ron and get yourself one of each, honestly. Each has its own merits. SWKs are an extraordinary value, but they are also slightly harder to wear. If you are looking at a USAK, I wouldn't go for an OTR; if you're going to be dealing with Rocky, you might as well get a to-measurement custom casual or semi-trad.

Either choice you will be happy with, and, in my wardrobe, each sees heavy use. I am getting my 2nd SWK because Jerry had a Nightstalker in my size finally and I like my other SWK and I wanted to get a 4th kilt, but wanted to keep my cost lower. I plan on ordering myself a 2nd USAK of some sort in St. David's tartan as my 5th sometime around my birthday, depending on the funds that I have then.

Moral of the story is, to me, for casual wear, you can't go wrong with either. It's really a matter of do you need a made-to-measure or OTR, and does the PV of USAK trump the Soft, towel-like acrylic of the SWKs? and how much are you willing to put out for your new kilt if that too is a factor.

I went with the SWK this time around instead of a new USAK for that reason and because I plan to probably buy a casual, which will see more wear come spring, when it'd be done being made and, for me, the SWKs serve for great winter-wear compared to my USAK Casual.

Best regards, and you'll like either you end up with I assure you.

[Riverkilt]

Afterthought for Sathor,

Since you already own a SWK you could check the threads comparing USA Kilts Casual and Sportkilts. You'd get the detailed info on USA Kilts Casual there...very detailed info on some posts.

Ron

[sathor]

Somehow, I think that should have been obvious to me, and I missed it. But I think I know what I am going to do. (And I am sure it's going to cost me.)

On a almost related note, for Jacket size, is that really just as simple as the largest measure around my body? That sounds almost too easy, after seeing all the kilt measurement numbers.

Afterthought for Sathor,

Since you already own a SWK you could check the threads comparing USA Kilts Casual and Sportkilts. You'd get the detailed info on USA Kilts Casual there...very detailed info on some posts.

Ron

[chasem]

On a almost related note, for Jacket size, is that really just as simple as the largest measure around my body? That sounds almost too easy, after seeing all the kilt measurement numbers.

Sort of. There are actually a few more for a made-to-measure jacket, chest, sleeve length, jacket length, and I may be missing one or two. For an off-the-rack though, generally you'll need chest measurement and one of short/regular/long

[RockyR]

For our off the rack jackets (the ones that are on sale), it's generally chest size + 2 or 3 inches. They tend to run a bit snug.

You'll also need to know if you're short, regular or long. If you need to know the sleeve length, I can tell you that as well (once you give me the jacket chest size).

Here's the prper way to measure for a jacket***:

http://www.usakilts.com/store/jacketmeasure.php

Hope that helps!


*** this is the proper way to measure for a MTM jacket from OUR Store. Other companies may use different measuring instructions.

[sathor]

For our off the rack jackets (the ones that are on sale), it's generally chest size + 2 or 3 inches. They tend to run a bit snug.

You'll also need to know if you're short, regular or long. If you need to know the sleeve length, I can tell you that as well (once you give me the jacket chest size).

I'm a bit surprised you didn't pipe up on this thread earlier, but I would think you would be biased, but that's a different thing altogether. I am planning on getting a jacket eventually, I think that when I do place my order with you, I'll get a few t-shirts, and save the Jacket for later. (I should have a jacket already from a suit, if it still fits... I think you mentioned on the site using a jacket to measure with.)

(I'm just happy I get an extra paycheck this month.)

[RockyR]

I'm a bit surprised you didn't pipe up on this thread earlier, but I would think you would be biased, but that's a different thing altogether.

When people ask for comparisons or feedback on our products, I generally try to allow others to give their honest opinions about them and let others guide 'newbies' as I obviously have a 'conflict of interest'. If someone asks me a direct question or I think I have something to add to a discussion or need to clarify something, then I chime in.

Xmarks is a valuable resource for people to get honest feedback about different companies. While USAK is an advertiser here, I try not to make my posts a 'commercial' for USAK. I gladly refer people to other companies when I think it's warranted and I enjoy posting up here as a 'member', not an advertiser.

[Haegl]

I don't know about anyone elase but I use SWK and USA kilts like I would a pair of jeans, I keep my tanks for dress and more formal occasions and use the latter for everyday use.

[SteveB]

Are you sure you don't have any friends in the D.P.W. who would like to sponsor a few kilts for you? Or former snow plow operators?