SWK vs the one from the Ren Fest

**sathor** · 27th October 08, 12:28 PM

I decided to compare my two kilts today, my new one from SWK and my first one, that came from a vendor at the Ohio Ren Fest. The SWK one feels more solid. It has wider and a little thicker straps, and much nicer buckles. Both have 2 belt loops, the same size and placement. The fabric on the Ren Fest one is thinner, and softer, which I think made it blow around a bit more than I expect the SWK one to. They both seem to weigh about the same. The place I bought the first one claims it is 75% Wool blend, (didn't say what the other 25% was) and it cost $120, the Stillwater was $75 (I think) and is 100% Acrylic. SWK has the double fringing, as compared to a single edge on the Ren fest. Both have the traditional bottom, but the pleats on the SWK seem more permanent, at least for now. The Ren fest one seems to smell almost like burning hair, the SWK kinda smells like a sweater. Pleat depth is identical where I checked. The buckles on the SWK are flat with nice soft curve like a hill, (I want to say convex, but I forget if its right. Its like a hill, flat on bottom) The other one I want to say has convex buckles, to me they seem upside down.

Top is the Black one from the ren fest, bottom is the SWK.
I am curious, should a wool blend be thinner and more airy than an acrylic? I wouldn't think a wool blend would be softer. Granted, I've worn the ren fest one a few times, and I haven't the SWK, but it still feels like the SWK standard is a much heavier fabric. Is it likely that the first one (the black one) isn't really wool at all? Overpriced of course, the dealer also claimed they were maid in Scotland, but there are no tags. (I don't think I would buy again from the dealer at the ren fest, perhaps it takes a second kilt to learn what a good kilt really is.)

Also, does the 'tailing' on the bottom seem kinda excessive for only being worn 3 or 4 times?

**ChattanCat** · 27th October 08, 03:13 PM

I am not much help here but there are at least two ways to determine if it is wool. The burn test (wool does not sustain a flame). I don't recommend for a wool blend. The other I have heard of is that bleach will disolve wool and leave other man made materials alone.

Not sure if this helps...

**sathor** · 27th October 08, 04:18 PM

Originally Posted by ChattanCat

I am not much help here but there are at least two ways to determine if it is wool. The burn test (wool does not sustain a flame). I don't recommend for a wool blend. The other I have heard of is that bleach will disolve wool and leave other man made materials alone.

Not sure if this helps...

That's how witches were tested in Salem. If you killed them, they were innocent, if they survived, they were guilty then executed.

**Moosedog** · 27th October 08, 05:50 PM

Well, I'll take a stab at this one.

Even though the kilts look similar, they are somewhat an apple and an orange. Or at least a granny smith and a braeburn.

Each has its pros and cons. I'm guessing the first one is from the Celtic Croft, made of their "homespun" fabric. It is looser and yes, may actually be lighter than the acrylic one from SWK. Fabric composition doesn't dictate its weight. I don't think CCs "homespun" holds a pleat as sharply as worsted twill (commonly used in kilts, it is a tighter weave that holds a crease longer.) I believe they mention this in their catalog, along with photos that show the pleats, which look like yours above.

You worry that the wool one may be overpriced--it did cost more, but you bought it on the spot and were able to fit it and wear it right away, not an insignificant benefit. Wool is a little harder to care for but is more "breathable" and comfortable over a wider range of temperatures. And you won't end up a melted gob if you stand too close to the campfire.

It looks like both kilts are from XMarks advertisers, I would trust either one to provide quality service. Enjoy them both!

Moosedog

**sathor** · 27th October 08, 06:19 PM

Originally Posted by Moosedog

Each has its pros and cons. I'm guessing the first one is from the Celtic Croft, made of their "homespun" fabric. It is looser and yes, may actually be lighter than the acrylic one from SWK. Fabric composition doesn't dictate its weight. I don't think CCs "homespun" holds a pleat as sharply as worsted twill (commonly used in kilts, it is a tighter weave that holds a crease longer.) I believe they mention this in their catalog, along with photos that show the pleats, which look like yours above.

I agree with the 'able to make sure it fit then and there' part. It would make sense that they are resellers, then it would make sense they have to get them from somewhere. If that is the style of CC for their cheaper kilts, it would make sense, especially if they are getting quantity discounts.

If that is the case, would a heavy book help fix the pleats, or is it more of a 'leave it for the really nice stuff' and just go with the other kilt?

**Moosedog** · 27th October 08, 06:36 PM

Hm, storing your kilt carefully and pressing it periodically will help minimize the muss. There are tutorials here on X Marks on a true pressing job (that involves basting, etc.) I think with the softer fabric I'd be likely to just touch it up with an iron or steamer now and then and enjoy the look. You might also email Celtic Croft and see if they have a recommendation.

I'm sure some other Xmarkers will have advice on this, too.

Moosedog

**george7** · 27th October 08, 06:45 PM

Might I also suggest throwing it in the river to see if it can swim?

**sathor** · 27th October 08, 06:55 PM

Originally Posted by georgeblack7

Might I also suggest throwing it in the river to see if it can swim?

Our river isn't that deep. Was almost a thought, but I hate wasting money, and that was expensive. (as a waste anyways.)

I actually 'plan' on ordering a Black Watch after the Holidays, and perhaps one of the Green SWKs as well, and keeping the black one for 'more formal' type of things. Or as a knock about kilt.

If it did originate at CC, as some seem to think, their site seems to make sense of it. I'll try doing it by 'hand' as the site suggest, and see how that goes. But I think I will stick with SWK for now.

**RockyR** · 28th October 08, 05:37 AM

Look at the swing arm on the top buckle... how it's 'crimped up". It IS on the wrong way.

**sathor** · 28th October 08, 06:29 AM

Originally Posted by RockyR

Look at the swing arm on the top buckle... how it's 'crimped up". It IS on the wrong way.

At least it matches the other two on it. I wonder if that has something to do with why the SWK feels like its on me better. I'll just use that as my knock about for the house then, though I want somethig less 'loud' than the Royal S.