About to Order My 1st Kilt

[Mathew MacKillop]

Greetings All,

Later today, I will be placing my order for my 1st kilt. What I hope to have your opinions on is whether it is really worth the $60 extra to have a SWK Heavyweight Wool versus the Economy Wool. Put into context, it would not kill me to pay the difference, but things would be...tough for the next few weeks if I did. Also I need to consider potential customs charges when the package arrives from the US (to Canada).
I have read a few reviews and comparisons here, and folks seem to like them both, overall. It is my understanding that the economy model seems to simply use less fabric, but be otherwise more or less the same. Is this an accurate assessment? Anything else anyone would want to tell me?

Thanks in Advance, All!

[Mike S]

The SWK Heavyweight kilt is an ideal first timer's kilt, as well as a nice, budget priced addition to one's traditional, bespoke tanks. The price is well worth it. It is a pity that Jerry doesn't offer the selection of tartans IN STOCK that he once did with this model.

I have not inspected the Economy version, so I cannot A/B them.

Which tartan are you contemplating? The Stillwater Black Watch offering is a bit lighter in the manner of the Royal Regiment of Scotland/93rd A&S version of that tartan. It show off the sett more clearly than the very dark Black Watch standard.

[Mathew MacKillop]

It will be the Black Watch tartan.

[MacCathmhaoil]

Have them ship it via the U.S. Postal service versus a courier. There likely will be no charges from Canada Post when it arrives, all of the courier companies automatically charge all customs duties applicable and add a brokerage fee as well.

[OC Richard]

Are you talking 16oz to 17oz British woven all-wool worsted kilting fabric, when you say "heavyweight wool"? That would be my first choice, for sure! Everything is better: holds pleats better, wrinkles less, hangs better, swings better.

I have a couple 16/17oz kilts and one 13oz kilt and the 13oz (often called "medium weight") is OK but feels flimsy and insubstantial compared to the heavier ones.

I also have an 18-20oz MOD weight kilt and it's very nice, though perhaps a bit on the heavy side compared to what I'm used to.

[Mathew MacKillop]

This information is not made clear for these kilts...they are machine made ones from Pakistan, if I'm not mistaken. Perhaps someone here who owns one can comment?

[LPF]

Hi Mathew, this is of topic, just wanted to say nice to see a fellow Montrealer on the site. Good luck with your purchase.

[ratspike]

From my hands-on experience with the heavyweight wool kilt from Stillwater, I'd opt for the economy wool kilt in a hot minute. Because the pleats aren't cut out the heavyweight is super thick and bulky in back, and I found it a little unpleasant to wear. All that fabric also cuts a less flattering profile compared to my USA Kilts semi-trad, or my wool kilts with less yardage.

[Mike S]

The Stillwater heavyweight is a New Zealand sourced, Marino wool woven in Pakistan. This is also where the kilts are manufactured.

Is it identical to a custom, worsted wool "tank"? Of course it isn't. However for the small price paid it is far better than one would expect, and you won' t have to apologize for wearing it to the next kilted gathering.

As I said, if one is on a budget, it makes a good first timer.

[Baker04]

Hi...just received a new wool kit from Rocky last week. Sent by USPS, but had to pay HST plus $9.95 handling fee to Canada Post. You may be lucky and have it slip through without having to pay tax and the fee.