Help with next kilt to buy?

[DireStraitsFan]

Situation:

I want (need) a new kilt. I started years ago with a costume kilt for Halloween (I was Mel Gibson's Braveheart.) The face make up and leather breastplate was terrific, but the kilt was lousy. Anyway, I had toyed around for several years after that with getting a real kilt. Only, after I realised how expensive they were, I let the idea die. Last year I paid too much for a horrible kilt (From Kommando Kilts. Man I wish I had known about SWK then!) at the Texas Renaissance Festival. Next I progressed on to the UK when our local celtic outfitter started handling them. After finding this website, I bought my SWK standard Royal Stewart, and have been very happy with it.

Problem:

I love my SWK Standard. But, I can't wear the same tartan at all times! So, I decided I needed to expand my kilt closet. My first thought was to buy a SWK Heavyweight. Imagine my disappointment when I realised that the tartan choices are very limited. I'm not sure what tartan I want, but I know I want something different, and a maybe a step up from the Standard.


Question:

Which direction would you guys send me? Which kilt maker?

Thanks.

Kris

[McMurdo]

Well for a little more than a SWK Heavyweight you could go for a USAKilt they have a much larger selection of tartan, I have a semi-trad from them and I am very happy with it.

[WhoDeySchenk]

I too will back up the USA Kilt semi traditional.....I love everything about it, the quality is well worth the money. Service was excellent. 2 weeks for a custom made kilt to my specs, what more can a man ask for?

[DireStraitsFan]

I thought about USA. It seems like I remember their pricing being very...ambiguous last time I looked. It seemed very difficult to discern how much their stuff costs. Maybe I am thinking of another maker?

[auld argonian]

Well, have patience...the Stillwater Heavies do seem to be a great deal and I'm sure that Jerry will restock and possibly introduce some new stuff soon.

There are other options...you'll know find something.

Best

AA

[Chef]

I thought about USA. It seems like I remember their pricing being very...ambiguous last time I looked. It seemed very difficult to discern how much their stuff costs. Maybe I am thinking of another maker?

You may be thinking about someone else. If you go to USA kilt's Semi-Traditional page the price is found by choosing the size you want from the drop down menu.

[KiltedDawg]

I agree with McMurdo. You can't go wrong with a semi-traditional from USA Kilts. They are affordable, comfortable, stlyish, and well constructed. If your looking for wool and don't have a particular tartan in mind, Burnetts-Struth is having a great sale on 5 yd. machine made kilts from 16oz. fabric. Of course, if you wanted to go all out you could join the masses waiting in line for a Matt Newsome orginal. Oh the possibilities are endless; however, budget and style will always play a big role.

[Riverkilt]

Well, whatever you do...don't figure out the tartan you want, that's meaningful to you, then order a hand sewn 16 ounce from Kathy Lare or Barb Tewksbury....you'll be ruined for life...doomed to saving up for quality kilts.

I agree with Rocky if funds are limited....but be careful...I didn't know what to think of him and wound up with 18 USA kilts.

Whatever tartan you can find, the hand sewn kiltmakers can find the material for you. Just tell them the tartan you want.

If one of the choices at a machine sewn kiltmaker works, you're home free.

There's another thread about J Higgins cooking. They have Strathmore mills entire list of tartans on their website and will sew up a wool kilt for you in your choice of tartan.

Experience the freedom of being the one to choose the tartan if you can afford a machine or hand sewn kilt.

Ron

[Nick the DSM]

i also say usakilt. thier prices are great and a pretty good selection.