Stillwater shadow tartan

[flyrod6057]

I'm considering (read: I'm likely gonna buy) a SWK heavyweight, most likely in green shadow tartan, possibly the saffron. As I know a few XMTS members have shadow tartan kilts, I was wondering if anyone could post a few pics to help me decide. Specifically, construction details, and the look of the tartan, if possible. Also, I'd love to hear a bit of the good, bad, and ugly if you'd be so inclined.

Well? What say ye?

Thanks,
Brad

[The Monk]

Had the black shadow tartan kilt a few years back. It was excellent quality, a very nice kilt and well made. I got too small for it (better than the other way round ) and donated it to a pipe band that was just starting up.

Were I looking for a solid kilt I'd buy another. Sorry, can't find any pics of it on me.

[Nighthawk]

I have a saffron. I personally love it, and in the near future, will be buying a black one. I have no pics... Sorry 'bout that.

[cdarwin]

This is my SWK Heaveweight Black Shadow Tartan kilt. It is a great value, in my opinion. Don't expect a tailor made kilt here. My waist is 35" and I wish my SWK was a 34" instead of the 36". Not a huge deal, just something to consider.

[fluter]

This is my SWK Heaveweight Black Shadow Tartan kilt. It is a great value, in my opinion. Don't expect a tailor made kilt here. My waist is 35" and I wish my SWK was a 34" instead of the 36". Not a huge deal, just something to consider.

Interestingly enough, I like to buy my Stillwaters up a size, if I'm in between. To me, the apron feels a little narrow the other way. Of course this requires moving a buckle (right) and a strap (left) by an inch.

If you take on that alteration, be aware that the right buckle is sewn in with the top-stitched pleats. So, it's a little more involved than moving the buckle on most traditional kilts; but can be done with sufficient motivation. The pleat has to be repaired after extracting the buckle's fabric tab, then it can be sewn down in the traditional way. See TAoK for details!

This is the black shadow that convinced me; it's an inch smaller than I was.
Still, it's a good looking kilt.

Purple7, on Flickr

[James Hood]

On a calculated whim, this July, 'purcased one each Stillwater Thrifty-Kilt, Economy Kilt and Standard, the total about $180.

In this opinion, one receives precisely what was paid for, a Pakistan-made acrylic suitable for knocking about without regard to if it will get stained or roughed up. The Thrifty proved a perfect garment for Chicago in the summer, temps in the mid-upper 80s and humidity in the 70s.

'Twill be interesting to see how the other two weather the coming seasons.

[OC Richard]

BTW there are a load of ex-hire kilts in a black-on-black tartan, nice 16oz handmade kilts, up on Ebay right now.

[Jerry]

The Stillwater heavyweight kilts are wool, and are nice for what you are buying. I have one in the black shadow tartan that has shrunk a bit( or maybe I've put on a bit of weight). However, the sewn pleats in the back are not cut out like you would see from Matt, Rocky, or most any other kilt maker. Thus, it kind of feels like you are wearing a pillow in the back of the kilt.

[biblemonkey]

BTW there are a load of ex-hire kilts in a black-on-black tartan, nice 16oz handmade kilts, up on Ebay right now.

Link please?

[fluter]

Link please?

I searched "kilt ex-hire black -watch" then "kilt ex hire black isle" for 25 hits.

Seller is unknown to me, but they appear to be doing something right (9,000 positive feedback). Takes PayPal. Ebay store link TARTAN4LESS.

You may get lucky and find your size there, but like many sources the hip measurement is not stated: probably a standard/average ratio similar to Stillwater.