SWK Black Stewart Standard review (PICS)

[Angus of Stewart]

So a few days ago, i recieved my first kilt from Stillwater Kilts. Its a standard model Black Stewart and i figured it would be good to post my review on it.

Note: The only other kilt that i could visually compare it to was my USAK Casual in the same tartan.

When i opened the package on tuesday i was surprized to find basting stitches on the pleats. At this price point, i would have not expected this.

The fit is great considering that these are not fitted the way a custom ones would be. The 3 buckles and straps are solid construction and allow for easy adjustment.

Here is a shot comparing the pleats. USAK on the left, SWK on the right

The pleats on the SWK are about 3.5" deep with about an inch of exposure. They are sewn down from the bottom of the waistband to about 7" down. I found while wearing it that the pleats wrinkle easily, but a quick sweep and you are good to go.

Here is a shot comparing the front aprons.


Here I compare the tartans.

The USAK has a tighter weave than the SWK acrylic, but the SWK has a softer feel and is more "wool-like". The one odd thing i found in the SWK was that one of the white stripes under a pleat has a mistake. (shown below)


Some of the nice details such as matching the stripe on the belt loops and a close up of the fringe on the front apron.



Tartan quality: A-
Construction: A
Fit: A-
Value: A+
Recommended: Highly

[McMurdo]

Thanks for the pictures its interesting to see the two together, and a nice little review as well, congratulations again.

[Sean_the_Kilted]

Since you have both, whats the cloth weight comparison between the two and comfort difference when you wear each?

[Ayin McFye]

Great review, can I ask what the price difference was between the two?

[Angus of Stewart]

Sean_the_Kilted: The SWK uses more material (about 7yrds) but is actually lighter than the USAK. As for comfort, the USAK is a casual model so it sits lower on your waist. The SWK is a more traditional fit at just above the naval, so its all in preference.

Ayin McFye: SWK=$80
USAK Casual= $110

[Riverkilt]

Would be nice to see pleat shots of both on a human form....??

Curious if the SWK has any washing instructions?

And guessing the SWK fabric doesn't have the teflon coating some of us "sloppy eaters" need....?

Really good to see the side by side. Did a similar deal with USA Kilt Casual and SportKilt a while back.

Ron

[Kid Cossack]

Ron:

In my experience the SWK acrylics are "wash and wear". I line dry mine after machine washing----but I've tossed 'em in the dryer on low a time or two. They "poof up" a little if you put them in the dryer, but not too badly (and look kind of "wild and wooly" when they poof up).

No teflon, but acrylic cleans up pretty well.

[Uncle Ricky]

Interesting comparison between the two kilts. The difference in sett size between the two tartans is not because of a tighter weave. The difference is caused by a lighter thread.

I learned that from Barb T's kilt making book.

Cheers,
Rick