Need help with a decision

**wrjohnson** · 18th December 09, 09:56 AM

I want to order my first kilt and currently cannot afford a tank. I am looking for some help in deciding on either a standard kilt from Stillwater Kilts or a casual kilt from USA Kilts. I am what you may call "horizontally gifted" but either one will fit. Any help you could provide will be greatly appreciated.

**Jock Scot** · 18th December 09, 10:08 AM

I know you are full off enthusiasm to order your new kilt, but if I may, can I advise a slightly more boring course of action and suggest that you save your money a wee while longer and buy a tank. You will not regret it in the long run.

**NewEnglander** · 18th December 09, 10:22 AM

How do you plan on wearing your kilt? Not only for what sort of events and activities, but also, where on your body? I recently got my casual from Rocky at USA Kilts and love it. I wear it at my navel. Traditionally, kilts are worn higher than that. With a USA Kilt you can decide where you want to wear it. With the standard length of a Stillwater I don't know if that's as much of an option. But I don't own one of those, so I couldn't say for sure.
Also, does the tartan make a difference to you? USA Kilts has far more choices in that department.
Think about these things and use the search feature here on XMTS. Also check out the various kilt company forums here on the board.
Slainte!

**Monkey@Arms** · 18th December 09, 11:11 AM

Just as a general proposition, IMHO the USAK is a better product. Made to measure, more tartan choices, and PV wears a lot better then acrylic. I recommend asking Rocky at USAK to leave the patch off, believe me, it will pass as a much more expensive kilt in a roomful of kilties.

Best regards,

Jake

**A Hay** · 18th December 09, 02:17 PM

I would side with Monkey@Arms on this one. I own 3 Stillwater and 3 or 4 USA Kilts.
Both have their pros and cons, but USA Kilts have more choices, the PV is a good starter kilt, and very versatile.

This will get you started, and then when you decide you are ready and have a bit more cash, you can go for a "tank" and the jackets for more formal occasions.

Others will say wait until you can afford the "tank" (8 yard, wool), but then you will lose out on the fun and experience of wearing a kilt.

Just my opinion.

Regards,
Tom

**wrjohnson** · 18th December 09, 02:44 PM

I appreciate the information. I have been researching the different companies for about a month and am looking for some advice from people who have worn both.

As far as where I will wear the kilt, I plan to wear it just above the navel, where most "traditional" kilts are worn. I paln to use this kilt as a knock around kilt and also for time at renaissance fairs with the Queens Own Highlanders from Scarborough.

Again, thanks for the help.

**Larry124** · 19th December 09, 12:42 AM

Originally Posted by wrjohnson

...I plan to wear it just above the navel, where most "traditional" kilts are worn. I paln to use this kilt as a knock around kilt and also for time at renaissance fairs with the Queens Own Highlanders from Scarborough.

I have and wear both.
I prefer USAK over SWK, although SWK is warmer in this season in my local.
For your uses I'd decline the "tank" spend-up advice, particularly as you posted in this contemporary and non-traditional forum subsection.

**Nighthawk** · 19th December 09, 03:51 PM

Originally Posted by wrjohnson

I appreciate the information. I have been researching the different companies for about a month and am looking for some advice from people who have worn both.

As far as where I will wear the kilt, I plan to wear it just above the navel, where most "traditional" kilts are worn. I paln to use this kilt as a knock around kilt and also for time at renaissance fairs with the Queens Own Highlanders from Scarborough.

Again, thanks for the help.

With that being the case, USA Kilts are far and away the best option. The SWK woolies are nice, though, I do have to say. But for Ren Fest activities, they can be a bit warm. Also the acrylic kilts don't breathe worth a damn, so they can get really uncomfortable on hot days.

**seanachie** · 22nd December 09, 03:03 PM

....I just wore a SWK saffron standard to my wife's Christmas party where it made a great splash. So let me just add an opinion...how something fits one body to the next I completely understand is different. So I can understand someone not liking an SWK because of how it fits them. As to Quality, that is a whole different issue so I would avoid placing it in the same sentence as fit. To my mind the quality for the SWK is good for the price. Sure if I spent the money needed for a tank and received a kilt of this quality I would likely be a tad disappointed. On the other hand, I am grateful to Jerry because I am a person without a great budget for kilts and his product offerings make a great fit for me. Instead of one in my closet I can have a few. I respect those who say hold out and budget for a tank, I just hold a different perspective. (as a side note I do not own a USAK but plan to soon, Rock has been very helpful in addressing my questions.)

Joe

**csbdr** · 18th December 09, 02:57 PM

Given your planned uses, you might be best off with USAK (definately over SWK. A good product, but apples and oranges quality and fit).

Normally, though, I would agree with Jock. If USAK is in your budget, then a mere extra $100-150 more saving would get you a stunning machine-made "tank" from any number of vendors. But, it sounds like rough use you plan for this kilt?