USA Kilts Casual VS SWK

[sathor]

I am at a standstill of sorts, as I plan my next kilt purchase. I was thinking of saving up for a USA Kilts Semi Trad, but I see that they might have the tartan as an OTR. Now, that is a heck of a chunk of change in time saved as well as money, but with my other kilt that I have being a SWK standard, how would this compare? Would I think the OTR casual would feel a little odd in comparison, of course I could pay the extra and get the nicer version, which would be ideal, but not nearly as likely that I could get it before my birthday next month.

I looked, and didn't see any comparisons of the two. Of course, I know that the semitrad would easily trump the OTR, and the SWK Standard. (As to the wool SWK, I don't know, that might well be two different sides of the coin)

(Yeah, I don't have the $$ before my birthday to get the semi trad. The price for the casual would be close to a wool SWk, and if not already in stock by my size would be cutting it close on the wait time. arrgggggggg. I also can't rationalize getting the less expensive USAK then getting the same tartan in the higher end model, as much as the lower end would cost.)

(bloody time/service/cost triad rules. )

[RadioKen]

Hi! There are definite differences between the SWK Standard and the USAK Casual. One notable one is in the method of closure. The SWK uses buckles where the USAK uses velcro. The SWK is generally available in a single length while the USAK is made to measure. The SWK uses probably twice as much fabric over the USAK in the same size and tartan which will increase its "swish" factor, but also its overall weight. And if you want your tartan pleated to the stripe, then you must go with the USAK as all SWK kilts are pleated to the sett.

I'm sure there are other differences, but those are the ones I could think of off the top of my head at this early hour.

~Ken

I looked, and didn't see any comparisons of the two. Of course, I know that the semitrad would easily trump the OTR, and the SWK Standard. (As to the wool SWK, I don't know, that might well be two different sides of the coin)

[sathor]

The SWK uses probably twice as much fabric over the USAK in the same size and tartan which will increase its "swish" factor, but also its overall weight.

~Ken

ahh. I'll go with the SWK and save for the semitrad from USA Kilts then, it's too cold here to think of a lighter weight kilt right now. (ok, its not cold here yet, but there is a winter storm advisory up)

[Riverkilt]

Guessing there's no comparison found since there is no comparison - at least in my opinion.

I've now owned 23 USA Kilts. Have never purchased a SWK.

That has something to do with the fabric differences - I love polyviscose - and something to do with being able to get my true length, rather than an off the rack length, from USA Kilts.

I also prefer to deal directly with my kiltmaker as opposed to a kilt supplier.

And, I was the guy who waited a year into my kilt addiction to "risk" buying my first USA Kilt because I thought all the hype about USA Kilts just couldn't be true.

Do yourself a favor and purchase one of each. Then make your own decision.

Ron

[SteveB]

For purposes of Comparison:
SWK Standard is an acrylic fabric kilt in an OTR size. The closest in USAK is the semi-traditional, which is in Poly-viscous material and made to measure.
SWK Thrifty is in close comparison to the USAK casual. The thrifty is in acrylic fabric with a velcro closure and the fell is not sewn down. The USAK casual is in poly-viscous fabric, and made to measure or OTR. (Call Rocky for better details).
SWK heavyweight wool is sort of compared to USAK premier kilts. SWK are Merino wool in limited tartans and limited sizes. USAK premier kilts are in any tartan in Scottish made wool, made to measure and combination machine/hand sewn to fit.
I own all but a USAK casual. I opted to save a little bit longer and get the Semi-traditional, which many people at the Highland Games and other events, have thought as being a wool tank. The swish factor is good, and the made to measure fit is perfect for both casual and dress occasions. I also own the SWK Standard. It has a few less pleats and they are not quite as deep. The swish factor is very slightly less. The Standard only comes in 24" length, which fits my 6'1" body well if worn a little lower than regular kilt height, to reach the top of my knees.
The SWK thrifty is very little acrylic fabric in very shallow pleats that do not taper to allow for my large hips. As Ron (Riverkilt) owns many (I believe 16) USAK casual kilts he would be better to explain the benefits. I do know that the fabric is poly-viscous, and that the kilt is tapered for the hips, with deeper pleats. Both use velcro closure. I have worn a friend's USAK casual and found it to be quite comfortable and well made, with better swish than my thrifty.
For the wool kilts, my above is petty much the comparison. Jerry has lightening fast delivery of his in stock kilts, but they are in standard sizes, unlike most of us on the forum.
There is nothing that beats a hand sewn wool tartan Tank. I tend to like the look and others like the feel of my poly-viscous kilts over the look and feel of the acrylic kilts. Both have their place, as I like my SWK standard for the abuse that I give it around town.
I have tried to be as objective as possible, as both SWK and USAK are great sponsors to this forum and supply kilts that fit particular needs. This fat old man is happy to own kilts from both of these vendors.
Slainte

[pdcorlis]

If the choice is between a kilt made of acrylic fabric or PV - I would choose PV hands down. Don't get me wrong - my first kilt was an SWK Acrylic and will always be remembered fondly as the beginning of this journey... but PV is a far superior fabric. Well, that is until we throw wool into the mix...

Good Luck with your decision!

[sathor]

I already have a SWK. I do intend on getting a nicer USAK eventually, but I don't have the $$$ for the semitrad at this point, and I want a new one by my birthday.

Do yourself a favor and purchase one of each. Then make your own decision.

Ron

[sathor]

So get the ones I can afford from SWK out of the way, then start saving for the USAK is the general idea here, eh?

[Riverkilt]

Aye, there's a reason Marton Mills cranks out all that tartan polyviscose material.

And, expect your taste in kilts to change...just seems to for many of us.

Ron

[sathor]

Aye, there's a reason Marton Mills cranks out all that tartan polyviscose material.

And, expect your taste in kilts to change...just seems to for many of us.

Ron

You mean how I am actually thinking of getting one of the Hot Topic kilts for around the house, and perhaps even a utilikilt eventually.... I kinda noticed. I actually am thinking of getting one of the urban kilts too, dunno why though.