SWK Thrifty Kilt, Care & Maintenance

[TheOfficialBren]

I will weigh in here, being the owner of a SWK Thrifty (Blackwatch).

First off, Alan has nailed it spot on. I wanted to test the waters of this kilting thing.

WARNING: ANECDOTE AHEAD. SKIP TO "DETOUR" TO BYPASS:

I have always been aware of our family's heritage but kilts and tartan were just not things that I grew up with (some passing knowledge of the family history, a few notable ancestors and relatives, but Highland-related-anything---nada. It wasn't denied or hidden but it was lower on the priority list in my family. I am the first kilt-wearer in our family since we came to the US, FYI) everyday. We would see pipe bands and swell with pride but the thought never occured to any of the men in our family to invest in a kilt--or even trews!

Well, I got interested in my family history again when my aunt (our family geneologist) expressed the desire to pass along some of the responsibility of researching the history of the family. Enter me. As I dug further and researched more a passion was ignitedd for this aspect of our heritage (Scotland).

I decided that I wanted to give it a go with a kilt. I bought my first kilt, a Stillwater Kilts Thrifty.

I was well-aware, even long before joining here, what many of the attitudes and opinions are in America and Scotland regarding kilt-wearing (like white hose, SHOWING KNEE, tartan mixing, and PC coatees being worn inappropriately). I also weighed the costs and the benefits. They didn't have my father's family's tartan (Shaw) nor my mother's family's (Robertson) so I did what any new kiltie in my ghillies would do...I ordered Black Watch.

When it arrived, I was thrilled. I surprised my family by saying that I was expecting some summer clothing that I had ordered online. I opened the package, clipped the basting stitches, and wrapped my kilt 'round me.

What an exciting feeling! I wore that particular kilt several times (ALWAYS in a most casual manner). I knew what I bought (in both fiduciary and ideological terms) and didn't make any attempt to dress it up further than was possible. I was testing waters...auditioning, as Alan put it.

That first round passed with ease.

Next, I decided to venture further. I bought a nicer kilt-- a made-to-measure (not bespoke) casual kilt from USAK in the Holyrood tartan (no Shaw available and the Robertson Red is just so...RED [no Hunting Robertson was available in P/V]) which is a good, universal sett.

Now, I am convinced that kilts are for me and have ordered a Robertson Hunting (modern colours) kilt in heavyweight wool from a leading advertiser here.


"DETOUR"

I know that my post has been somewhat long and I do apologise for the threadjack...but I say all of this to share a bit more:

1) the Thrifty has its place. Is it on par with tank or even a casual from USAK? Well, no. Does it aspire to be? No. It is intended for the chap who either isn't sure about kilts, doesn't wear kilts enough to justify the expense of a really nice one, or (and I shudder to say this) really just needs a quick one to get by for a day around others who won't know (or care about) the difference--like in a theatrical production, for example).

2a) these kilts are made in Pakistan from Acryllic fabric which doesn't even pretend to be Highland-woven, hard-wearing, gale-stopping wool. It is light, comfortable, and keeps your naughty bits from public view (so long as there are no sudden drafts). Think of them as comfy sweats. Think of your good-quality P/V as a nice pair of Dockers. Anything higher-end will be just that.
2b) yes, I agree, the fabric tries with all its might but I wouldn't wash it very often to be sure that it holds its weave.

3) Whilest I understand the "just only buy the one kilt and be done with it" mentality, those of us who didn't grow up around kilts (either wearing or seeing them often) have some natural trepidation when it comes to shelling out hundreds of dollars for a garment that will realistically only be worn a few times per year by most men living in a place where "unbifurcated" doesn't even enter the vernacular...muchless the wardrobe. Testing the proverbial waters just makes common sense (and also makes a case for that famous Scottish frugality) to a lot of men on this side of the pond.

Lastly, some chaps like to denegrate these kilts (SWK Thrifty). Some have even outright said that they are *not* kilts (I will research old posts and cite sources and quotes if asked to do so). I disagree. They *are* kilts.

I'd much rather see a fellow Scot (whether he be the bred-born-and-raised-native-to-Scotland sort or a child of the diaspora) make the effort to wear and celebrate the kilt than reject the kilt and tartan!

Wear your Thrifty with PRIDE, mate!!
Clan Gordon is a noble house with a proud tradition. You look good in that tartan and I'm certain that your heart fills with pride (as well it should) when you wear it.

Good on ya, mate.

Slainte!

int:


I just realised that I've actually been standing on a matchbox...rather than a soapbox.