Sportskilts

**blue cord** · 27th January 14, 10:38 AM

After reading everyone's comments and looking at both websites I think Im going to go with USA Kilts. Plus the messages between them and me have sold me. Thank you all for your input. It was all very helpful.

**duke_19_62** · 27th January 14, 10:54 AM

I have the Army tartan from SportKilt. My first kilt, by the way. I also have a semi-traditional MacNeil from USA Kilts. The USA Kilt is a little pricier, true, but (IMHO) it is a better garment. Rocky's PV fabric just feels like it would last longer, and I have been contemplating getting the Army Tartan from him as well. The SportKilt is good as the name implies. Lightweight, machine washable, but the semi-trad from Rocky just feels dressier. I wear it when I'm dressing up more, not as casual. My $0.02 (I have more questions for Rocky, but I won't muddle up this thread with them.)

**Couper** · 27th January 14, 03:16 PM

I've got three of Rocky's kilts and three SportKilts (one is US Army) and a couple "less expensive" imports from the UK. I am wearing a SportKilt right now - working at a computer in my home office. I wore one of the imports to the bank a couple hours ago.

Next week I'll be on a cruise and will wear my USA Kilts American Heritage Casual for general wear on board and my USA Kilts Celtic Nation 5-yard wool for the formal evenings.

They all have their place. I provided the above to let you know the "pecking order" as I see it. YMMV

**O'Callaghan** · 27th January 14, 05:18 PM

I have a Sportkilt, amongst various other inexpensive kilts. It is probably lighter weight than anything else you will find. Whether that is a good or a bad thing can be debated, but probably depends mostly on the weather. It is easily washable and mine has hidden pockets (optional).

It also has no tendency to 'pill' atall - that would be where the fabric generates little balls of fluff all over it. It doesn't do that. I question whether the poster who says it does has actually owned one. This only happens with acrylic kilts AFAIK, and that isn't what they make theirs out of. One of my acryllic kilts (that came direct from Pakistan) is actually free from pilling, but my Stillwater acryllic kilts do suffer from pilling to varying degrees (less on the more expensive one and more on the cheaper model, although it gradually goes away with wear).

If you get one then do get the sewn-down pleats, as that option is essential.

Regarding USA Kilts, most people say they are better quality (?), but I have no experience to go on. However, they don't do pockets, and they do cost more.

**CMcG** · 28th January 14, 08:15 AM

Originally Posted by O'Callaghan

...

It also has no tendency to 'pill' atall - that would be where the fabric generates little balls of fluff all over it. It doesn't do that. I question whether the poster who says it does has actually owned one. This only happens with acrylic kilts AFAIK, and that isn't what they make theirs out of. ...

Sportkilts have been made from different materials over time and some of their fabrics have been prone to pilling. After wearing mine for a few years it was getting really pilley and I sent them an inquiry about it. They said they have moved towards materials that are more resistant to pilling, but they still had some of the old fabric mine was made from and would replace it. I sent back my Sportkilt and they sent me a brand new one, free of charge! Granted, it's in that older fabric and will eventually pill again, but it should last a good while and they don't stock my clan tartan in their newer material. I'm very happy with the customer service from Sportkilt, which is a point in their favour.

**GRKilt** · 28th January 14, 05:40 PM

Originally Posted by CMcG

Sportkilts have been made from different materials over time and some of their fabrics have been prone to pilling. After wearing mine for a few years it was getting really pilley and I sent them an inquiry about it. They said they have moved towards materials that are more resistant to pilling, but they still had some of the old fabric mine was made from and would replace it. I sent back my Sportkilt and they sent me a brand new one, free of charge! Granted, it's in that older fabric and will eventually pill again, but it should last a good while and they don't stock my clan tartan in their newer material. I'm very happy with the customer service from Sportkilt, which is a point in their favour.

My Sportskilt started pilling on the apron under my sporran and sporran belt. The pilling is not bad; but with that and the light weight, I only wear it casually. I expect to wear it more frequently in the summer: it is not well suited to single digit temps. I agree with CMcG on the service. I did enjoy working with them and got a Wyvern Leatherworks sporran from them (on sale!) in November.

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**Matty Ross** · 28th January 14, 06:09 PM

it is not well suited to single digit temps

Well not for some people
Here is me at +4F in Western Colorado

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**GRKilt** · 28th January 14, 06:11 PM

Well played!

**ASinclair** · 28th January 14, 06:11 PM

Originally Posted by Matty Ross

Well not for some people
Here is me at +4F in Western Colorado

You da man, Mattie!

**fr. frank** · 29th January 14, 11:38 AM

I have 3 sportkilts and I enjoy them for piddling about the house or wearing outside on our Hot/Humid South Carolina summers. they are lightweight, easy to wash, and comfortable. They are definitely "standard" kilts but they exude the kilted look. I have 2 box pleats and one US Navy, which I paid extra to have the pleats sewn down. USA Kilts casual kilt starts off more expensive than SK but the fabric is heavier and Rocky tailors it to your dimensions. both kilts are machine washable and hold their pleats nicely. Neither brand has pilled on me and they have seen their fair share of washers and rack drying.