FK Casual Review

[NancyMan]

Since I’ve had my Freedom Kilt for over a month now, I thought I should post a review, having had some time to road test it and see if any bugs surfaced. I also reread Ham’s review and I agree with all of his points. Mine is exactly the same model with exactly the same additions- the only difference is the colour (mine is black.) With a view to informing those of you who might be considering ordering one as well, I wanted to bring out a few points that Hamish did not. But before I start, since I will be critical, please be assured that I absolutely love this garment. Despite its name (“Casual”), I intended this to be a dress kilt for weddings, funerals, the symphony, opera or ballet and have already attended the three latter. (Mozart single, double and triple piano concerti- all on the same bill, the Magic Flute and the Nutcracker.)

Firstly, this is a “hip hugger” style kilt that sits almost an inch below my navel and stays there. My Stillwaters can be persuaded to sit higher by the addition of a belt. My velcro kilts are even more adjustable. The FK is custom made and sits exactly where it was intended to. Like Ham’s, mine fits like a glove. Take note that given the way this kilt is fastened, there is absolutely no adjustability to it. My weight never fluctuates, so this is no problem, but not everybody is like me. (I guess if I were to “fill out” the rivet style buttons could be removed and new ones added, but that would leave holes in the fabric that would need repairing.) One downside that I have noticed to the height of this kilt is that when I wear my Prince Charlie jacket and waistcoat, they just barely reach the waistband of the kilt. This means that when I hoist a drink for example, I show off an inch of my white tux shirt above the kilt. Unsightly, say I. Next time I wear this combination I’ll strap on a black cummerbund in order to remedy the situation.

The fabric itself is poly/cotton. If you know Dickies work pants, this fabric is nearly identical to that, being the same weight, but having a sheen or luster that Dickies lack. Since it has such a tight weave it has almost no insulating value. I have worn a warm wool kilt liner that I made from a second hand ladies skirt underneath in order not to freeze. (Nobody needs to know what’s under my kilt do they?) In addition, this fabric isn’t the most skin friendly that I have worn. Not irritating mind you, but not as coddling as PV- so the kilt liner really does increase the comfort factor. I will reiterate that this was intended as a dress kilt and the fabric does look fabulous. While the heavy weight cotton that Steve also offers this kilt in would both feel better and be warmer, it would also likely wrinkle easier, fade much sooner and not look nearly as sharp.

Having slash pockets in a kilt that weren’t so obtrusive as the cargo pockets on my UK was too tempting to pass up and Steve does integrate them quite ingeniously on the FK. They do gape just the slightest bit, but I expect that is unavoidable without incorporating a strap or button to close them and I’m probably the only one who notices this. The buttons on the rear pocket were a little challenging to open or fasten at first, but I’ve caught on now and can do it one handed. The silver embroidered logo on the back pocket flap is a little out of line for a dress garment, but that was my choice. Had I asked, I could have had it done in black thread which would have all but disappeared on the black fabric.

As Hamish has already stated, the workmanship on the garment is top notch. The pleats never curl and the swing factor is wonderful. It remains the only kilt in my wardrobe that has not needed any kind of tweaking. Personally, I found Steve a little... umm... prickly to deal with- but I could easily attribute this to a simple personality clash. Our worlds may never quite meet, but there is definitely a place in my world for the type of very fine garment that he can produce. ;)

Kilted now for 6 months and loving it,
Vincent

[The Wizard of BC]

Vincent,

I thank you for the outstanding review of your kilt. I especially appreceat the negative comments. So few will honestly point out the things they find wrong, troublesome or even irritating.

I hope I will always find ways to improve my product with the help of more like you.

And sir, I humbly appoligize for being "prickly". If I have insulted you in any way, or if my manner caused you any distress please accept this public appoligy.

I started to appoligize by Private Message but thought it would mean more if I offered it in public.

All I can say in my defense is that at the time you ordered your kilt I was swamped under a three month back log of orders. I was completly unprepared for the success of my company and frankly, overwhelmed by it all.

Again, thank you for an honest appraisal of my work. If you are ever in Victoria I would be honored to host you in my shop and appoligize in person.

[mddock58]

Steve
We all admire, not only your honesty (as we have seen many times on this board), but your desire to improve your product.
It is good to have honest evaluation of your work, so you know what you can do, and hopefully we can help.

Vincent, We thank you for your response as well!

As a fairly new member to the board, I depend on the opinions and responses found here.

We HIGHLY value having Steve, Rocky, Jerry, Matt, and Barb, and all the other Kilt-Artisans to get advice from as well as to help us all along.

How many places can you get advice on how to make something on your own, from a "manufacturer" rather than having them tell you to "buy my product".

This shows the integrity and brotherhood of all here.

[cavscout]

I also wanted to point out about the logo's. I've found that Steve and Rocky are willing to make your kilt without the FK Embrodered logo and the USAK Patch. I'm always quick to let people who ask where they can get one so I can still advertise.

[Graham]

Thanks for the review Vincent.

As I await my first FK in the post the only thing that troubles me is what you describe as "absolutely no adjustability to it."

Unlike you, my weight does fluctuate quite a bit, I've always liked the traditional straps or velcro for this reason. The downside is that with these the weight can creep up without the kilt offering any warning

I may have to diet for mine to fit.

[The Wizard of BC]

And just to ease your mind Vincent, my wife agrees with you. She says I am not only prickly but "Garumphy". Especially in the morning before she has put at least three cups of coffee into me.