How good is SWK???

[pipesndrumsnun]

In my opinion, you will most likely LOVE SWK!

[Panache]

I am a huge Stillwater fan. Jerry offers a great value and I have three heavyweight wool kilts and two acrylic standard kilts from him. I bought my father an acrylic Irish National standard kilt for Christmas last year.

They aren't as good as a traditionally made kilt (of which I have three).

As my tastes have changed over the last couple of years I am not sure that I would buy another acrylic kilt from Stillwater as I think that the poly-viscose USA semi-traditional kilts are better for summer heat (though they are more than twice as much as Stillwater's standards). But I would/will continue to buy Jerry's heavyweights for myself and recomend his standards for those looking for a good value on an affordable kilt.

To me kilts are like golf clubs. You use the appropriate one for the occasion. I enjoy having kilts that suit all the kinds of things I like to do and where I like to go.

Cheers

Jamie

[macwilkin]

I think you presented it perfectly. Some people will want only the truly authentic, and this is fine for them. But they shouldn't go around insulting other people's choices of less expensive clothing. It's almost like jeans in a way. You can go ahead and pay $350 for a pair if you like, but for the majority, Levis does just fine. Same thing for suits, cars, etc. The bottom line is most people cannot afford a hand sewn tank. They are too expensive for most budgets. And then, due to the cost, a lot of people will not want to wear it often out of fear of messing it up.

Of course, there are many times that those of us who do prefer the more traditional route when it comes to kilts are insulted as "snobs", "elitists", etc. Horses for courses and all that.

And I would disagree with your statement that most people cannot afford a hand-sewn tank; most people can, if they save their pennies. I bought my first tailor-made kilt when I was in university, and we all know the "poor college student" stereotype.

And, I have worn my tailor-mades to formal and casual events; yes, I try to be careful, but a traditional hand-sewn is not a delicate garment to be mollycoddled; there's a reason why the Highland regiments of the British Army wore them.

Good things come to those who wait, my granny always said.

T.

[Panache]

Of course, there are many times that those of us who do prefer the more traditional route when it comes to kilts are insulted as "snobs", "elitists", etc. Horses for courses and all that.

And I would disagree with your statement that most people cannot afford a hand-sewn tank; most people can, if they save their pennies. I bought my first tailor-made kilt when I was in university, and we all know the "poor college student" stereotype.

And, I have worn my tailor-mades to formal and casual events; yes, I try to be careful, but a traditional hand-sewn is not a delicate garment to be mollycoddled; there's a reason why the Highland regiments of the British Army wore them.

Good things come to those who wait, my granny always said.

T.

Of course knowing you Todd I can't ever imagine you looking down on someone who bought a mass produced kilt or ever being rude about your preference in handmade traditional kilts.

Cheers

Jamie

[12stones]

I loved my SWK, and will buy from them again. I'll want some for casual, can-get-dirty wear, but eventually I'll also get a tank or two. But for the money, I was very pleased with what I had. And the speed of service is incredible.

[Mr. bone]

To me kilts are like golf clubs. You use the appropriate one for the occasion. I enjoy having kilts that suit all the kinds of things I like to do and where I like to go.

Cheers

Jamie

Well put. My son is a scratch golfer and about to turn semi pro. that's why he has the best clubs that good 'ol Mom and Dad could afford. (which might be the reason I cant afford a tank right now.) Me, if I break 100, from the ladies tee, I'm thrilled. That's why my clubs cost a fraction of his. My only kilt so far is one I won in a contest. But I like it, and I would like to get a SWK Standard to have another choice for other dress options. Jerry seems to have a good product at a price I can afford at this time. Especially when you need a belt, pin hose, etc etc. I can't afford a tank at this moment. Perhaps one day. We alll climb the kilt ladder one rung at a time. Those who can afford one outright, or whose pennies accumulate faster than mine, Bravo! Till then I will go with what I can afford and enjoy.

[Galb]

Of course, there are many times that those of us who do prefer the more traditional route when it comes to kilts are insulted as "snobs", "elitists", etc. Horses for courses and all that. And I would disagree with your statement that most people cannot afford a hand-sewn tank; most people can, if they save their pennies. I bought my first tailor-made kilt when I was in university, and we all know the "poor college student" stereotype. And, I have worn my tailor-mades to formal and casual events; yes, I try to be careful, but a traditional hand-sewn is not a delicate garment to be mollycoddled; there's a reason why the Highland regiments of the British Army wore them. Good things come to those who wait, my granny always said. T.

You make a good point. I never thought about how these garments were once utilized. Pretty impressive that you can wear a kilt to a social-ballroom type event, and the next day head straight into war in it. Heh, try doing that in an Armani suit! But the price range, you must admit, is high on a tank. I'm not saying it isn't rightfully high. It is. The quality is amazing. However, dropping $500+, like you said, would be a "save the pennies" thing. It simply comes down to saving, whereas a more casual $80 kilt can be more of an impulse or immediate purchase. No waiting. Regardless, they both have their place. I myself would love to have a tank, but simply cannot spend that kind of coin to do so. Maybe someday though. Until then, I'll get a kilt every now and then at a cheaper price. Might not be a tank, but it's a kilt, and that is what matters to me. Oh, and I would never call anyone a snob if they prefer to go the traditional route and spend more money. More power to them in my opinion. But I would also expect those that choose that decision to not insult those that wish to purchase "lesser" garments. Once again, I'll compare it to cars. I have no problem with BMWs, Lexuses, Mercedes, but those owners shouldn't put down the Fords and Chevies. To me, the most important thing is seeing a kilt, regardless of expense. By the way, the poor college student thing....does one ever out grow that? I'm still paying for my loans. If I could take that monthly payment and put it towards my tank fund, I'd have it in a few months.

[Galb]

Well put. My son is a scratch golfer and about to turn semi pro. that's why he has the best clubs that good 'ol Mom and Dad could afford. (which might be the reason I cant afford a tank right now.) Me, if I break 100, from the ladies tee, I'm thrilled.

Woman's tee? Hell, I'd be thrilled if I could break 100 from starting halfway on each hole.

[flairball]

I've not posted in some time, nor have I read the entire thread. Scanning the thread it seems as if it has strayed from the original question, but,....

So, as for SWK; I've got two. The standard in Nightstalker, and a HW, BW. I like them both, however the standard has been reduced to house duties, while I'll wear the BW out and about. Why? I just like the weight, feel, and swing of the HW better. I think one will stay a bit cooler in hot weather wearing wool too.

I'd not wear either for a formal occassion, I've got a tank for that, though I might consider wearing the HW to a semi-formal function. Depends on the function. It really is more of a work-a -day/hill walker.


Either way, I think SWK's HW kilts are the best deal going, and wish they'd make them in a wider selection of tartans.

[Lyrd]

Lyrd,

I understand your passion and point of view but I also can't help but be offended myself and for our many kiltmakers we have right here on x-marks and beyond. They are in the business to provide great product, fit and finish custom kilts. I can't imagine there overly happy competing with a product (SWK acrylic) from Pakistan being sold at discount prices. I'm sure it has greatly cut into there market share in something that if you have the contacts (easy to obtain) you can purchase kilts for $15 dollars apiece in bulk and speed them off for $80.00. There is obviously a market for them but we all don't have to buy into it. I have a choice too and I don't choose to wear an offshore made acrylic $15.00 kilts.


My original post said that I would not ever wear one as a matter of principal and a willingness to wait and pay a few hundred dollars more for better quality. It makes me feel better supporting our local kiltmakers that work so hard learning and perfecting there craft, I didn't say you or anyone else can't buy them. It's obvious many people do.

I know what I like and I know what I don't like. I don't dislike the person but I don't have to like there kilt.That's my opinion.

Kilted Stuart

Stuart, i understand where your coming from. It isnt so much your opinion, as the way you presented it. It's fine to have a preference. Keeping with the golf analogy presented here, i only own, and golf with Taylor Made. Are they more expensive? Yes. But they are the best clubs for my manner of play. But i wouldnt tell someone playing with Nikes or Slagenzers they are playing with shi**y clubs.
I dont own a SWK acrylic, just the Heavy weight, and as i said, it's far from a crap product. I just received my Wollen Mills in IOS yesterday. It seems to be a great kilt. Well made and semi personally sized. They offer different lengths which is something Jerry dosnt do. But the buckles are cheap and they hemmed the bottom of the kilt to make it the correct length. There are trade-offs no matter what you buy. Now does that mean i'm not looking forward to my Kathy Lare hand sewn that is on order? Of course not. I have no doubt it will be the best kilt i own when i get it. But i will still love my SWK heavy, and wear it all the time.

Be Well
Marc