I have no experience with Kiltmart, but one of my kilts is a Thrifty Kilt from Stillwater Kilts. The acryllic material 'pills' a bit, but it is warm and looks good. It has sewn-down pleats, which makes the pleats hold better. There is no lining in the Thrifty, and I'm not sure if the Economy Kilts were lined. I say 'were' because they are non-returnable closeout specials. Anyway, I'm very pleased with my Thrifty Kilt.

AFAIK the Economy is basically the Thrifty with buckles. I'll risk being flamed and say I'd sooner have Velcro anyway. I get what you say about your husband having been traumatised by his mother with Velcro shoes, which I think do look very dorky, LOL! My wife had to wear them when she had just come out of hospital, and they do make you look like an invalid or a senior citizen, IMHO. On a Thrifty Kilt the Velcro shows slightly if you are bigger than the middle of the size range, but even that could be covered by wearing a wide belt, which a lot of guys wear with their kilts anyway, although I don't think my Thrifty Kilt has any belt loops. Personally, I always wear a belt with trousers, but don't bother to wear one with a kilt, but that's just me.

My order from Stillwater Kilts came so fast I was wondering how he did it, like does he have a time machine or something? Perhaps he's really Dr. Who, LOL! No favouritism there either. He doesn't know me from Adam.