USA Kilts Casual VS SWK

[Riverkilt]

Guessing there's no comparison found since there is no comparison - at least in my opinion.

I've now owned 23 USA Kilts. Have never purchased a SWK.

That has something to do with the fabric differences - I love polyviscose - and something to do with being able to get my true length, rather than an off the rack length, from USA Kilts.

I also prefer to deal directly with my kiltmaker as opposed to a kilt supplier.

And, I was the guy who waited a year into my kilt addiction to "risk" buying my first USA Kilt because I thought all the hype about USA Kilts just couldn't be true.

Do yourself a favor and purchase one of each. Then make your own decision.

Ron

[SteveB]

For purposes of Comparison:
SWK Standard is an acrylic fabric kilt in an OTR size. The closest in USAK is the semi-traditional, which is in Poly-viscous material and made to measure.
SWK Thrifty is in close comparison to the USAK casual. The thrifty is in acrylic fabric with a velcro closure and the fell is not sewn down. The USAK casual is in poly-viscous fabric, and made to measure or OTR. (Call Rocky for better details).
SWK heavyweight wool is sort of compared to USAK premier kilts. SWK are Merino wool in limited tartans and limited sizes. USAK premier kilts are in any tartan in Scottish made wool, made to measure and combination machine/hand sewn to fit.
I own all but a USAK casual. I opted to save a little bit longer and get the Semi-traditional, which many people at the Highland Games and other events, have thought as being a wool tank. The swish factor is good, and the made to measure fit is perfect for both casual and dress occasions. I also own the SWK Standard. It has a few less pleats and they are not quite as deep. The swish factor is very slightly less. The Standard only comes in 24" length, which fits my 6'1" body well if worn a little lower than regular kilt height, to reach the top of my knees.
The SWK thrifty is very little acrylic fabric in very shallow pleats that do not taper to allow for my large hips. As Ron (Riverkilt) owns many (I believe 16) USAK casual kilts he would be better to explain the benefits. I do know that the fabric is poly-viscous, and that the kilt is tapered for the hips, with deeper pleats. Both use velcro closure. I have worn a friend's USAK casual and found it to be quite comfortable and well made, with better swish than my thrifty.
For the wool kilts, my above is petty much the comparison. Jerry has lightening fast delivery of his in stock kilts, but they are in standard sizes, unlike most of us on the forum.
There is nothing that beats a hand sewn wool tartan Tank. I tend to like the look and others like the feel of my poly-viscous kilts over the look and feel of the acrylic kilts. Both have their place, as I like my SWK standard for the abuse that I give it around town.
I have tried to be as objective as possible, as both SWK and USAK are great sponsors to this forum and supply kilts that fit particular needs. This fat old man is happy to own kilts from both of these vendors.
Slainte

[sathor]

I already have a SWK. I do intend on getting a nicer USAK eventually, but I don't have the $$$ for the semitrad at this point, and I want a new one by my birthday.

Do yourself a favor and purchase one of each. Then make your own decision.

Ron