Sub $100 Kilts Compare and Contrast

**James MacMillan** · 10th October 07, 09:54 PM

What everyone has said is true. The only thing that I could add, is (if at all possible) go somewhere and look at a tank. Look at it in depth. See how it is made, depth and number of pleats, workmanship with the pleating itself, how the sett is managed to form different patterns. The story is in the details!

For instance, a Black Stewart tartan pleated to stripe is a completely different kilt than one pleated to sett.

After you know what a quality piece is, then you can judge the ready mades, and the casuals.

There are also other sources of lower priced kilts. E-Bay can have some bargains if you don't need the kilt in a hurry. -and you aren't in the hagrid sizes.

Also, I still have a SWK Standard in Blackwatch, that I am looking for a good trade, but it has a waist of 44"........ shameless plug.

**Terry** · 10th October 07, 09:58 PM

Count me in on endorsing the Stillwater. I have a Black Watch Heavyweight and its as close to a traditional tank as you can get. It has a great look, the pleats are crisp, it is well made and can't be beat for the $

**Riverkilt** · 10th October 07, 10:50 PM

Don't forget to take your own body measurments for a kilt. Some kilt suppliers only offer certain lengths that may not work for you, other's may charge extra for custom work - or you may need to pay to have an inexpensive kilt shortened. Of course, not an issue with a kiltmaker who sews to your measurements.

just something to be sure of before ordering.

Ron

**wingedferret** · 11th October 07, 05:30 PM

Thanks for all the advice guys.
I know here i'll be sending my wife to look.

As for your SWK James, thats even the right size but I don't have any kilt stuff to trade you.

**Mark Keeney** · 11th October 07, 08:20 PM

I certainly understand wanting another kilt now but consider saving for a tank. There is nothing better than having a kilt made just to fit you. You can have the pride in selecting the tartan and deciding how it is pleated. Every time you buy a kilt or accessory charge yourself a "Tank" tax, say $20 or $30 and put it in a tank fund.

About the other kilts, I have a USA PV kilt and I like it. I've seen an acrylic sport kilt and personally I think they looked cheap. The material didn't hold up well.

For goodness sake get a second kilt but do save for that tank.

**rmmcscott** · 11th October 07, 08:26 PM

My first kilt was a McDonald PV kilt from kiltmart.com... I love it! It's a 5 yd kilt, and I was at a "Scottish Themed" event there, and I got more compliments on my kilt! Even the people wearing tanks came up and were asking me about it!! I love the fact that it's quality enough to dress up, with the straight stiches across the fell. EXCELLENT quality and fast shipping, very moderatly priced ($50)...

my 2nd kilt is my 16 oz wool kilt from Scotland in my Bruce Modern tartan!

(Yeah, I'll get pics up one of these days!)

**Jerry** · 12th October 07, 03:48 AM

I own 2 Stillwater kilts, two Scottish made casuals, one Matt Newsome Tank and one USA semi-traditional. Of course, the tank is my favorite. If you go with Stillwater, my recommendation is the Heavyweight, followed by the Standard. However, overall, I'd recommend the USA casual. Sure, it isn't a "tank", but it is a custom, "made to your measurements" kilt. It isn't wool, bur PV is a really good material for every day wear. It is even washable if you follow the instructions. And, Rocky is really a great guy to work with. The only downside is that it will take some time for your kilt to be made. If you want fast service, with good quality, but in a mass made kilt, go with Jerry at Stillwater.

**Chef** · 12th October 07, 10:54 AM

Originally Posted by rmmcscott

My first kilt was a McDonald PV kilt from kiltmart.com... I love it!

I'm glad you had a good experience there. Personally I don't think I could buy there. I have trouble believing anyone can sell a "hand sewn" kilt for $69, no matter what kind of fabric they use. Also I would be truly suspicious of anyone who claims that this is a hand sewn kilt:

I assume the completely inappropriate piper's sporran is used to hide the kilt.

**winstonwolf06** · 17th October 07, 05:47 AM

Originally Posted by Chef

I assume the completely inappropriate piper's sporran is used to hide the kilt.

That's the exact reason I didn't go with them...

**acstoon** · 17th October 07, 08:12 AM

I have Stewart Hunting that I purchased from KiltMart...
I'm pleased with it. Pleats stay sharp, and it has decent swing.
Looks every bit as good, or better in some respects, as my SWK Black Watch (which I'm happy with, too)