Stillwater Kilts: A review

[Panache]

DSF,

First off, welcome to X Marks the Scot.

Second, welcome to the Stillwater Fan Club. Jerry offers tremendous value and unmatched customer service, that is why he has so many repeat customers.

Third, you wrote:

...
Okay, so the kilt: we have a celtic store here in Austin called Things Celtic, so I have held high dollar kilts from Scotland in my hand. I have tried them on. I cannot afford them. To my untrained eye, there is no difference in the Scottish made $500 kilts, and the kilt I bought from Jerry.

Jerry will be the first to tell you that his offerings are not going to be the same quality of a custom handsewn kilt. As you become more knowledgeble about kilts you will notice that there are some diferences. For example SWK have additional bulk in the waist because the pleats do not have cutouts there (custom handsewn ones have these to make the kilt slim and form fitting there).

Jerry and Stillwater offers a very good product at a great price, and many on XMTS would never have taken the plunge to don the kilt without him. I have two handsewn kilts and they are better made and fitting than the Stillwater Kilts (which being handmade they should be). This hasn't diminished my appreciation for my Stillwater kilts, as I just ordered a Weathered Lamont Heavyweight from him yesterday morning. This will be my third Heavyweight and 7th kilt I have ordered from Jerry (though two of those 7 were gifts)

Cheers

Jamie

[Mr. MacDougall]

People are continually amazed that in out modern world, you don't have to save for a year to get kilted.

I actually carry a couple of Jerry's business cards in my sporran, and when people express interest in where they can get a kilt like mine, I happily hand 'em out. Next time you order from Stillwater, ask him, and I'm sure he'll be happy to throw some cards in the box.

[Daaaaang]

Dangit, Now I'm down $40 and up a kilt. Dang you and your review!

[Nighthawk]

Dangit, Now I'm down $40 and up a kilt. Dang you and your review!

Even the Thriftys are great. My son has one.

[beloitpiper]

You'll be hard pressed to find somebody here who isn't a fan of Stillwater. Even a big tradtionalist like me loves the heavyweight kilts they sell.

[Nick the DSM]

if they would only have them in my size!

wait they do customs right?

I have been thinking of getting a kilt from them, either black watch or black stewart.

[pipesndrumsnun]

I predict 'tis but the beginning of yet another long and happy kilt addiction!

[Colin]

Okay, so the kilt: we have a celtic store here in Austin called Things Celtic, so I have held high dollar kilts from Scotland in my hand. I have tried them on. I cannot afford them. To my untrained eye, there is no difference in the Scottish madee $500 kilts, and the kilt I bought from Jerry.

First off, Great review. I am glad to hear that you have received products that you had hoped for.

However as a caveat, I need to address the statment that I quoted. I have emailed Jerry a few times (hoping that he one day gets brown belts in stock) and from my experience and from the experience of the many members on this forum, Jerry and the Stillwater Kilts team provide top notch customer service. This is not a slight to them, they have made it perfectly clear that they are selling an affordable kilt to suit as many people as possible and their varied budgets. However, I have owned 3 Polyvicose kilts, one arcylic kilt (not for SWK but the same material), and 2 worseted wool kilts. I am an untrained eye, and there is a heck of a difference between all 3 types. SWK has made an exceptional kilt to suit their market, but it is not comparable to a worsted wool kilt. Nothing comes close to the feel of a traditionally made worsted wool kilt wrapped around your waist. Many people here that own a variety of kilts in different materials, weights, constructions, etc will attest to the difference in the feel and make of the kilts.

Again, this is not a bash of SWK or their products. They have always been up front (I wish all companies followed their lead) about their product's origin, material, and that they are not trying to compete with the traditional wool kilt, but rather to provide a more cost effective version of that kilt. I just wanted to provide a bit of a warning to new members that may be reading this that if you see the price tag at a tradional kiltmaker's business and than find the SWk site and see a kilt for $80, they are not the same product. Don't think you will be getting an 8 yard worsted wool kilt for a fraction of the cost. You will however get a good kilt that will look great at rugby matches, the pub, etc.

Enjoy, the kilt is addictive.

[Captain Karrot]

I placed an order just this morning for a Standard Saffron kilt, as well as kilt hangers. I used the quick order, which used the credit card I had previously used to buy my kids their first kilts. Anyway, this new order was just for me, and my wife wouldn't want to pay for my addiction out of family funds. No problem if I pay from my money, mind you. So I sent Jerry an email explaining the problem and that I wanted to switch cards. Within 90 minutes, he had called me back and the issue was rectified.

As said may times before, costumer service like this doesn't exist everywhere today, and is a treat to experience.

[DireStraitsFan]

I just wanted to provide a bit of a warning to new members that may be reading this that if you see the price tag at a tradional kiltmaker's business and than find the SWk site and see a kilt for $80, they are not the same product. Don't think you will be getting an 8 yard worsted wool kilt for a fraction of the cost. You will however get a good kilt that will look great at rugby matches, the pub, etc.

Enjoy, the kilt is addictive.

Like I said, to my untrained eye.

I was around people this weekend of all kilt types. I hung out with a guy with a $700.00 Scots made kilt, and he had trouble telling the difference. In fact he made a stab at some of the cheaper kilts, thinking that I was in on the gag. I had to tell him that I didn't have on a Scottish kilt. He was shocked. I will post pics soon. I just think there is a bit of snobbery that comes along with some people within this community. Like I said, I have tried on the real deal, and what SWK sells is good enough for me at the moment.

Peace.