Stillwater Kilts: A review

[McFarkus]

Then go find a narrow leather belt, size 36-38, to use instead. The chain I have from SWK is pretty good, but it can rough up the fabric over time. I'm reserving my chains for evening wear.

Or order a sporran strap or hangers from Steve Frazier at Oconee Leather Works. He does beautiful work and it extends the life of your kilt.

[ChromeScholar]

You will however get a good kilt that will look great at rugby matches, the pub, etc.

I hung out with a guy with a $700.00 Scots made kilt, and he had trouble telling the difference.

I'm going to support the "won't know the difference" pov. I recently wore a SWK kilt to a formal dinner. No one there knew that it wasn't a $700.00 kilt. Would it be spotted at a Robbie Burns dinner, or a highland games? Maybe, but I wouldn't even put money on that. Yes, if you already own a $700.00 hand-sewn kilt of 16+ oz worsted wool, and you compare it to wearing an SWK you will, of course, see the difference. 99% of the people in the United States won't know the difference (or likely care).

[Colin]

I just think there is a bit of snobbery that comes along with some people within this community.

That's not fair. My post was very diplomatic and did not bash acrylic kilts, polyviscose kilts, or any other kilts or the people that wear them. I simply stated that there is a difference based on my 4+ years of knowledge and experience.

I actually see more people making comments about people with traditional kilts or attitudes than I see traditionalists not excepting non-traditional kilts or people that are buying kilts based on their experience and budget.

I started out with an $80 Bear kilt. To me is was gold. Now I won't wear it as it hasn't held up well with wear and tear (cheaper PV that the Marton Mills variety). Many of our members own kilts from full traditionals to 4 yard box pleats to PV kilts to leather kilts to Utility kilts to acrylic kilts to sport kilts, etc. To quote a friend " Kilts are like golf clubs, you use each one in the proper time and place" don't start calling people names for pointing out that differences do exist. Tolerance is a 2-way street and many seem to forget that.

I had every intent on buying a Stillwater Standard a few weeks ago form a friend on the forum. It was a good kilt for the pub, for weekends, etc and I would have bought it were it not too short. My eye is untrained too, but I could sure tell the difference right away. I would like to see the difference between a SWK standard and Heavyweight.

Stillwater is probably one of the best place for the cheaper kilts. Jerry has listened well to what his customers and his market want and he has adapted to that. The arcylic kilt I previously owned didn't have the fell sewn down to the hips and it hung strange and didn't feel right. Jerry has provided great options in terms of quality, weight, accesories, tartan, etc. His is a kilt you can be proud to own. I am sure you will get a ton of wear and enjoyment from it.

I'm going to support the "won't know the difference" pov. I recently wore a SWK kilt to a formal dinner. No one there knew that it wasn't a $700.00 kilt. Would it be spotted at a Robbie Burns dinner, or a highland games? Maybe, but I wouldn't even put money on that. Yes, if you already own a $700.00 hand-sewn kilt of 16+ oz worsted wool, and you compare it to wearing an SWK you will, of course, see the difference. 99% of the people in the United States won't know the difference (or likely care).

I think you would be suprised at how easily it is to spot the differnece up close. Polyviscose is harder to spot by eye (until the wind shows up) than arcylic as it hangs similar to a lightweight wool. Ultimately though it doesn't matter as you are wearing a kilt to the highland games. Half the people are still wearing jeans.

The comparison rings true for people that already own a SWK, or any kilt off the rack, when you compare it to a handsewn kilt of heavy worsted wool (made to fit you). You are correct though. The vast majority of people won't know the difference, nor do they really care. However does that mean that differences don't exist? That was all I pointed out.

I don't know where everyone gets the $700+ reference for kilts. I have never paid more that $500 Cdn (remember it wasn't always as good in value as it is right now) including shipping. And that was for the handsewn heavyweight wool from Scotland.

[DireStraitsFan]

Okay! No offense intended. Jeez Louise.

[ChromeScholar]

I think you would be suprised at how easily it is to spot the differnece up close.

No, I really wouldn't. My point wasn't that there are or aren't differences, even readily recognized differences. My point was that 99% of the people in the US don't know what those differences are. The only people who know what those differences are those who own "real" wool kilts. That's where the snobbery comes in. There is a certain segment of the kilt wearing crowd (including a certain number here at XMarks) who's attitude seems to be "SWK are perfectly fine to wear to the pub, but it's not a 'real' kilt, and if you ever owned a 'real' kilt, you'd know it".

No offense meant, but it appears I'm not the only one who has noticed it.

[ccga3359]

Okay! No offense intended. Jeez Louise.

LOL. Don't sweat it. Just a friendly discussion. Wouldn't be an interesting forum if everyone agrees. It won't get too hot. And surprisingly I'm agreeing with ChromeScholar in SWK's heavyweight range at least. Enjoy your SWK. It is a high quality item for the price.

[Colin]

The only people who know what those differences are those who own "real" wool kilts. That's where the snobbery comes in. .

So by that definition knowledge = snobbery.

Does that logic apply to people that can tell the difference between an acrylic kilt and a custom fit Polyviscose kilt? what about people that own a utility kilt as opposed to a tweed kilt? What about someone that owns the more traditionally made SWK over a Sport kilt?

People buy the kilts and accesories that that they are willing and able to buy. Some save and buy in time, some want to try things out now and save later, some just like having a bunch of the have now items. Cool,to each their own. That's why there are so many options.

There is a certain segment of the kilt wearing crowd (including a certain number here at XMarks) who's attitude seems to be "SWK are perfectly fine to wear to the pub, but it's not a 'real' kilt, and if you ever owned a 'real' kilt, you'd know it".

No offense meant, but it appears I'm not the only one who has noticed it

I don't recall anyone saying SWK kilts were not real kilts. Personally I think they are great. They have gotten many people in kilts for an affordable fee and they have offered different ranges for their returning customers and their individual tastes.

Some people prefer higher quality. I want to spend my money on things I like. Some people on this site seem to take great offense if people suggest they would prefer items of better quality. That's not knocking what you like, it's simply stating someone else's taste.

And as Grant said, it's a friendly discussion. If anyone is getting their undies in a bunch they need to pull the caber out of their **** and relax. Discussion is fun and should be light. I hope we never all agree on everything.

[macwilkin]

No, I really wouldn't. My point wasn't that there are or aren't differences, even readily recognized differences. My point was that 99% of the people in the US don't know what those differences are. The only people who know what those differences are those who own "real" wool kilts. That's where the snobbery comes in. There is a certain segment of the kilt wearing crowd (including a certain number here at XMarks) who's attitude seems to be "SWK are perfectly fine to wear to the pub, but it's not a 'real' kilt, and if you ever owned a 'real' kilt, you'd know it".

No offense meant, but it appears I'm not the only one who has noticed it.

Just like there a fair number of folks who assume that every traditionalist is a snob. I've said before, and I'll say it again: some of the most intolerant people I have ever met have claimed to be tolerant of others.

The majority of folks I run around with in the Scottish community are traditionalists, but yet I've never heard them say anything down right mean or rude to someone in regards to Highland attire -- we'll certainly offer our opinion, but we also offer advice when asked. Many of us remember what it was like to start out with this stuff.

Bottom line: different horses for courses.

T.

[Raphael]

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.

Just because he has a $700 kilt, that doesn't qualify him as an expert. I am no expert either, but I know what quality is.

[DireStraitsFan]

Many of us remember what it was like to start out with this stuff.

Well said. I know way more about this stuff than I did four years ago when I thought I had it all figured out. Everyone starts with a limited understanding of all things kilt (unless you're born in Scotland). I think it is fair for Colin to have his opinion, as it is fair to have mine.

I still stand by the statement that there is snobbery out there when it comes to these kinds of things.