Acrylic vs. Poly Viscose

**fluter** · 24th January 10, 08:45 PM

Originally Posted by MrShoe

To me I thought it a no brainier. Wool vs PV at the same price. Wool. But I have not been able to get straight answers to my situation.

Anyone else care to weigh in.

As I hinted before, it depends whether they fit you! However if the sizes are OK, you cannot go wrong with either the SWK heavyweight or the USAK casual.

Actually I think (check with Rocky) the SWK may give a bit more hip room for a given size. The off-the-rack USAK is about waist + 4 inches.

I would never discourage anyone from dealing with USAK, but the Stillwater saffron may suit your requirements best. March in Michigan sounds like a good fit for wool. The SWK wool will have a little more fabric, more pleats, and more "swish." Consider a USAK semi-trad for a subsequent kilt, or the casual model if you want something extra light-weight for summer. Down here at latitude 34, I wear both models in summer.

**Santa Wally** · 24th January 10, 09:26 PM

Originally Posted by MrShoe

If I was to buy a "trial" kilt to see what I thought of kilting it would be an acrylic. Followed closely by a better economy/casual/value kilt of PV and better construction. I would wear those two until I determined what proper kilt I wanted and who I would have make it.

Kennethrmc,

Thank you so much for your reply. I have been torn between a USA "off the rack" in Irish Heritage and a SWK Heavy weight in Saffron. (OTR due to when I need it shipped to me) My desire is to buy a Saffron kilt, but public opinion said buy from USA. Public opinion also said buy "Wool over PV", but that Pakistani kilts are "bad". This will be my first and will be worn for St Patrick's Day wheich here in Michigan can be VERY chilly. I want it to last with minimal usage and be nice enough to wear with a jacket and waist coat.

To me I thought it a no brainier. Wool vs PV at the same price. Wool. But I have not been able to get straight answers to my situation.

Anyone else care to weigh in.

You need to find out what your measurements are, check out the websites of of a kiltmaker with "how to measure instructions" and if you are going for an "off the rack kilt", you'll want to it's measurements, including the length. You won't be happy with a bad fitting kilt that's too long even if it is made of wool.

My suggestion, order a made to your measurements PV casual kilt from Rocky at USAKilts. You'll be able to know how it fits. Then order your wool kilt made to order. You'll be much happier and you'll have 2 kilts rather than one poor fitting wool kilt.

Don't wait, it takes some time to get a made to measure kilt after you order. Call and speak directly with the kiltmaker's rep to have questions answered about your order.

**seanachie** · 26th January 10, 06:58 PM

Originally Posted by MrShoe

I have been torn between a USA "off the rack" in Irish Heritage and a SWK Heavy weight in Saffron. (OTR due to when I need it shipped to me) My desire is to buy a Saffron kilt, but public opinion said buy from USA. Public opinion also said buy "Wool over PV", but that Pakistani kilts are "bad". This will be my first and will be worn for St Patrick's Day wheich here in Michigan can be VERY chilly. I want it to last with minimal usage and be nice enough to wear with a jacket and waist coat.

If Jerry has a Saffron heavyweight in stock in your size I would grab it. I really wanted the heavyweight and waited several weeks for one to come in stock in my size and it did not happen. Jerry is really good about updating info on the site. If you pass it up now then down the line one may not necessarily be in stock. I had an event that I needed the kilt for so I purchased the Standard Saffron. I DO like the standard a great deal and it was at hit at my wife's Christmas party. I don't have a USAK yet but am planning on it. I have bought a couple kilts and accessories from SWK and feel they provide excellent value for the money and outstanding service.

**Detroitpete** · 27th January 10, 06:36 AM

Originally Posted by MrShoe

If I was to buy a "trial" kilt to see what I thought of kilting it would be an acrylic. Followed closely by a better economy/casual/value kilt of PV and better construction. I would wear those two until I determined what proper kilt I wanted and who I would have make it.

Kennethrmc,

Thank you so much for your reply. I have been torn between a USA "off the rack" in Irish Heritage and a SWK Heavy weight in Saffron. (OTR due to when I need it shipped to me) My desire is to buy a Saffron kilt, but public opinion said buy from USA. Public opinion also said buy "Wool over PV", but that Pakistani kilts are "bad". This will be my first and will be worn for St Patrick's Day wheich here in Michigan can be VERY chilly. I want it to last with minimal usage and be nice enough to wear with a jacket and waist coat.

To me I thought it a no brainier. Wool vs PV at the same price. Wool. But I have not been able to get straight answers to my situation.

Anyone else care to weigh in.

Aye Brother, time is closing in on us, eh? This is just my opinion: If Rocky has the kilt you like in your size "off the rack" at a price that makes sense to you, and can get it to you in time, I'd say snatch it up. If the answer is no to any of the preceeding--run to Jerry at SWK and get the heavyweight. Either way, you'll have a great first kilt.

Is the parade you're in, in Pinkney?

**timseh** · 23rd January 10, 03:49 PM

I have 2 SWK Standards (acrylic). I have to say I've been pleased with them. I have to admit, they don't breathe all that well, at least when walking around Vegas in 90º+ weather, but they look nice and I've gotten plenty of compliments on both of them. For the price, I think they're a good value.

Other than special occasions, I'm much more likely to be seen in a UK, but that's just a matter of preference and an active lifestyle.

**MrShoe** · 25th January 10, 02:11 PM

Santa Wally -
I know my measurement and have already waited too long to get a made to order form Rocky. Well, I could pay the $25 to rush it but that defeats the point of price. My bad for waiting so long. An off the rack being too long won't be an issue at 6"4". I was holding out hopes of finding a retailer selling a saffron around $100 in PV.

Fluter -
"off the rack" sizes should be alright for me. My breech measure is about waist +5 so they should not be too off.

**Santa Wally** · 25th January 10, 03:43 PM

Originally Posted by MrShoe

Santa Wally -
I know my measurement and have already waited too long to get a made to order form Rocky. Well, I could pay the $25 to rush it but that defeats the point of price. My bad for waiting so long. An off the rack being too long won't be an issue at 6"4". I was holding out hopes of finding a retailer selling a saffron around $100 in PV.

Fluter -
"off the rack" sizes should be alright for me. My breech measure is about waist +5 so they should not be too off.

I'm sure you won't have a length problem being 6'4". I'm 5'8" so an off the rack length would be well below my knee and I wouldn't feel right in it, wouldn't look right in it either.

**MrShoe** · 27th January 10, 11:41 AM

Detroitpete,
Here is the reason I have not pulled the trigger yet. I wanted PV due to it's durability, ease of care and it's ability to hold a sharp pleat. The tartan I want is one of the Ulster's. I like the Ulster weathered, but It might be too dark. The Ulster modern is pretty bright and I have yet to see it pleated to sett vs stripe and the same goes for the Ulster peat.

That decision aside, they are not made in PV and thus would be a VERY expensive 1st kilt. Since I know I will have that kilt done later, I need to get something for now. That will give me a nice tartan kilt so was thinking that I would get a solid. Also being an Irish American, wanting to be as traditional a Kilty as I can, figured Saffron.

USA does make PV kilts in Saffron, but only in semi trad not in a casual kilt. That has 2 problems,time & $$. I have waited too long to get a custom made kilt by my deadline, my bad. The $$ for a PV custom is not possible right now. It's more that 2x the cost of the SWK Heavy Weight. @ $250 it put a whole new price point to find a kilt maker, no offense to Rocky. So it looks like it's a SWK Heavy Weight in Saffron....though the wife is pushing the Green to, but the Saffron is as I said more traditional.

Yes the Parade is Saturday March 14th in Downtown Pinckney. Pinckney is south of I-96 and west of US-23. It's not much of a parade. It started in 2004 by a friend of mine. It goes about 3 blocks and lasts about 45min, but it's better than no parade. I might go watch Detroit's or maybe Bay City's the following weekend, of course kilted.