Help, I can't decide!!!!!!!!!

[Jim H.]

I'm looking to get my first kilt and I don't want to break the bank. With that said, I'm trying to decide between a UK, a Pittsburgh Kilt, and a Freedom Kilt. I know that there's a lot going for PK's but I really like the look of a Freedom Kilt (especially since it is made from 6-8 yds) but will the cotton move the same way as a traditional tartan? How well does a Freedom or Pittsburgh Kilt hold out compared to a UK?

Thanks,
Jim
P.S. Feel free to comment just about a specific kilt if you want.

[The Wizard of BC]

The Freedom Kilts Casual Model is the only Contemporary Kilt that has true kilt 'swish'. A 36" waist kilt will have 8.38 yards of fabric.
Still not a full wool, but so close that I have sold them to die-hard wool kilt wearers. Everyone who sees the Casual Model comments on the movement.

As far as durability, you may want to get the Work Weight Fabric. It is the actual Carrhardt. Can't beat that for long wearing and abrasion resistance.
Not as heavy or stiff as a UK, and when washed about 6 times with a half cup of 'Downey' it softens right up. It also keeps it's look very well when ironed or steamed.

Ask some of the X Marks members who have a Freedom Kilt for a butally honest opinion.

[Jewddha]

I have a denim PK, is durable, and I like the look, but it does take a fair amount of work to keep pleats crisp, wrinkle free, etc...

I have a poly-cotton FK (cargo model), not a ton of swish, but is there. Poly-cotton stays looking sharp, can't comment on the cotton series though. It looks good, is durable, but can't comment on the fabrics you're asking about, sorry.

[KiltedCodeWarrior]

I am going to have to throw my vote to Stillwater Standard, and probably heavyweight even though I don't have one yet! The reasons are that I have a SW standard in Nightstalker that can be formal or dressy, support a button down oxford shirt and dress black shoes, or a t-shirt and Doc martens. It also has the advantage that you can get one quickly, IF the stock length works for you and they have your waist size in stock. I think that their stock length is 24", which works great since I am 6' 3", but would be a bit long if you are 5' 9". They can be hemmed up, but then you might as well look at a USAK, PK, etc. for a custom fit and not much more money.

[Riverkilt]

Jim,

Many of us have been in your position. :confused:

There is only one sound answer to your question.

ONE OF EACH!!

They're all cool, like the rose, the orchid, the magnolia.

Ron

[Jim H.]

I have to "prove" to my parents that I'll wear it and like it, but even though I have to pay for it entirely they're limiting what I can spend . So I can only get one kilt for starts. As for the Stillwater kilt, I'm in an area that would make a Stillwater Kilt more of a seasonal thing when I'm looking for all year around, casual kilt that can take a little punishment.

[Iolaus]

If you're looking for something that'll handle punishment year-round, I'd say go with the UK Workman; that's what they're designed for. True, you don't get swing of the more traditional styles, and you will eventually want a traditional, but in exchange you get a bunch of well-thought-out pockets, and the most unique (in my opinion ;) ) looking of the contemporary kilts available.

That's not to knock the others, mind you. I've got three UKs now, but I think my next purchase will be one of the other "modern" kilts; I've been looking at the Freedom Kilts and the Pittsburgh Kilts for a while now.

[bear]

I have to "prove" to my parents that I'll wear it and like it, but even though I have to pay for it entirely they're limiting what I can spend . So I can only get one kilt for starts. As for the Stillwater kilt, I'm in an area that would make a Stillwater Kilt more of a seasonal thing when I'm looking for all year around, casual kilt that can take a little punishment.

You can't beat poly/viscose for year around wear and ease of care. It's machine washable/dryable, very rarely needs ironing, never needs to be tugged at, stretched, or have weights hung on it, comes in tartan or solids, warm in winter, cool in summer, extremely soft and comfortable against skin, and inexpensive.
There is no other fabric that has all those qualities. Wool comes close but is more expensive. Most of the cargo kilts need some kind of special washing/drying care and ironing. And most non poly/viscose fabrics are either too warm in summer or too cold in winter. Add the comfort factor of poly/viscose and the choice is easy for someone looking for a kilt in your price range.
And if you're worried about poly/viscose taking punishment, ask Andrew Breecher how his held up on the 2000 mile Appalachian trail.

[RockyR]

...I'm trying to decide between a UK, a Pittsburgh Kilt, and a Freedom Kilt. I know that there's a lot going for PK's but I really like the look of a Freedom Kilt (especially since it is made from 6-8 yds) but will the cotton move the same way as a traditional tartan? How well does a Freedom or Pittsburgh Kilt hold out compared to a UK?

Since your original post is about 3 solid companies, I'll just comment on solids. If you want a thinner (1 inch wide) pleated kilt with swing, pretty much your ONLY choice is a FK. I've seen the movement with my own eyes!

If you're looking for a 2 tone kilt with color in the pleat returns, check out PK. Jeff seems like a really nice guy (from the limited contact I've had with him).

If you're looking for a "tough looking work kilt", it's up in the air. The UK is very nice, but it's not completely "custom" like the FK. If you like everything about the UK and fit into a size, then get it! If you would like 1 or 2 less pockets or like a wider apron or whatever, check out FK.

I personally own 2 freedom kilts (1 cotton camo and 1 carhardt cargo) and like them both. I do not OWN a PK or UK, but have seen both and carefully inspected them.

NOTE: I didn't comment on AK or RK or PV Material b/c that's not what was asked.