Talk me out of it!

[beloitpiper]

So I've been browsing Stillwater Kilts a lot recently, and have been fancying (sp?) a heavyweight saffron Irish kilt for awhile (yes, I'm Irish)...apparently, they have a "shadow tartan" than can only be seen in the sun. Anyways, I've got a small package set up that includes the kilt, fly plaid, brooch, kilt pin, belt, and sporran. All of that is about $300 (includes shipping). I think that is an amazing price , but if there is any reason why I should be wary of Stillwater, let me know. :confused:

Thank you for your advice and guidance.

[A Hay]

It is a great kilt. Got mine a few months ago.
Very heavy though. Weighs over 4 pounds.
I think it looks almost like suede leather in some lights.

I'm sure you will hear nothhing but good about SWK here.

Best wishes,
Tom

[beloitpiper]

Very heavy though. Weighs over 4 pounds.

Sounds good to me! All of my tartans weight about that much (maybe more).

[Southern Breeze]

There IS a downside to Stillwaters - EXTREMELY fast service! You don't have time to develop and savor a decent jones.

The length is really not a problem. A search on hemming will turn up all the info you need. I've had to shorten all my Stillwaters and it's not that difficult.

[Scott Gilmore]

Stillwater's heavyweight kilts are most certainly a good value. I own a green shadow tartan, and it's very nice and fits me pretty close to perfectly.

However, if you own a real hand sewn heavyweight 16 oz. 8 or 9 yard kilt made from fine Scottish wool, you'll see the difference straight away. Of course, you'll have paid considerably more for that tank, but if you value quality, in the long run, you'll value your tank (which, incidentally, will weigh about twice what the Stillwater "heavyweight" weighs).

The thing about less expensive products is that years later, after all is said and done, it's hard to remember what you actually did with the money you saved by purchasing the less expensive item. You dribble it away on this or that.

I know this sounds like I'm running down the Stillwater, but I'm not. I'm quite happy with my Stillwater heavyweight. I know there will be occasions where I'll use it and enjoy it, and that makes it worth the price. All I'm saying is that be prepared for what it is - don't allow yourself to be disappointed, which you could be if you really know what a good kilt looks and feels like.

Buy that Stillwater heavyweight if it has a place in your lineup. If you only wear kilts at very special occasions - as some do - then it might not be your best choice. If, on the other hand, you wear a kilt to a broader spectrum of events or occasions, a Stillwater might be just the thing to spill some beer on at the local Irish pub*.

For the record, that's exactly what I purchased my Stillwater heavyweight for. I wanted to expand my kilt usage. I already have some special occasion kilts, kilts I probably wouldn't want to wear to a ballgame or a pub, so the Stillwater filled the gap nicely. It's still a heavy wool kilt (as opposed to the canvass "sport" type kilts that I are not my favorite), but I wouldn't worry too much if some Gumby sloshes his Guinness on it.

* Note, it is at least possible that the saffron color, if worn to the wrong pub even here in the U.S. - could attract unwanted attention. Whether right or wrong, it's a bit too close to orange for some. If you know this and you have strong sectarian beliefs, well then, please forget I said anything. Just don't walk in to any old Irish pub in some parts of Boston or New York City wearing that saffron color unless you're a whole lot tougher than you look - fair warning given.

Regards,
Scott Gilmore

[pbpersson]

I'm sorry, I cannot talk anyone out of buying any kilts. Buy as many as you like and wear them proudly everywhere you go.

While you are at it, buy several of them and give some as gifts to your closest friends.

Seriously, I have only heard great things about Stillwater and I think their prices are great. I have a feeling I will be one of their most enthusiastic customers in the coming months.


Phil in Phoenix

[Riverkilt]

I love the old business adage, "You can have any two of price, quality, or service."

It sure seems true in the kiltmaking industry...pick your two...and kilt up!

Ron

[billmcc]

...but if there is any reason why I should be wary of Stillwater, let me know.

No reason I know of to be wary. The downside to a Stillwater kilt is only one overall length (24 inches) is available. I have consider buying a Stillwater kilt, but the length is one inch too long.

[Panache]

So I've been browsing Stillwater Kilts a lot recently, and have been fancying (sp?) a heavyweight saffron Irish kilt for awhile (yes, I'm Irish)...apparently, they have a "shadow tartan" than can only be seen in the sun. Anyways, I've got a small package set up that includes the kilt, fly plaid, brooch, kilt pin, belt, and sporran. All of that is about $300 (includes shipping). I think that is an amazing price , but if there is any reason why I should be wary of Stillwater, let me know. :confused:

Thank you for your advice and guidance.

I love my Black Shadow Tartan Heavyweight and think it's a very good value for the money. If I may humbly make a suggestion though. I would skip the fly plaid and brooch (unless you have a dress jacket and vest already and a lot of formal events to go to). Instead of the fly plaid and brooch, buy a Stillwater Standard Irish National. You get two kilt outfits instead of formal gear you will likely find that you don't need*.

Cheers

*I speak from experience, when I ordered my first Tartan Kilt I also bought a fly plaid and brooch. The brooch now adorns my glengarry and my flyplaid is folded up neatly in a drawer (very seldom worn).

[beloitpiper]

I would skip the fly plaid and brooch (unless you have a dress jacket and vest already and a lot of formal events to go to). Instead of the fly plaid and brooch, buy a Stillwater Standard Irish National. You get two kilt outfits instead of formal gear you will likely find that you don't need[/I]

Good point. I do have a jacket and waistcoat, but I already have a fly plaid for my Gordon Dress. Maybe I'll just get two kilts, heh heh heh.