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.

[Miah]

I don't own any of the ones you mentioned but I have seen a ton of UK's up close and was mega close to getting one but the killer of the deal for me was the thin apron. I just can't bring myselt to deal with it.

[Riverkilt]

Jim,

With that info - the kilt needing to take some punishment - I'm with Iolas. Go with a UK Workman's. The black is probably the most fashionable color for young folks. Goes with most anything, and has that "Don't **** With Me" look.

There are lots of ways to add decorative stuff to the Workman's too and sort of customize/personalize your look....chains, patches, studs, only limited by your imagination.
Ron

[Iolaus]

I don't own any of the ones you mentioned but I have seen a ton of UK's up close and was mega close to getting one but the killer of the deal for me was the thin apron. I just can't bring myselt to deal with it.

You mean how narrow it is? The only issue I have with that is that a kilt pin would look funny on it since the pin would be damn near in the middle.

The narrow apron works to your advantage for casual wear because instead of bridging the gap when you spread your legs, the two aprons (inner & outer) automatically drop down in between your legs; that, along with the snap system limiting the spread of the aprons up where it matters, makes accidental exosure very unlikely.