USA Casuals vs. Stillwater Standard?

[RockyR]

I can't speak to SW's quality or anything b/c I don't own one, but I have seen a few up close. Please note... I'm NOT knocking them, just pointing something out. I REALLY DON'T think that his are Poly Viscose... I think SW's are either Poly acrylic or Poly Cotton (which would explain the pilling), but I'm not 100% sure since I don't have 1 in front of me to touch.

We've JUST (yesterday) received the "Ireland's National" tartan in Poly Viscose and it's better looking than it was in the swatches! It's not on the site yet, but will be in a few weeks. If you'd like to see a pic, email me and I'll send you one.

Keith... your kilt will go out Tuesday!

Hope this info was helpful, David.

[David White]

I can't speak to SW's quality or anything b/c I don't own one, but I have seen a few up close. Please note... I'm NOT knocking them, just pointing something out. I REALLY DON'T think that his are Poly Viscose... I think SW's are either Poly acrylic or Poly Cotton (which would explain the pilling), but I'm not 100% sure since I don't have 1 in front of me to touch.

We've JUST (yesterday) received the "Ireland's National" tartan in Poly Viscose and it's better looking than it was in the swatches! It's not on the site yet, but will be in a few weeks. If you'd like to see a pic, email me and I'll send you one.

Keith... your kilt will go out Tuesday!

Hope this info was helpful, David.

Hi Rocky,

Send the pic to dmaxwhite@yahoo.com
thanks kind sir,

dave

[chasem]

I have a USA Casual and a still water economy, I believe the fabric is the same just made differently.

The stillwaters are acrylic.

[mbhandy]

The stillwaters are acrylic.

Is that in the economy and Standard?

MrBill

[bubba]

The Stillwater standards and Economy are acrylic, the heavyweights have been either wool or a wool blend as I understand it.

[chasem]

Yes, sorry. The economies and standards are acrylic. The heavyweights were originally acrylic, but are now wool.

[mbhandy]

I got the SWK last week 100% wool and it has gotten me a whole lot of compliments. Well worth the money but I got it on ebay.

[cavscout]

http://www.frappr.com/xmarksthescot/photo/194640

Not the best photo but you can check out USA Kilts web site also. There are a few pics there as well.

[Mike n NC]

Dave to compare the two is like apples and oranges. I have 4 USAK casual kilts, 2 economy and 1 HW SWK. What is the difference? Aside from the material, already pointed out, tailoring. Picture the difference between buying any article of clothing <be it shirt, jacket or trousers> off the rack vice buying tailor made for just a few dollars more. No question about fit.

I've had no problem with "pills" on either kilt so that isn't a big point with me.

Rocky stitches down the pleats on his casuals which makes care so much easier though the SWKs don't need a lot of touch-up either.

Velcro vs. straps, a toss up here. I like the look of the strap/buckle arrangement but I love the ease of the velcro and there isn't any loss of apperance when using the velcro.

I don't own a SWK standard so I can't compare those at all. SWK economy kilts aren't what I would want to wear out to dinner or such. I use mine for around the house and work especially if it involves paint... However the heavy weight is fine for almost any kind of outing. USAK casual I have no problem wearing them for any but the most dressy occasions <read that as coat and tie>.

Quality wise, Rocky has assured me that should there be a problem with a kilt, he will make it right. SWK on the other hand is an exchange proceedure an hope that the same problem doesn't arise on the new kilt. After about 18 months I've had no problem with either brand.

USAK started as a cottage buisness, literally, and is a growing American concern. Taking nothing from Jerry, SWK appears to be a quality product imported to meet the need for an inexpensive kilt.

Bottom line is that I am quite happy with both products and I also fully intend to do business with both companies again.

As an additional note, I have one of Rocky's Premium kilts <one of his first> and it is nothing but top shelf. :smile:

What to do? What to do? Were it me I would do exactly what I did. Start with a USAK and add on the SWK a little later.

Hope all that makes sense and helps a bit.

Mike

[cavscout]

Hi Glen and thanks.
I've have only worn "tradition" tailored kilts and great kilts-all 100% heavies, I would like something to beat around in, working in the yard etc...

I really like both.

dave

I don't own a stillwater yet but I doo have a USA Casual which is a great casual kilt. I WOULD NEVER CUT THE GRASS IN IT!!!!!! That's what sport kilts and economy kilts are for.

If by "knock around" you mean to wear casually to burger king or the grocery store where you just want to be presentable without the full get up then you have a much tuffer decision. The USA's are awesome but only 4 to 5 yards. Stillwaters give you much more weight at almost half the price.