Sport kilts

**Joshua** · 29th November 11, 03:17 PM

I gave mine away a long time ago. For a casual kilt, USAK casuals cannot be beat. Sportkilts, after a handful of washings, just end up looking like you've wrapped a tartan bedsheet around your waist.

If they are using poly-v now, then it would be a great improvement. That being said, after owning both, I much prefer USAK Casuals.

If price is a consideration, Stillwater Kilts are great, I keep one in my closet for friends to wear to kilt nights and concerts. I'm just not a fan of acrylic anymore.

**biblemonkey** · 29th November 11, 03:18 PM

I have a couple for really sweaty days or for backpacking or running races. They work fine for those purposes but from what I understand USAKilts Casuals work better. I do not own one (USA Casual) so I cannot speak from experience though.

**O'Callaghan** · 29th November 11, 04:45 PM

Originally Posted by Joshua

I gave mine away a long time ago. For a casual kilt, USAK casuals cannot be beat. Sportkilts, after a handful of washings, just end up looking like you've wrapped a tartan bedsheet around your waist.

If they are using poly-v now, then it would be a great improvement. That being said, after owning both, I much prefer USAK Casuals.

If price is a consideration, Stillwater Kilts are great, I keep one in my closet for friends to wear to kilt nights and concerts. I'm just not a fan of acrylic anymore.

Sounds like Joshua didn't get the sewn down pleats, as on mine the pleats hang just fine after machine washing and drip drying on a hanger. If you're going to buy a Sport Kilt I regard the extra $12 for that option as essential.

Acryllic is good too, but in the heavier weights it gets too hot in summer, assuming you live somewhere that has one.

I agree with the other poster who said they aren't suitable for weddings and formal dinners, but IMHO they are OK for highland games and celtic festivals, talking as a spectator, not a competitor, although I'm sure they are good for that too.

**NeightRG** · 29th November 11, 05:49 PM

Originally Posted by O'Callaghan

Sounds like Joshua didn't get the sewn down pleats, as on mine the pleats hang just fine after machine washing and drip drying on a hanger. If you're going to buy a Sport Kilt I regard the extra $12 for that option as essential.

The one time that I machine dried mine, there were major problems - and my pleats are sewn down. I think the hang-drying is likely what saves you, versus the sewn fell. Not that I'm saying you don't need to get it sewn - I wouldn't be caught dead with an unsewn fell on anything but a great kilt.

**Joshua** · 30th November 11, 04:58 AM

Originally Posted by O'Callaghan

Sounds like Joshua didn't get the sewn down pleats, as on mine the pleats hang just fine after machine washing and drip drying on a hanger. If you're going to buy a Sport Kilt I regard the extra $12 for that option as essential.

They didn't offer sewn down pleats, or any additional options, when I bought mine in 2003. I personally sewed down the pleats before giving it to a friend and it looks better, but it's still fairly rough.

Not to mention, once you've spent the extra money on the size (I'm a big man), the pleats, the belt loops, etc... You've pretty much came to the price of a much nicer kilt.

They serve their purpose, sure. I just think that there are better options for a casual kilt.

**RockyR** · 30th November 11, 06:36 AM

Originally Posted by Joshua

If they are using poly-v now, then it would be a great improvement.

Something that's been pointed out several times... "Not all PV is created equal". I think there's a material comparison chart around here somewhere (**quickly does a search on the site and fails**)

The only PV material we use is made in the UK by Marton Mills. It's by far the highest quality wool 'alternative' we've found for stock tartans. It's not the cheapest alternative, but it is the best (IMHO).

**Java** · 3rd December 11, 04:18 PM

Originally Posted by Joshua

.......Not to mention, once you've spent the extra money on the size (I'm a big man), the pleats, the belt loops, etc... You've pretty much came to the price of a much nicer kilt. .........

Joshua beat me to it here. I don't own a Sportkilt, and the reason is the extra fee for sewing the pleats, (believe me, you want that) and their "fat tax" adds up pretty fast. If you're a "man of substance" like me, you're not comparing a $50 Sportkilt to a $100 USA Casual. By the time you've paid for belt loops, straps, sewing the pleats, and the XL size, you're comparing a $121 Sportkilt with a $130 USA Casual. So with the USA, for better material, more yardage, and custom length, you're paying an extra $8.50. That's important to know. If you're my size and just want one for the games, A Stillwater Standard is only around $80. Not as nice as a USA (IMHO) but at least it's cheaper.:mrgreen:

**Silent Raven** · 4th December 11, 07:36 PM

i have sportkilt and i like it, for many of the reasons mentioned here already (light weight, comfy and fairly inexpensive) but if you were to get any of the options get the sewn down pleats! ive seen the ones with out the pleats sewn and they just dont look right at all. ive got a few pictures on the site of mine. out of my 3 kilts i were it secondly(..is that a word??) my other ones are a wool tank, that i have yet to official wear yet (im waiting for my wedding) the other woll one i have is a stillwater kilt and i like it a lot but its not sized to me so its a bit big but i wear it often, but my sport kilt i do wear a lot and like it just as much as my other ones.

**flyrod6057** · 4th December 11, 07:53 PM

I have owned 2 sportkilts. The first was a piece of junk: It didn't fit, even after two attempts and calls to the manufacturer. It wound up getting tossed out a few years ago. I currently own one sportkilt that I wear for hashing events (it's a running club.) It's fine for what it's for, but as far as kilts go, it's still a relatively cheap knockoff of what I consider an acceptable kilt. I'd never wear it for anything outside of goofing off, and I never wear it around the house. In short, I feel it's ONLY use is for sports. I'll never wear it for anything else. On a scale of 1 to 10, I'd give it a 3 or so.

**Laochri MacTalabh** · 9th December 11, 07:51 PM

I just got my first kilt, it's a Sportkilt, Black Watch. I bought it because of cost issues, (can't afford a 8yd 16oz wool kilt.) I am pleased with it. To solve the elastic waistband with ironing problem, I used some A-frame pinch type clamps to clamp it to the ironing board. May order more in the future.