Stillwater Shadow Tartan a Bit Stiff?

**Panache** · 14th January 12, 09:21 AM

Welcome to the forum!

it would seem that you are comparing acrylic fabric (which is what Jerry's Standard kilt models are made of) to wool. Wool is a wonderful and sturdy material, it isn't the softest though.

Two of my very first kilts were a Stillwater Standard Mcleod and a Black heavyweight. The Standard was softer and as time has gone by it has become blanket-like with repeated washings. It certainly isn't as nice looking as the Black Heavyweight anymore. But it is a hiking camping kilt so that is fine. The wool material has proved more durable and that Heavyweight can still be worn for dressy events and looks as good as when I first bought it.

It is a trade off.

Cheers

Jamie

**Hedcase** · 14th January 12, 09:28 AM

I would tend to agree with you on some of that. There really is not comparison between the PV and acrylic and wool kilts; heck, even different wool kilts from different mills! I just keep reading how everyone says their Saffron HW Shadows are softer than worsted wool kilts; mine is not the same! All my wool kilts (from my RG Lowrie all the way up to my 18oz box pleat Regimental kilts made in Scotland to my USA kilts from Rocky feel different than this one. I'm convinced it could stand up on its own if I tried!

**Panache** · 14th January 12, 09:52 AM

I find that the poly viscose material of my USA Kilts has a smoother/slicker but not softer feel than my wool kilts. Having a number of wool kilts, including three Stillwater Heavyweights, while there may be some variation to the feel of the material, I have never found one to be noticably different than the others.

Cheers

Jamie

**ccga3359** · 14th January 12, 11:37 AM

Could be that the kilt is Pakistani made and no doubt the material was also woven there. Probably not the best quality control in any of the processes. that being said, of all the kilts I've seen from that part of the world my SW black shadow kilt is the best of the bunch. Still glad I have mine though I've moved on to bespoke, custom woven kilts.

**Hedcase** · 14th January 12, 12:20 PM

Agreed. I sent a quick email to Jerry to see if there is a treatment available and to get his opinion. Worse case, it's good camping kilt as mentioned above, and best case, we fix it or return it! I am super impressed with the workmanship though....stitching is awesome on it, and none of the "pillow butt" some of the others have posted on here.

**fr. frank** · 20th February 12, 07:09 PM

My thoughts exactly! Just got my leatherneck this weekend and the first thing I noticed was the "wool" feel of it. My Irish Saffron is so stiff i can put a glass on top of it and use it for a side table. Both are wool and both are from SWK. I've adapted to the feel of the Saffron but I can tell already that I will really enjoy the feel from the leatherneck.