usa or stillwater?

[Colin]

Why not try the semi-traditional from USA Kilts. It's a bit more expensive, but it's got the look of a traditional style kilt with the straps and buckle, but it is still the smae machine washable PV.

[Jimmy Carbomb]

I CONSTANTLY recommend both to people who ask me about kilts. It's pretty easy to tell which way they will go with their purchase, and what they're looking for.

Stillwater Kilts: wonderful kilts with numerous pleats and straps for the guy that's going to wear any tartan and enjoy the look. They're a "generic" fit for most, but may be easily tailored for a more precise length. All-in-all, I've never had one complaint about them as far as getting what you pay for! Beyond that... the customer service is second to none.

USAKilts: a WIDE range of looks, materials, tartans and prices. The whole spectrum has been covered for the tartan-wearing guy. Even the lowest price kilts are worthy of proud display... and you really can't say that about some other products available. The fit IS tailored to YOUR own size. This can be VERY important for when you're not exactly "normal" (in shape that is). The majority of my "redirects" do go to USAKilts because I deal with a load of Scots/Irish that are looking for a certain tartan. From St. Pats Day, Tartan Day, Talisker Sailors Ball, the Festivals, the Saw Doctors gig, and the other appearances... I KNOW that people have been ordering since they've written me to thank me for the advise.

With BOTH companies, you just can't go wrong. IF (for some fluke) something's not completely right, you can be assured that it WILL be corrected to your pleasing. Just determine what your need is and feel comfortable with your choice. There's MORE than enough guys here that can attest to both!

[switchblade5984]

i love my still standards

i am thinking about usak

[Roan Carter]

I beileve something to consider is that Stillwater Kilts suit a large kilt belt. USA Kilts' casual model uses a smaller, more normal belt loop. Their semi-traditional kilt uses large loops for a kilt belt. Consider what kinda belt you want to wear, as somehow the large ornate belts do not go as well with some of my casual "Kiss me, I'm Irish!" type shirts.

Also, this may not matter to some people, but it kinda sticks me. If you buy a casual USA Kilt, you'll have a Celtic cross patch on the bottom right corner of the front apron. As a matter of personal faith, I couldn't wear it. (And where do I stick a pin?) I believe the semi-traditional model does not have this cross patch.

I will vouch for the standard Stillwater Kilt's quality. Acrylic wool feels (imo) much better than my pv Sport Kilt. I'm not sure about the pv material USA Kilts uses, as I have not bought one, although I'm assumign it's similar. My standard Stillwater Kilt is just ... everything I want right now, but I will say there is a chance I will buy from USA Kilts in the future for their tartan selection and custom sizes.

[jjoseph]

Also, this may not matter to some people, but it kinda sticks me. If you buy a casual USA Kilt, you'll have a Celtic cross patch on the bottom right corner of the front apron. As a matter of personal faith, I couldn't wear it. (And where do I stick a pin?) I believe the semi-traditional model does not have this cross patch.

I had forgotten about that pesky patch... I carefully used a seam ripper to remove it prior to my first wearing (it left no mark). I too prefer my kiltpin to a logo. I get so many compliments on their kilt and sing USA's praises, so I figure I am making up for the lost branding.

[Colin]

I had forgotten about that pesky patch... I carefully used a seam ripper to remove it prior to my first wearing (it left no mark). I too prefer my kiltpin to a logo. I get so many compliments on it and sing USA's praises, so I figure I am making up for the lost branding.

Apparently Rocky and Kelly will leave the patch off it you ask them to.

[bubba]

Rocky and Kelly will put on the larger belt loops and leave the USAK patch off if you ask. That's what custom service is all about, getting it the way you want it.

[RockyR]

I'm staying out of this thread except to correct a few misgivings...

I beileve something to consider is that Stillwater Kilts suit a large kilt belt. USA Kilts' casual model uses a smaller, more normal belt loop. Their semi-traditional kilt uses large loops for a kilt belt. Consider what kinda belt you want to wear, as somehow the large ornate belts do not go as well with some of my casual "Kiss me, I'm Irish!" type shirts.

If you want larger belt loops (to accomidate a 2.5" belt), just ask! We'll gladly give you bigger loops for no extra charge. The REASON we put on 1.5" loops is b/c the "typical" customer who spends $110 for a kilt, DOESN'T want to spend $75 on a belt and buckle.

Also, this may not matter to some people, but it kinda sticks me. If you buy a casual USA Kilt, you'll have a Celtic cross patch on the bottom right corner of the front apron. As a matter of personal faith, I couldn't wear it. (And where do I stick a pin?) I believe the semi-traditional model does not have this cross patch.

Same as above... if you DON'T want the patch on the kilt, just ask! We'll gladly leave it off. Also... the "traditional" place for the kilt pin is about 6" up from the bottom of the kilt, not on the very corner. Basically, the pin would go above the logo.

I will vouch for the standard Stillwater Kilt's quality. Acrylic wool feels (imo) much better than my pv Sport Kilt. I'm not sure about the pv material USA Kilts uses, as I have not bought one, although I'm assumign it's similar. My standard Stillwater Kilt is just ... everything I want right now, but I will say there is a chance I will buy from USA Kilts in the future for their tartan selection and custom sizes.

As a point of fact... SK uses 8 oz Cotton Poly. While the names are similar, it's a FAR CRY from 11 oz Poly Viscose in look, feel, texture, durability, quality and cost.

*stepping off my soapbox*

[Caradoc]

I beileve something to consider is that Stillwater Kilts suit a large kilt belt.

Interesting - I've noticed that a lot of people don't put the kilt belt through the loops, but do put a sporran strap through them.

I don't use the belt loops at all on mine - it just seems to be another place I might rip or tear something if I get snagged.

My tailored tank doesn't even have belt loops, nor a third strap.

[pdcorlis]

I own two Stillwater Standards and two USAK Semi-Traditionals so here are my thoughts:

My first kilt was a Stillwater - it was kinda like a "training kilt." I really didn't know how this whole kilt thing was going to work out for me, so I deceded to start with an inexpensive but well made kilt. It was so much fun, I got another. Since they were my first kilts, they will always hold a special place for me.

The Stillwaters represent great value for money and Jerry's customer service is amazing. The waist/hip sizing is "generic" so its bound to be pretty good for a lot of guys - but not great for anyone. The acrylic fabric is soft to the touch but is more prone to pilling, stretching and wrinkling. The bottom selvedge edge is also bound to "wander" a bit. They feel great to wear but the pleats don't hold a sharp edge unless you work at it a bit.

Unless you're getting an off the rack kilt, the USAKs are made to measure so the fit is fantastic. The PV fabric is available in a large number of tartans, durable, and much less prone to wrinkles. I believe its also teflon coated - which is nice. The PV pleats hold a crisp edge - even without the permapleat sewing. Again, customer service from Rocky and Kelly is fantastic.

Now, this is just MY opinion - I like my Stillwaters, and I love my USAKs - but I should they are a bigger investment.

I hope this helps!