Stillwater Economy Kilts

[Cynthia]

I hadn't seen any threads recently that mentioned this (maybe I missed it), but I was over at the SWK site and saw that they're bringing back the Economy line with some changes. Just thought I'd mention it in case it was very recently added.

[Colonel MacNeal]

I hadn't seen any threads recently that mentioned this (maybe I missed it), but I was over at the SWK site and saw that they're bringing back the Economy line with some changes. Just thought I'd mention it in case it was very recently added.

Cynthia,
What is your opinion of SWK Econ-o-line kilts?
CHeers, ColMac

[Kilted Jeeper]

x2 on opinions. I am looking for another kilt that I can do some more outdoor activities in and not really have to worry about trashing a more expensive kilt.

[Cynthia]

Cynthia,
What is your opinion of SWK Econ-o-line kilts?
CHeers, ColMac

I'm honestly not sure. Christopher has the Standard, which is okay for what it is. I bought the Thrifty for myself to wear until I can afford the kilted skirts in my tartans, and also to check one out personally. I wasn't too impressed with the Thrifty as an option for him. Frankly, I don't see how he can stand how hot the fabric is (but then, his has more fullness to it), and the construction of the waistband feels a bit off to me (feels papery), and the lack of stitched down pleats is disappointing. I think the Standard has the basics of what I would like to see in a kilt as far as when my hubby kilts up. I would be interested in hearing what the new Economy is like compared to the Standard.

Christopher and I have discussed future purchases a bit. This is in no way anything against SWK (his customer service and help is AMAZING and I'm very glad we went with SWK for our first purchases), but rather just our needs and investment goals. I think for the future, we'll probably look into Heavyweights, and maybe stick to Standards depending on needs and tartans available (for example Highland Games Athletics or anything where we wouldn't care if it got damaged). Definitely don't want to wear anything nicer that could potentially ruin it in certain circumstances. As far as anything he'd need something like a Thrifty for (camping, relaxing and working around the house, etc), I've offered to work with him when we have time and make him X-kilts. I would also like to eventually get him a Workman's Utilikilt (honestly, the only one besides the leather that I like).

We'd honestly like to invest in other heavier fabrics and other tartans for the most part, I'm sure, so we may end up looking elsewhere for other kilts.

So for us, we probably won't be buying the Economy, but I would be interested in hearing what the difference is between it and the Standard is if someone gets one. That was one of the reasons we went with the Standard last year. There were still some of the old Economy kilts left, but we figured the difference in price was worth it to go with the Standard. We weren't able to go with the Heavyweight at the time (there might have been some other reasons we didn't too, like lack of his size or tartans he liked).

So I can only judge our needs based off the Thrifty and the Standard, sadly. Sorry I couldn't be more help!

I also noticed SWK is selling cantle kits so you can make your own sporran. I wonder how they are? I hope if anyone buys one they'll do a review of them.

[McFarkus]

I went to the website earlier today and found the link to the Economy kilt was incorrect. I emailed Jerry and he has since fixed it click here for a description of the improved Economy kilt.

The old economy kilt was just the Thrifty with buckles instead of velcro. The new Economy kilt has a selvedge bottom instead of a hem, full width lining, full-fringe apron edge, and sewn down pleats.

It appears that the main difference between this and the Standard kilt is that there is less fabric - probably about 5 yards rather than 7-8 yards. For about $50 a kilt, that's not bad.

Personally, I'm not fond of acrylic, but I do enjoy throwing on my Thrifty after work.

[Cynthia]

Thanks for the link, McFarkus! I wasn't sure if he had a page ready for it yet or not... it kept popping up a window with a photo and no other information. I couldn't remember what the old Economy had aside from straps.

So I guess it does sound as if it's the amount of fabric that's the biggest difference between the Economy and the Standard.

If anyone buys one of the new Economy kilts, please post a review -- especially if you have the other SWKs to compare it to.

[GreenDragon]

This is awesome. I can't wait for them to get more tartans in the new Economy line.

[raibeart_dubh]

The old economy kilt was just the Thrifty with buckles instead of velcro. The new Economy kilt has a selvedge bottom instead of a hem, full width lining, full-fringe apron edge, and sewn down pleats.

That's a pretty accurate description of the old economy line. I have two a Black Watch and a Gordon. They were about $44 when I bought mine. They're great for knocking about around the house and yard, sporting events, going to the pub, etc. I definitely prefer the buckles to the velcro. It's nice to see they added the sewn down pleats to the new line. Also, the straps on my old economies are better than what's on the standards I recently bought.

[GreenDragon]

Got an email from Jerry regarding tartans for the new economy model:

My email:

Jerry,

I was just wondering when you might be getting more tartans available
in the new Economy Model and which tartans those might be. I hope
Black Stewart is on the list.

Thanks!


the reply:
HI, We are not planning a big selection in the economy line, we might add one or two more max this year. We do have Black Stewart available in our Standard and Thrifty lines. The standards are definitely worth the additional investment compared to the economy/thrifty models.

Best regards,

Jerry V
SWK

[Yodhan]

I stuck right now because I really want to get another kilt. I have a black Mocker Utilikilt, and a Mackenzie SWK Standard (which I love and wear almost every day I am not at work). Tartan wise, I have been thinking of either a Black Stewart or a Black Watch, leaning a bit more towards the Black Stewart because it is my girlfriends last name and I know she would be thrilled. I was thinking of getting another Standard, and then I saw the new Economy line. They don't make it in Black Stewart though. I was thinking of getting the Economy, but I live in West Michigan, where it can get cold more than warm, and I worry it won't be enough material. If I do choose the Economy, I will surely post a review in comparison to my Standard.