Velcro??

[Captain]

I'm at an impasse... I really like the wider tartan selection of USA kilts, but I like the price of Stillwaters... Note I haven't bought either one before, so I'm looking for some pre-buying advice.

One of the biggest things keeping me from buying the USA is the velcro on the Casual... I've never seen or handled a USA kilt, so this isn't a slam on their kilts... but something in my mind equates velcro with cheap, I can't help it, that's just the way my mind works...

So, how are the velcro closures? Do they hold *ahem* pleasantly plump men securely?

[Panache]

I'm at an impasse... I really like the wider tartan selection of USA kilts, but I like the price of Stillwaters... Note I haven't bought either one before, so I'm looking for some pre-buying advice.

One of the biggest things keeping me from buying the USA is the velcro on the Casual... I've never seen or handled a USA kilt, so this isn't a slam on their kilts... but something in my mind equates velcro with cheap, I can't help it, that's just the way my mind works...

So, how are the velcro closures? Do they hold *ahem* pleasantly plump men securely?

I'm a huge Stillwater fan, but I should point out that the USA Kilts semi traditionals have a buckle closure system. Also in regards to velcro. I have a Sport Kilt with a velcro closure and I rather like it. If you have to go through airport security they don't set off the metal detectors. Velcro is easy on and easy off. It's extremely adjustable. And frankly, no one sees it! The only (visible) disadvantage is that you don't see that extra buckle on your hip.
Some kilt makers don't bother with the extra buckle (like Matt Newsome) because, frankly that buckle does little or nothing. It's a holdover from the standard military kilts of old.

On X Marks you only hear praise for both Rocky and Jerry because both of them are kilt wearers, X Marks forum members, and gentlemen as well as kilt makers/vendors.

Either way, you are going to be happy.

By the by, make sure to check the length! At this time Stillwater only offers a 24"

Cheers

[Captain]

Thanks for the info.

I know I have seen nothing but praise for either gentleman, and I know I'll be happy either way, but like I said... the velcro just sets off alarms in my head...

The Stillwater length SHOULD work on me... we'll see when/if I order one I suppose. I wear a 21.5" UK, but it's low on my hips, if I moved the waistline to my actual waist, I should easily gain the 3.5" (not to mention I've measured and it should fit)... but I won't really know until I get one, right? Yeah... any excuse to buy a kilt...

[keepoffgrass]

I have a USA Casual and I love it. Id rather have buckles because they look nice. but, the velcro does a fine job holding the kilt around me. its thick sturdy velcro. Plus the USA is a custome fit kilt and hard to beat theyre truely nice garments. Id like to order a few more. I dont have a stillwater yet to compair with though, but I plan on getting one in the future.

[Panache]

...The Stillwater length SHOULD work on me... we'll see when/if I order one I suppose. I wear a 21.5" UK, but it's low on my hips, if I moved the waistline to my actual waist, I should easily gain the 3.5" (not to mention I've measured and it should fit)... but I won't really know until I get one, right? Yeah... any excuse to buy a kilt...

The Stillwaters are worn much higher than you would wear pants. They tend to be worn high up around the navel in the traditional manner. Rocky's USA Casual Kilts are designed to be worn lower on the waist, while his semi trads and traditionals are worn at the navel..

Hope that helps.

Cheers

[KiltedCodeWarrior]

Velcro is your friend, just forget that because it it inexpensive it gets used on items you might not want to buy. Not to dissuade you from a SWK, I have 3, but if it is the velcro that is botherin you, forget about it. Velcro provides a fast, easy, adjustable, and affordable way to fasten a kilt. And it is infinitely variable to boot. Dropped a pound or so, tighten it up a little, put some weight on (the holidays are coming), fasten it a little looser. Focus more on the construction, both provide top notch kilts, and not so much on the closure system. One of my favorite kilts has no fastener system at all, just strap the belt on top, and it works fine. Which is actually more likely what a Highlander did anyway.

[Kilted Taper]

The USAK is going to be a custom made garment, where as SWK is a mass produced garment. Even in the casual line, the difference is AMAZING. I've got 2 USAK Casuals, 1 Semi-Trad, and 1 Premier. The velcro is heavy duty stuff and will stay put regardless of what you are doing. I've worn one running, laying around, you name it. If you want a more traditional look with buckles, jump up to the Semi-Trad.

The 24" Length on the SWK's was a deal breaker for me. Those that Rocky has made for me have all been 25". I've tried two SWK's and sold one, no takers on the second.

*NOTE
I am not talking down on SWK's, for me they just aren't an option and don't fit what I'm looking for in MY kilt wearing.

Cheers


EDIT:
I did just see this on SWK's site:

We offer made-to-measure wool kilts (hand-tailored in Scotland, at prevailing prices) to our customers in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. Due to the significant expense involved, we generally require measurements to be taken in person for custom-tailored kilts. We can order nearly any tartan. We will soon have additional details on this page.

[auld argonian]

Actually, the velcro on the USAK Casuals is fine. Just wear a belt...and the belt loops are sized for a "normal" sized belt instead of a wide kilt belt...and a sporran and the whole thing holds together nicely.

Best

AA

[nixphotography]

Captain If you want to know about USAK casuals and if they do alright on large guys, check out this thread http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/s...ad.php?t=22166
These pictures will show you a big guy I just got a USAK casual in on Monday and I have had zero problems with the velcro. Now not that I am the last word in kilts because I am not, but I believe it works perfectly an I plan on purchasing many more from Rocky. Good luck with you choice.

Brett

[O'Neille]

Both are great kilts in their own regard. The custom fit of a USA is great and the velcro is a lot more forgiving than 2" of travel on a leather strap. The weight of the USA poly viscose is less than the SWK and a lot less than a SWK heavy weight wool. It is winter now and a SWK heavy may just do the trick for the winter and give you time for the USA in the spring. O'Neille