USAK casual vs SWK standard

[zeeew]

Hello all

For non-formal things I just got my second kilt, a SWK economy. My only other kilt is a tank that I worry about too much for drinking beer, eating pizza, piping kids b-days, etc. Though the economy does fine for a nite at the movies, I would like a step up for events such as piping "drunken brawl" weddings, ice cream and popsicle kids b-days, etc.
So, what i "think" I know is the SWK standard has more pleats than the economy, and has sewn down pleats, and the USAK is made to measure, and has even more pleats, sewn down. Also more choices.
So, is the USAK casual enough "more kilt" to justify its moderate price increase?
Is the pv easier to clean, hold pleats better? With more material is it noticeably warmer to wear, or does it breathe better? Look more "real"?
Does the SWK standard use the same material weight as its economy and/or more material/pleats than economy? Is a standard a decent step up from an economy?

I am looking for washabilty, durability, pleat holding, and "realness".

Eric

[Riverkilt]

Give the search feature of this forum a try. You should find a bunch of comparisons.

My opinion, the USA Kilts are a far far far better product, and yes, they have more pleats...and Teflon coated material that's easy to wipe or wash.

Ron

[JS Sanders]

I'll offer what little experience has come my way regarding "artificial" kilts.

Until early this year, my firm belief was that to be an actual kilt, it had to be created from wool. All my kilts were woolen, pricey, and required a fair amount of maintenance.

As I've mentioned many times on these fora, my occupation is that of a piper. I must present the most proper appearance for the circumstance... "image is product".

Most of the fellers in my local kilt group wear kilts from USA or SWK. I was impressed enough with theirs to purchase a non-woolen kilt this spring. My hope was to have a presentable garment that would be cooler to perform in during the summer months.

My purchase was a USA Sem-Trad kilt and I haven't been disappointed, in fact quite pleased. I've worn it at every gig since received in early June. It circulates air better than a heavy woolen kilt and it's far easier & faster to iron. The pleats remain together, the swing is quite satisfactory, and no one hasn't noticed is was poly-viscose. The cost was less than half that of a woolen kilt.

I just returned from an outdoor wedding reception gig this evening, and I'm very pleased that I remained perspiration free the whole time.

My semi-trad has been worn casually, dress, and with formalwear. I haven't spilt anything on it, but that's diligence formed from a force of habit of many years.

I'd say that the USA Semi-Trad is a definite worthwhile purchase as a 2nd or even 1st kilt. No doubt when colder weather returns, the woolen kilts will be back in favor. If that's a drawback, thus far it's the only one I can think of.

Slainte yall,
steve

[robthehiker]

I'll offer what little experience has come my way regarding "artificial" kilts.

Until early this year, my firm belief was that to be an actual kilt, it had to be created from wool. All my kilts were woolen, pricey, and required a fair amount of maintenance.

As I've mentioned many times on these fora, my occupation is that of a piper. I must present the most proper appearance for the circumstance... "image is product".

Most of the fellers in my local kilt group wear kilts from USA or SWK. I was impressed enough with theirs to purchase a non-woolen kilt this spring. My hope was to have a presentable garment that would be cooler to perform in during the summer months.

My purchase was a USA Sem-Trad kilt and I haven't been disappointed, in fact quite pleased. I've worn it at every gig since received in early June. It circulates air better than a heavy woolen kilt and it's far easier & faster to iron. The pleats remain together, the swing is quite satisfactory, and no one hasn't noticed is was poly-viscose. The cost was less than half that of a woolen kilt.

I just returned from an outdoor wedding reception gig this evening, and I'm very pleased that I remained perspiration free the whole time.

My semi-trad has been worn casually, dress, and with formalwear. I haven't spilt anything on it, but that's diligence formed from a force of habit of many years.

I'd say that the USA Semi-Trad is a definite worthwhile purchase as a 2nd or even 1st kilt. No doubt when colder weather returns, the woolen kilts will be back in favor. If that's a drawback, thus far it's the only one I can think of.

Slainte yall,
steve

Great review! Thanks Steve.

[Riverkilt]

Steve,

Ditch the iron, get a portable steamer. The Semi-trad pleats fall back into place with light steam. No need to hassle with ironing them. Really. Works great.

If it helps anyone, here's my album of eleven USA Kilts Semi-trads.

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/album.php?albumid=22

And, I agree with all Steve says about them.

Ron

[JS Sanders]

<< Ditch the iron, get a portable steamer. >>

10-4 Rubber Ducky.

My 'iron' consists of an inexpensive device made of plastic, yet capable of generating sufficient steam to drop wrinkles from woolen kilts, jackets, cotton shirts, ad nauseum.

I can only imagine how much better a 'real' steamer is.

Thanks & slainte,
steve

[zeeew]

Thanks all.
Looks like I need to decide on a tartan and go from there.
Steve, sounds like pv is the thing for parades on a hot day. The dark McCauley hunting wool was quite warm on the 4th. The bottom fringe isnt an issue of any kind?
Ron, thanks for the pic links.

Eric

[JS Sanders]

Yes, the poly-viscose kilt is ideal for a warm summer's day.

Slainte yall,
steve

[Finn]

My USAK casual is VERY comfortable in summer. It is darker, so it attracts more sun/heat. The material weight is just fantastic though.

[Edward Teach]

I wore an SWK Standard to the BC Highland games last weekend and despite the temp getting up to 33C, the hottest part of me wasn't my "kilt area" but my back where the backpack I brought was sitting. The kilt was a Black Stewart to boot.