22oz or Heavier Tartan Fabric

**tommyred3** · 15th February 19, 10:17 PM

Hey there, I've been wanting to get some heavy weight fabric for a new great kilt so that I can withstand cold winter nights in the mountains easier, but it's very hard to find a company that sells heavy weight wool in tartan. I've found reenactor shops selling 32oz wool, and that would certainly be my preference in weight, but it's never in any sort of tartan. I don't need a specific tartan, it just needs to be cozy in the cold. My 16oz has done me well for a couple of years now, but some nights I can tell I need an upgrade.

**Tarheel** · 16th February 19, 05:46 AM

I suggest getting samples (swatches) of fabric from a few kilt makers to check the weight-density of the wool. From my reading of older threads here (and logical conclusion that anything the military deems worthy for dressing it's troops) that a 22 oz. fabric will fulfill your needs. I think a leap of faith and reliance on historical evidence this will be a good choice for your needs. Good luck in your quests.

**tommyred3** · 16th February 19, 09:53 AM

One of the problems I'm having is finding a tartan mill that produces 22oz wool in the first place. If anyone has any information on which mills, or smaller weavers, might sell 22oz or heavier tartan I would love you forever.

**The Wizard of BC** · 16th February 19, 10:11 AM

I believe that you are correct about the weaving mills that produce kilt fabric. The heavist kilt fabric I know of, currently being woven, is 18oz.

Perhaps if you were to modify your search to those mills that produce Tartan blankets.

**tommyred3** · 16th February 19, 10:32 AM

That's a good idea Steve, I'll give that a try.

**Pleater** · 16th February 19, 04:10 PM

In the recent cold weather I found that the warmth of a kilt was significantly increased by wearing a fine woollen tunic beneath it.
I usually add loops to the waistband of my kilts and hook on a cotton liner - which holds the tunic compressed reducing air flow and heat loss.

Anne the Pleater

**tommyred3** · 16th February 19, 06:20 PM

I think I've found a place that sells roughly what I'm looking for. There's not a lot of choice for the heavier weight fabric but it's enough for me. https://www.yorkshirefabric.com/coll...l-wool-coating

I'll be ordering a swatch soon. If anyone else knows a place that sells something heavier or has more variety please let me know, I'm going to put off buying anything until after some summer hikes I have planned so I'm still going to be looking for more options.

I really appreciate the help.