Sarong?

**robgiv** · 23rd August 13, 06:06 AM

When I was in Scotland last September, I had an 8 yd. 16 oz. traditional wool kilt made at a tailor adjacent to Edinburgh Castle. I have worn the garment on numerous occasions and have noticed tha there doesn't seem to any swing or flow to the garment and frankly looks like a sarong from the front. It is an extremely heavy garment and I am wondering if this is normal for a heavy weight traditional kilt. When I have been at various gatherings where others are wearing kilts, there seems to be a lot more movement or swing in their garments, which I supposed could just be a function of their kilts being casual or much lighter. Any thoughts anyone has would be greatly appreciated. Cheers.

**Father Bill** · 23rd August 13, 06:18 AM

Hi! Others will have ideas here, but generally, the heavier the weight, the better the "swish."

**Jock Scot** · 23rd August 13, 06:42 AM

Originally Posted by Father Bill

Hi! Others will have ideas here, but generally, the heavier the weight, the better the "swish."

Bill is quite right the heavier the kilt cloth the better it swings-------assuming the kilt is made properly, which I am sure it will have been. As to weight, it all depends how much cloth and how much the cloth weighs, so assuming the cloth is, probably, 16 oz and let us say that 8 yards of cloth was used, then your kilt will weigh roughly 8 lbs and can take a bit of getting used to.

As to the "swing", it all happens behind, so you will never actually see it!I can't say that when wearing the kilt, I ever notice anything "swishing" as I walk, others will of course and I suppose if you really need to re-assure yourself, then get a friend to take a film from behind as you walk.

**McElmurry** · 23rd August 13, 07:33 AM

Any chance the basting stitches are still in the kilt?

**Jock Scot** · 23rd August 13, 08:46 AM

Originally Posted by McElmurry

Any chance the basting stitches are still in the kilt?

I did wonder, but then I thought---------------

**McElmurry** · 23rd August 13, 09:25 AM

Originally Posted by Jock Scot

I did wonder, but then I thought---------------

I understand your hesitation. I am certain you would have said it more diplomatically. I went for the rip off the band aid approach.

**Zardoz** · 23rd August 13, 08:48 AM

Originally Posted by McElmurry

Any chance the basting stitches are still in the kilt?

That was my first thought

**Nile** · 23rd August 13, 11:27 AM

Rob, I just recently received my first 8/16/wool kilt and that was my first impression as well (and, of course, I took out the basting stitches before putting it on). It has about 25 pleats that are approximately 3" deep and it is very heavy. The first time I wore it, it didn't seem to "swing" like my inexpensive acrylic kilt.

Originally Posted by Jock Scot

As to the "swing", it all happens behind, so you will never actually see it! I can't say that when wearing the kilt, I ever notice anything "swishing" as I walk, others will of course and I suppose if you really need to re-assure yourself, then get a friend to take a film from behind as you walk.

I agree with Jock and as he said, get someone (I used my wife) to observe you from behind to evaluate the "swish". Turns out that the "swish" is just fine on mine, in fact better than the cheap kilt despite the fact that I don't necessarily feel it much.

I believe that this is because my new kilt was tailored for me (just as your kilt was for you) so it fits your waist and your hips. That means that the swishy part is most active below the hips (and therefore, not as noticeable). My cheap kilt is not tailored (doesn't fit as well, of course) so the pleat movement is felt much higher up and seems more active.

Nile