Light weight Vs. Heavy weight

[tulloch]

I have a 22oz 8 yard that I do not consider heavy. I like it all the time. After all it is open to the air below and just hangs from the waist. I have to say that I have a WPG reproduction Gordon Highlanders in 22oz that I have worn hiking in the warmest (80 - 90 degree F) days and not found it uncomfortable. I have the most comfort issues with sweating from my brow and neck.

[Father Bill]

I have a 22oz 8 yard that I do not consider heavy. I like it all the time. After all it is open to the air below and just hangs from the waist. I have to say that I have a WPG reproduction Gordon Highlanders in 22oz that I have worn hiking in the warmest (80 - 90 degree F) days and not found it uncomfortable. I have the most comfort issues with sweating from my brow and neck.

Agreed. I've worn 16oz 9 yard in similar weather with no issues whatever. I do own a PV 5yard, but that's for spots where I might get it mucked up since I'm told PV is easier to clean up afterwards. Heavier weight for me.

[athensohkiltguy]

I purchased an economy casual kilt last summer from Scotweb in mediumweight 13 oz wool and have worn it often. It inspired me to try my own hand at kiltmaking. I have made a casual knife pleated 5 yd kilt in 16 oz Black Watch for a student and he wears it throughout the year. Injust finished one for myself in 13oz messy Spirit of Scotland that I really love and expect to wear frequently. Have worn my 16oz Royal Stewart box pleated throughout the year since I finished that last fall as well, and it is comfortable. In my limited experience, box pleaters are comfy anytime in med or heavyweight wool, casuals are best in med weight, and my 8 harder has been most comfortable in cooler seasons (it is 16oz Isle of Skye).
Those are the recommendations I have been giving to area folks who want me to make them a kilt (dedicated amateur style).
Harvey

[athensohkiltguy]

For some reason, my devious iPhone decided to correct "med wt" to "messy" for Spirit of Scotland, but it's anything bit that!
Harvey

[saxandpipes]

I've just got myself a 5 yard 16oz knife-pleat kilt for my upcoming wedding (next summer, in a HOT country!). I also have a 10 yard 16oz which is very warm, but very satisfying to "wear" (I'm reminded of the rather fitting translations to various European languages... "to carry").

I was advised here by people more knowledgeable than myself to opt for the lesser yardage, but keep the heavy-weight fabric... glad I heeded the advise- I recommend it too. The pleats really need some weight in them to sit and swing nicely.

Hope it helps!

Cheers,

Michael

[DrCelt]

Obviously if you're wearing it in warmer climates, the lighter weight is cooler. If it's colder or very windy where you live though, you'll want the heavier weight to keep it down and keep you warmer.