Buying kilt #2

**AlaskanCelt** · 23rd January 13, 06:58 PM

Hey fellas,

So here's my dilemma, the first kilt I purchased came from Sport Kilt. Don't get me wrong, well made for the price, but I'm just not taken as to how lightweight it is. So, I'm looking all over for a new 16 oz. 8 yrd. one. Only problem is, I don't have the money to go straight for a $500 one. I'm looking in the range of 100-300 at the most. Suggestions? I know there's a lot of great kiltmakers out there, but what has everyone come across? Preferences?

P.S. I'm looking for a casual fit kilt, not a very formal one.

Cheers!

**The Wizard of BC** · 23rd January 13, 08:47 PM

I'm very sorry sir but even if you have access to fabric at wholesale prices you cannot purchase 4yds double or 8yds single width fabric for $100.00.
Your $300.00 figure will just about cover the cost of the fabric alone. Then add the labor charge to make the kilt.

There are only a few kiltmakers who can, or will, build you a casual fit kilt in 16oz. wool.

I'm also afraid that you are probably looking at a machine sewn kilt as most kiltmakers charge between $300 and $400 for the labor alone to hand stitch a kilt.

Would you like pockets in your kilt? You are now down to one kiltmaker.

**Spartan Tartan** · 23rd January 13, 08:59 PM

Sport Kilt to a full 16oz, 8yarder is a big jump--not that I would be opposed to it. Also, I would never get an 8 yarder tailored to a "casual" style. far too expensive. If you want casual, get a lower yardage kilt, perhaps 5 yards. There are suppliers and makers that can do a 5 yarder in a more casual manner (less traditional internal "guts" that help maintain shape over time) for about your desired price. But forget about hand sewn...

**TheOfficialBren** · 23rd January 13, 09:40 PM

Have you considered a 5-yard kilt? Perfectly acceptable and much closer to your price range. Try USA Kilts, Scotweb, or Burnett's and Struth. Don't be fooled by names like "casual kilts." these "casuals" are fine kilts! They use a lower yardage and are more historically accurate than eight yards. Eight yarders were invented by weavers and kiltmakers to sell more fabric about a century ago. Nothing wrong with them but I hear that eight yards gets a bit heavy. I've only worn five yarders, though, and that is what has guided my purchasing. I just ordered kilt number two, a five yard Polyviscose kilt from USA Kilts in the Holyrood tartan.

That brings me to another point...have you considered an alternative to 16oz wool? Maybe 13oz wool or possibly PV?

Sorry for rambling.

:-)

**Stan** · 23rd January 13, 10:17 PM

Scotweb.uk has a nice casual kilt that's a 5 yard 16 oz. and in the 200-300 price range. They have lot's of tartans to chose from, and from what I've heard the 5 yard is hard to tell from the 8 yard. I (personal) think is a great deal for "the real deal". I'm about 28 days out on the delivery of the 5 yard casual kilt that I bought from them. I had the choice of 16 oz. or 13 oz. in the tartan that I wanted. I chose the 13 oz. because I like the way it hangs.

I bought a sports kilt for a cousin of mine as a gift, and when it came to my house (prior to my gift wrapping it and sending it on) I was surprised at how light it was, and how few pleats it had. I'm of the opinion that wearing a sports kilt (while nice) is a pretty "thin" kilting experience, and not really representative of what a "real" kilt feel like.

My 2 cents worth

**AlaskanCelt** · 23rd January 13, 10:47 PM

Wow, lots of good info. I guess that's another question, how are the 16 oz. PV kilts? Like I said I just feel like the Sport Kilt is just to light. I'm wanting something with more weight and body to it. To sum up I guess i'm basing my 8 yrd. over 5 yrd. on my current kilt. My clan is Gordon, but browsing this site, (http://www.thescotlandkiltcompany.co...-kilts-for-men) I found these casual 8 yrd. PV kilts for VERY good prices. Maybe too good...what are your thoughts?

**AlaskanCelt** · 23rd January 13, 10:49 PM

Completely agree on the Sport Kilt thing! I was just browsing that site and found some good stuff. That may be what I end up doing. Thanks.

**Downunder Kilt** · 23rd January 13, 10:49 PM

Originally Posted by TheOfficialBren

Have you considered a 5-yard kilt? Perfectly acceptable and much closer to your price range. Try USA Kilts, Scotweb, or Burnett's and Struth. Don't be fooled by names like "casual kilts." these "casuals" are fine kilts! They use a lower yardage and are more historically accurate than eight yards. Eight yarders were invented by weavers and kiltmakers to sell more fabric about a century ago. Nothing wrong with them but I hear that eight yards gets a bit heavy. I've only worn five yarders, though, and that is what has guided my purchasing. I just ordered kilt number two, a five yard Polyviscose kilt from USA Kilts in the Holyrood tartan.

That brings me to another point...have you considered an alternative to 16oz wool? Maybe 13oz wool or possibly PV?

Sorry for rambling.

:-)

Sorry OB, I don't want to rain on your parade but where do you get the idea that 5 yard kilts are more historically accurate than eight yards. Yes, historical kilts were of a lower yardage, 3.5 to 4 yards, but were random then box pleated, nothing like the the 5 yard kilts of today. That is unless you get a Matt Newsome box pleated. Another differce that you may find when ordering a 5 yard kilt is the style of kilt, as reference by Scotwebs description of their 5 yard casual "This Casual or Sports kilt is expertly sewn to impress, but with a contemporary lower-waisted cut." - more of a jeans height than a tradtional kilt. one must be cafeful when talking about casual kilts and attempting to align them with traditional kilts

As for eight yards getting a bit heavy, I own 4 yard 16oz kilts, 8 yard 13oz kilts and 8 yard 16oz kilts, I am in my late 50's and have never felt the 8 yard 16oz kilts as being heaving. I have worn them all day at highland games in 30C+ heat and were not a bother.

**TheOfficialBren** · 23rd January 13, 10:58 PM

Originally Posted by Downunder Kilt

Sorry OB, I don't want to rain on your parade but where do you get the idea that 5 yard kilts are more historically accurate than eight yards. Yes, historical kilts were of a lower yardage, 3.5 to 4 yards, but were random then box pleated, nothing like the the 5 yard kilts of today. That is unless you get a Matt Newsome box pleated. Another differce that you may find when ordering a 5 yard kilt is the style of kilt, as reference by Scotwebs description of their 5 yard casual "This Casual or Sports kilt is expertly sewn to impress, but with a contemporary lower-waisted cut." - more of a jeans height than a tradtional kilt. one must be cafeful when talking about casual kilts and attempting to align them with traditional kilts

As for eight yards getting a bit heavy, I own 4 yard 16oz kilts, 8 yard 13oz kilts and 8 yard 16oz kilts, I am in my late 50's and have never felt the 8 yard 16oz kilts as being heaving. I have worn them all day at highland games in 30C+ heat and were not a bother.

Fair enough.

**The Wizard of BC** · 23rd January 13, 11:55 PM

Sir,
I'm sorry but there is no such thing as 16oz P/V. I know you see that all over the web but be very careful. There is only one weaver of true kilt worthy P/V and that is Marton Mills. They weave their fabric in only one weight and that is 12oz per yard, double-width.
P/V stands for Polyester/Viscose which to we in N. America means Polyester/Rayon. The true P/V is a 65% Polyester/35% Rayon blend.

It is possible to make an 8yard kilt with the waistband at other than full rise.
These are capable of being worn in what ever level of formality you choose.

This first is 16oz Wool.

And 12oz P/V.

Your kiltmaker must be very familiar with this type of kilt though.

If well made the swish can rival that of a full hand-sewn Tank.