Low yardage on a large frame?

[Barb T]

Larger gentlemen can benefit from the additional vertical visual component sometimes yielded by larger yardage kilts. Narrow pleats mean more vertical stripes (if pleated to the stripe). This makes the kilt look longer versus wider.

To be honest, I think that somewhat wider pleats look better on a larger kilt. This is separate from the question of whether each pleat has a prominent vertical element.

If a kilt has narrow pleats, and the person is big, it means that there will be LOTS of narrow pleats. I think, for example, that 29 somewhat wider pleats looks more proportional than 39 narrow pleats, which can call attention to how big the kilt actually is.

[DrumMayer]

...I think, for example, that 29 somewhat wider pleats looks more proportional than 39 narrow pleats...

I've been wearing kilts since I was a child, and I've never heard this expressed before. Makes perfects sense to me. And indeed, that's what I love about this forum: true insights from knowledgeable people; I always learn something new. Many thanks!

[DrumMayer]

Many sincere thanks to all of you who have replied to the original post. I very much appreciate the thoughtful responses. And thanks for helping me break my 8-yard heavyweight habit!

[usonian]

I never did finish it and have since lost a bunch of weight, but last year I was trying to figure out how to make four yards of fabric into a box pleated kilt for my somewhat ample frame. (At the time I think my waist was 42", hips around 47" - Discussion one, discussion two) long story short: 4 yards is really pushing it with those measurements. When I decided to add about a yard of solid-color fabric for the underapron, everything fell into place. That extra yard makes a big difference.

[Barb T]

Matt and I have roughly the same rule - if hips are more than 44-46", it's best to have more than the standard yardage for whatever type of kilt you're making.