Henry: I have 4, 5, 6, and 8 yard kilts. To my recollection I have (almost, see below) never selected one for its length/weight of cloth. I almost always choose based on the tartan and my interest/whim of the moment. Once I have it on and am engaged in whatever it is that I am doing, I don't pay much attention to it, especially its weight.
Occasionally, I will pick a kilt based on how I think it will look with some other part of my kit. For example, recently I wanted to show off a new coyote sporran that I just got from USA Kilts. In my fashion-challenged opinion I thought it would look good with my Douglas Reproduction tartan. It did! - to me, anyway.
Judging largely from your comments, I suggest buying your first kilt as if it were going to be your only one and base your selection predominantly on meaning-to-you and sentimental association. Those are priceless and little else matters.
Good luck.
John
PS: For purposes of accuracy and completion I must own that I have a heavy-weight Dalgliesh 8-yard kilt sewn with a high-rise waist. Since it almost completely covers my stomach and kidneys, it is very warm. I do choose it sometimes when it is snowing and/or there is a lot of snow on the ground. See pics below.The size/order of the pictures is seemingly unpredictable to me, but note the snow in the first. I was practicing for possible fisticuffs in the other. 
Note the high-rise waist. You should be able to click on them for larger renditions, if you like.
IMG_0270.jpgIMG_0267.jpg
Last edited by mookien; 22nd September 13 at 03:17 PM.
I changed my signature. The old one was too ridiculous.
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