On the Fence

[230Ball]

Gentlemen,
I can't help but think that I'm getting smarter by your posts; however, my next questions may prove otherwise: If my sett favors pleating to the stripe (which I prefer), would an 8-yard 13-ounce kilt be a good all-around match for my frame (5'10", 160 lbs.)? On the other hand, if I must pleat to the sett, would a 5-yard 16-ounce kilt fit offer the same effect?
What I'm trying to achieve is the "weight" of a quality kilt, while avoiding wide pleats and light material which may possibly convey the appearance of a skirt.
I'm straying far from my expertise to be asking such questions and making such comments, so thank you very much in advance!

[Tarheel]

You called out my numbers at 5'11" and 165 lbs. Pleats to the stripe will be just fine for your frame. The kilt will accommodate your dimension. Look to other members photos where the men are tall and thin and the kilt is above average. (Like a Lake-Woe-Be-Gone episode)

[Dughlas mor]

If you are after "the weight of a quality kilt, while avoiding wide pleats and light material" then it really sounds like you want an 8 yard kilt, which, going by your size, might not use a full 8 yards. That would give you the most pleating options. If you want a somewhat lighter kilt, 13 oz. would be fine. You seem to be concerned about getting the right kilt for your body size, I really don`t think that is a major consideration. I think a 5 or 8 yard kilt would look just fine on you. A good kilt maker will see to it that it does. I really do think, as Father Bill stated earlier, that your kilt maker will easily be able to address all of your concerns. Hope that helps.

[230Ball]

Thanks, Dughlas and Tarheel. I really think that's how it's going to end up, i.e. ordering a "nominal" 8-yard kilt tailored to my size which will end up somewhere south of an actual eight yards. I'll keep you posted!

[Roderick Powell]

One of the issues which has not been raised ,as far as I am aware, is the difference between the actual Gross weight of the garment
and the extra warmth of an 8 yard and 16 oz Kilt for winter wear. This weight and length was described to me by a Scottish gentleman
who wears this weight and length of Kilt out doors in winter. By my calculations this garment weighs approx. 5 pounds.
Perhaps this is too warm to wear in summer and too heavy to wear for indoor functions. The whole ball game seams to be Horses for
Courses. Perhaps the forum could further clarify my comments for the thread. ......Roderick

[Roderick Powell]

The tag on my Regimental kilt says it was made of 11.5 yards of wool. It is pleated to the stripe from a very large sett pattern. While very nice, you do notice the weight difference after a long day.

My 35 year old kilt Is 7 yards long to pleat to the set. 12 oz Day wear and dancing weight. Lidl were selling lighter weight 8 yard
kilts for burns night. I bought one of these as a lightweight hack kilt.The lable indicated a Glasgow Kiltmaker.
The Kilt was claimed to have been machine made out of Scotlland under contract.
Still the garment has stood up to three months hard wear without re ironing the pleats.
The gross weight of this eight yard kilt is the same as my seven yard twelve ounce Kilt.
However the cloth of this eight yard kilt is light and the garment does fly more in the wind.
Who can complain having an eight yard kilt for thirty pounds. The stock sold out in three stores in Cornwall in three days.
Bearing in mind that I have only seen one Kiltie on his own in Cornwall, who can comment in the traditional imperfections in this summer
weight garment worn correctly out of doors. .......Roderick.

[SeumasA]

One of the issues which has not been raised ,as far as I am aware, is the difference between the actual Gross weight of the garment
and the extra warmth of an 8 yard and 16 oz Kilt for winter wear. This weight and length was described to me by a Scottish gentleman
who wears this weight and length of Kilt out doors in winter. By my calculations this garment weighs approx. 5 pounds.
Perhaps this is too warm to wear in summer and too heavy to wear for indoor functions. The whole ball game seams to be Horses for
Courses. Perhaps the forum could further clarify my comments for the thread. ......Roderick

Both my kilts, 5 yd. and 8 yd., are 16 oz wool. Summertime temps. around here are 95-100F. As far as the warmth goes, I really don't notice enough difference between the two to keep me from wearing the 8 yarder in the summer, or from wearing the 5 yarder in the winter. I simply feel like the 5 yard kilt fits my frame more comfortably.