Michael,

Up until the middle of the nineteenth century, all men's kilts contained about 4 yards of cloth -- some even less! I've seen old kilts that had barely more than 3!

So if your friend thinks that 4 yard kilts are "too much like women's skirts," then he's making a judgement on pretty much all men's kilts prior to 150 years ago.

The secret is to use quality, heavy weight kilting cloth. My preferred cloth (and that which Dee's Carolina kilt is made from) is 16 oz wool. Heavier is great, but not every tartan is available in a regimental weight. The lowest I will go in a 4 yard kilt is a 13 oz wool. I have one in that weight, and it still works fine. But I won't use 10 or 11 oz cloth, not in a 4 yard kilt anyway.

If your friend has seen 4 yard kilts in a light weight cloth, that could be where he is getting his impression from.

Aye,
Matt