4 yard vs 8 yard - Part Two

[Blu (Ontario)]

The ratio of 8yd vs. 4yd kilts that I now own is 5:0

I have 2 kilts under construction at the moment and both of them are 13oz. 8 yarders. I had occasion a while back to try on a 4 yard kilt and found it waaay to light for my comfort level... almost filmy by comparison to the mass of the 8 yard wool kilts. I find that even the Stillwater blackshadow "heavyweight" I own to be a bit unsettlingly light. A sporran is definitely a must at these weights. Going regimental in a 4 yard kilt I think would be very risky.

This is an old thread , I know... but I thought it would be interesting to dust it off and see how popular 4 yard kilts are with the membership.


blu

[Pour1Malt]

ai think it partly depends oan yur ain personal preference...

ai ainly like the 'feel' an 'weight' of 8yd 16oz kilts...

a' the others feel tae light tae ma....

[BLAZN]

Both of the kilts I wear most are made from a thicker canvas like material. Both are fairly heavy, but both are also 6 yarders. For me, I would grow excessively impatient trying to pleat 8 yards, and 4 yards didn't work with the calculations I was using to do my kilts.
I haven't had a chance to wear my SWK Solid Black Economy, so I can't compare it to the ones I made. Based on only having tried it on, only to notice it's too small, I'd say the ones I made are heavier.
I must admit, though, that mine are just light enough that I won't go Regi in them.

[RockyR]

in the climate which I live (Philly area), every type has it's place. I have about 20 +/- kilts.

In winter, the 8 yard wool is most comfortable.
In spring / fall, the 5 yard wool and Semi Trad PV are more comfortable.
In Summer, the Casual and my FKs are great as well as the Semi Trad and 5 yard wools.

If you're in a "colder region", then I can completely understand the 8 yarders being the kilt of choice. If you lived in a HOTTER region (FL, CA, TX), then the Casual/semi Trad would probably be the all round kilt of choice.

[Iolaus]

If you're in a "colder region", then I can completely understand the 8 yarders being the kilt of choice. If you lived in a HOTTER region (FL, CA, TX), then the Casual/semi Trad would probably be the all round kilt of choice.

My first stillwater was the 2005 HW Black Watch, which I understand is heavier than the other HW Stillwaters. I tried it on and immediately realized that it was too heavy for SoCal - at least for me - and sent it back. I have yet to wear the HW Lamont in the summer, but it's definately lighter (13oz?) and I think it will be fine as long as I keep my shirts light and loose.

I think what makes a kilt hot or not, is more about the mass around your hips than anything else; the breeze around your legs cools everything else.

[Pleater]

I found that a fabric thick enough to make a kilt respectable looking and behaving, with sewn down box pleats from a minimum amount of cloth caused me to overheat around the middle even in the coldest February weather we can expect here on the South Coast of England.

I would say that a stiffish cotton fabric might be an option, being cooler and it would resist being blown about, but 5 yards would look less skimped than 4, unless for someone rather skinny.

Another option might be to make the 4 yard box pleated kilt and cut out the back of the fell so as to make just two, or even one layer and line it with cotton to avoid any danger of spontaneous combustion.

[Panache]

I am following this thread with great interest because I have decided that I am going forgoing any more Stillwaters or Utilikilts to save up for a`custom kilt in my family tartan. I would love to give the work to an X Marker. Matt Newsome will do knife pleated 5 yard heavy weight (16 oz.) kilts while Rocky and others also offer the 8-9 yard "tank". I'm torn because I would love to save the extra $100 (allowing me to get my kilt sooner). But I don't want to regret not being patient and getting the "real deal". I'm a relatively thin guy (waist 36"). So I don't want to have a kilt that is too much material or is too hot. My closest frame of reference is my 2006 Heavyweight SWK Black "Shadow Tartan". I'm not sure the weight or ammount of material in it. I think it is plenty heavy and has excellent "swish".

So keep the information coming all. Your opinions are valuable.

Cheers

[Blu (Ontario)]

The 4 yard kilt that I tried was an "off the peg" with shallow knife pleats The fabric was very light, probably 11oz. I have no experience with box pleat kilts. Do they behave differently than knife pleats on a windy day? Is there such a thing as an 8 yard box pleat kilt?

[bubba]

Is there such a thing as an 8 yard box pleat kilt?

Only for a VERY VERY large man.

[Scottish Chi]

I am following this thread with great interest because I have decided that I am going forgoing any more Stillwaters or Utilikilts to save up for a`custom kilt in my family tartan. I would love to give the work to an X Marker. Matt Newsome will do knife pleated 5 yard heavy weight (16 oz.) kilts while Rocky and others also offer the 8-9 yard "tank". I'm torn because I would love to save the extra $100 (allowing me to get my kilt sooner). But I don't want to regret not being patient and getting the "real deal". I'm a relatively thin guy (waist 36"). So I don't want to have a kilt that is too much material or is too hot. My closest frame of reference is my 2006 Heavyweight SWK Black "Shadow Tartan". I'm not sure the weight or ammount of material in it. I think it is plenty heavy and has excellent "swish".

So keep the information coming all. Your opinions are valuable.

Cheers

Panach, Well said. I seem to be on the same quest as yourself with the same experience (2006 Heavyweight SWK Black "Shadow Tartan"). Only my 36 " waist left me a decade ago.

Cheers! Bill