Where to start with a kilt?

[Mike M.]

OK, I'm completely new to kilts. I've read the references, and need some advice.

A bit of background...I'm a gentleman of substance (and signed up for for that group). I'd be using a kilt primarily for events like Highland Games.

Now, my two questions:

13 or 16 ounce fabric?

5 or 8 yard kilt?

The kilt info from Scotweb seems to favor 13 ounce fabric in an 8-yard kilt. But other sources seem to favor 16 ounce fabric and a 5-yard kilt.

Any advice would be most welcome. Thanks.

[piperdbh]

First, welcome aboard from western North Carolina, the greatest place on Earth!

Now, down to business.
Generally speaking, the heavier the fabric, the better the pleats will swing. Either 13 or 16 oz. will work just fine, but the 16 oz. will give you a little more swish factor.
Depending how much "substance" you have, how you want the kilt pleated, and what size sett your tartan has, a 5-yard kilt might not work for you.
I'd suggest looking through as many pictures here as you can find, and compare pleating styles, then check out some kilts up close, perhaps at the next Games you attend. Sometimes seeing something "in the flesh" might change your mind from what you've imagined.
Keep us posted on what you decide!

[Noel Christian Riddell]

For the games I would go with a 5 yard kilt, definitely.

It can still be worn in a fetching semi-formal way, but I think you'll appreciate the weight and flow of the 5er better when you're chucking stones and cabers around in the hot sun.

[Jdot84]

I myself am a gentelman of substance, my personal opinion would be go with the 8yard ( it will probably be more like 9yards, mine is) 13 oz. I think it hangs better than a 5 yard and the pleats are deeper. I wear mine to games and events and have no problem with the heaft. Depending on where you live you may go with an 8 yard 16 oz but that gets fairly warm if you are in a warmer climate.
Good luck and happy kilting!

[Nighthawk]

I myself am a gentelman of substance, my personal opinion would be go with the 8yard ( it will probably be more like 9yards, mine is) 13 oz. I think it hangs better than a 5 yard and the pleats are deeper. I wear mine to games and events and have no problem with the heaft. Depending on where you live you may go with an 8 yard 16 oz but that gets fairly warm if you are in a warmer climate.
Good luck and happy kilting!

Going with what he said... I also am in the Men Of Substance group, and I agree completely. I got a 5 yard Scotweb kilt, and am really disapointed with it. It didn't work well for me at all. On the other hand, the USA Kilts semitrad and 5 yard wool kilts are exceptional. They use ***more*** than 5 yards for us bigger guys so that the kilt looks like it should, which Scotweb didn't do. They stuck with 5 yards and not an inch more, and it looks terrible. Also- for the games, I would deffinately recomend the semitrad, especially if you live in a warm climate. I live in Denver, which is a desert climate- cold as hell in the winter and hot as hell in the summer. For the summer games, my semitrad looks great (looks so much like wool that you can't tell the difference without actually touching it) and is very comfortable.

And-

[Riverkilt]

Welcome, but where on the Planet do you live? Makes a difference.

Also suggest that you deal direct with a kiltmaker rather than through a middleman - more apt to have the kilt made to accurate measurements. Important for us big guys.

Finding a local kiltmaker also depends on your location....so out with it - where are you??

[Mike M.]

I live in Maryland, so it can get pretty hot. I'm mostly interested in having something for the various Celtic Festivals in this area.

[Mr. MacDougall]

When you say "for the various Celtic Festivals," may one presume that you are attending as a spectator, and not as a participant in any of the various athletic pursuits? Nor are you piping, for instance?

In that case, I'd suggest starting with a lower-yardage, lighter-weight kilt. More wool = more insulation, and more weight to carry about. Particularly if you're a special-event kiltie rather than an all the time kiltie, and your special events are outside, in the summer... yeah. Lighter weight, shorter yardage.

[Riverkilt]

As General Lee found out it ain't that far from Maryland to Pennsylvania. My suggestion is to plan a trip up to USA Kilts, get measured, and choose your poison. Deal direct with the folks who measure you and sew up your kilt. Not only saves middleman money, it reduces the chance for screw ups. Just my less than humble opinion/suggestion. Speak from experience, have purchased 23 USA Kilts and have two on order....yeah, I'm addicted - but to a good thing.

[james.mccarson]

Depends on the wearer and the weather. 13 oz is cooler and 16 oz warmer. The more yards the more pleats. Most of mine are 16 oz. Should order from a good kiltmaker. You can be taken, beware.