5yd? 8yd?

[Laird_M]

Being fairly new to the joys owning a feileadh-beag, I have a question regarding the length of a kilt, especially in the current economic climate...and yes, I'm goig to admit to my ignorance on the issue, but if you don't ask..

Many makers sell both 5yd 'casual' and 8yd 'dress' kilts. Is it really worth buying both lengths?

I've seen the full length kilts worn both casually and formally, so aside from the issue of cost, what are the reasons for owning the shorter kilt as well as the full length?

I know the 8yd kilt can be VERY warm (hired one for my wedding reception, and boy did I feel the heat!), so would the 5yd be more for warmer weather? Or just for 'slumming it'?

[PEEDYC]

There are many experts on here who will no doubt give you a full answer but I would suggest that a 5 yard would be lighter and cooler then an 8 yard but the material and the weight would also be a consideration. An 8 yard in 16 oz wool would be very different from a PV 5 yard 13 oz.

[davidlpope]

I find that 5yd and 6yd kilts are much more balanced and comfortable to wear than 8yd kilts, particularly in the summer.

That being said, I would plan on owning two kilts, an 8yd for fancier events and a 6yd for more casual/uncomfortable environs.

I'd encourage you to get both of them in heavyweight wool.

Best of luck,

David

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

Martin, a lot depends on where you live... since there are Berkshires in both the UK and the USA, and since the climate is warmer in the USA (New York City is is on the same latitude as Madrid, Spain) it's hard to comment on what might be too warm to wear where you live.

Generally, the amount of yardage required for a kilt will depend on one's general build; an 18 year old with a 30 inch waist will require less than 8 yards to make a kilt. Someone 46, with a waist (and hips) to match may require more than 8 yards for a proper kilt. It is the general consensus that it is the amount of fabric, not the weight of the fabric, that can make a kilt uncomfortably warm to wear.

Here in the Southern United States, where heat and humidity can be a factor, the five or six yard 16 ounce wool kilt is the odds on favorite, and probably the best option to consider. I personally would avoid all 13 ounce fabrics as they just won't hang as well as the 16 ounce wool fabric, and will not be perceivably cooler in warm weather.

[cdarwin]

I think the 'casual' vs 'dress' distinction some vendors give to their kilts has more to do with the construction or build of the garment rather than the overall yardage although, you can obviously reduce the price even more with less yardage. You can have a very well constructed kilt made in as little as 4 yards of cloth and you can get some very cheaply made kilts in about 8 yards of cloth as well.

I have seen a lot of folks here say that they prefer the lower yardage kilts in heavy weight fabrics. I personally own an 8 yard 16 oz kilt and have worn it on several occasions here in Florida in the scorching heat and high humidity without being exceptionally uncomfortable. When the weather is particularly disagreeable, you are likely to be inconvenienced wearing a kilt or otherwise.

[lukeyrobertson]

It also depends on your budget right now. Less cloth, less cost. I have an 8 yard that I reserve for more special occasions. I have a 4-yard box pleat custom weave on order that will also serve that purpose, too. I have a 5yd PV kilt on order that will serve me for more day to day, and less formal outings like pubs and such ('cause it's washable). My wife says, "I like the swish of all the fabric" referring to the 8yard (13oz).

[Spartan Tartan]

I'll agree on all points and add the following: the "formality" of the kilt is more about the OTHER items (jacket, hose, sporran, etc...) than the yardage of the kilt.

[Dale Seago]

. . .add the following: the "formality" of the kilt is more about the OTHER items (jacket, hose, sporran, etc...) than the yardage of the kilt.

Yes!!

A well-made kilt is a well-made kilt. I would have NO qualms about wearing one of my handmade Matt Newsome 6-yard 16 ouncers -- or for that matter my 5-yard USAK 16-ouncer -- at a formal affair.

[lukeyrobertson]

Ah, that word "formal" is a sticky one, isn't it. I am in complete agreement with those posts above this one. I think what I mean to say, is that my PV is washable, less expensive and so I'm willing to wear it a bit more. That being said, I would still wear it to a more formal setting. It is how it is accesorized that determines where it goes. My other two kilts are more expensive and thus, I'm more inclined to think about when and where I wear them. I'm happy to take the word "formal" out of the equation, entirely.

[Dale Seago]

My other two kilts are more expensive and thus, I'm more inclined to think about when and where I wear them. I'm happy to take the word "formal" out of the equation, entirely.

Totally makes sense.