The Holy mantra of 8 yard tank, 8 yard tank

[Southern Breeze]

When I first started learning about kilts I thought that an 8 yard kilt contained that much tartan. Now I look at the term "8 yard kilt"to be the description of a full traditional kilt.

[michael steinrok]

When I first started learning about kilts I thought that an 8 yard kilt contained that much tartan. Now I look at the term "8 yard kilt"to be the description of a full traditional kilt.

That is my impression as well. I got to admit though I don't want to pay for 8 yards if I'm not gonna get it.

[Jerry]

I have an 8 yard kilt in the ancient Macneil of barra tartan on order through Matt at the Tartans museum. With the sett and my size, it's going to be clost to 9 yards of heavyweight wool. While I was there, I showed Matt my casual kilt in the Macneil modern tartan. He was very interested in the fact that my kilt had a Galeic Themes label in it. He explained that when the tartans museum had talked with Galeic Themes about making 4 yard casual kilts, the representative with whom he was talking said, "Sir, we are not interested in making ladies skirts." Here is a pic of one of thew box pleated kilts from the museum. It's not the one mentioned above, but rather one from the mid 19th century.

[Scottish Chi]

The term "8 yard kilt" is a common description for a "traditional kilt" on many websites that sell kilts. It is because of this that I was under the impression that it was actually constructed from eight yards of material. It wasn't until I found X Marks the Scot that I began my education. You all have my gratitude for your help. Although I doubt that I may ever sew my own kilt I just sent a check today for Barb's book so I can become more familiar with kilt construction. This forum and Barb's book is the cheapest tuition I have ever paid for an education.

Cheers! Bill

[Scott Gilmore]

I have an 8 yard kilt in the ancient Macneil of barra tartan on order through Matt at the Tartans museum. With the sett and my size, it's going to be clost to 9 yards of heavyweight wool. While I was there, I showed Matt my casual kilt in the Macneil modern tartan. He was very interested in the fact that my kilt had a Galeic Themes label in it. He explained that when the tartans museum had talked with Galeic Themes about making 4 yard casual kilts, the representative with whom he was talking said, "Sir, we are not interested in making ladies skirts." Here is a pic of one of thew box pleated kilts from the museum. It's not the one mentioned above, but rather one from the mid 19th century.

If you are refering to Gaelic Themes the Web site, it is yet another Web site belonging to the scoundrels at Viking Tecnology.

You'd be wise to steer clear of anything in any way related to Viking Technology. They did Matt a favor by snubbing him.

Thank you,
Scott Gilmore

[Hachiman]

Alan H., that's a fine looking kilt!

As an aside, can someone please explain to this complete noob what a "tank" is? I mean, I get it that its a "proper" full-length (based on one's hip/waist measurements) kilt, but is "tank" an acronym or nickname? How did the term "tank" come about?

cheers

Hachiman

[Caradoc]

How did the term "tank" come about?

Try a look here.

[Hachiman]

Try a look here.

Thanks Caradoc! I can relax now that I know! ;)

cheers

Hachiman

[Caradoc]

Thanks Caradoc! I can relax now that I know!

No worries - it wasn't in the FAQ when I asked about it, and was added shortly thereafter.

That'd be why I knew it was in there.

[Blu (Ontario)]

Alan...

Your posts most certainly havn't fallen on deaf ears. I was concerned enough, considering the cash I've laid out, to actually measure two of my "8 yard" kilts.

Kilt #1.

Henderson ancient colors, waist measurement 38", 16oz wool, 8.25" sett:
-actual length at the selvedge = 22'-9"
-23 pleats @ 9/16" reveal
-average pleat depth = approx. 4-1/2" (concealed depth)
-no double pleating
--------------------
This kilt is 7.58 yards

Kilt #2.

McApline modern, waist measurement 40", 13oz wool, 6" sett:
-actual length at the selvedge = 23'-2"
-34 pleats @ 5/8" reveal
-average pleat depth = 3" (concealed depth)
-no double pleating
-------------------
This kilt is 7.72 yards

Both of these kilt have substantial "heft" and nice swing.
I feel I've received everything I've paid for and more. I'm a happy camper.

I've read Barbs book so I quite appreciate where you're coming from with this. Still, I'm happy that the kiltmakers I've used have figured out how to magically cram the un-necessary mass of fabric into my (very close to) 8 yarders.

blu