What weight to pick?

**Kid Cossack** · 11th January 08, 07:25 PM

Wolf:

First off, welcome aboard!

I could launch into a long story about how I started off with poly-cotton kilts and am now a true believer in the glories of sixteen ounce wool, but I don't need to.

If your choice is between 10 ounce and 16 ounce--GO WITH THE SIXTEEN. A number of our highly respected kiltmakers think that the ten ounce wool is simply too light to make up into a good kilt. I am nearly certain that Matt Newsome, and Barbara Tewksbury, both think so. For me, that's enough right there.

If the choice was between thirteen and sixteen, I'd still vote sixteen. I have only one sixteen ounce wool kilt, but honestly now I cannot imagine ordering anything else. The difference in weight on your body isn't much, and sixteen trumps lighter weights for good swing, good balance and good "automatic reset."

**northernsky** · 11th January 08, 07:54 PM

I've also noticed that there is sometimes a colour difference between the weights. Why not ask for a swatch from both and see which one you like?

**Chef** · 11th January 08, 09:14 PM

Another vote for the 16oz. It truly makes a better kilt.

**Riverkilt** · 11th January 08, 11:44 PM

I'm guessing you chose the tartan because it is meaningful to you...that means 16 will show that pride the best.

Only reason not to go with a 16 ounce is if its not available in that weight.

You'll be glad you did.

I live in Northern Arizona and we're usually only a few degrees cooler than the folks down in Phoenix in the summer. Hasn't been an issue for me.

A weird thing about kilts. They hold heat and keep us warm in the cold weather and they allow air to circulate and cool us in warm weather...go figure.

Anyhow, 16 - your great grandchildren will thank you and speak of you fondly when you're gone.

and, read my signature....

Ron

**David Dalglish** · 12th January 08, 01:06 AM

16oz is better, 10oz you will find is used for ladies tartan skirts.

**Jack Daw** · 12th January 08, 09:28 PM

I never wear anything less than 16/17 oz weight kilts. I live in Houston and have worn such in very hot and humid conditions without discomfort. The 10 oz will not hold its pleats very long and the wind can kick it up a lot easier than a 16 oz. Frankly, it's too wispy for a man to wear. The 16/17 oz will also last longer. BTW, I also have two 20 oz military weight kilts.

**Wolf** · 13th January 08, 10:30 AM

Guess I'll go for the 16oz then

As for the tartan, I don't have any "blood" or family links towards it, I simply contacted the Chief of the house and got his blessing, it is the Burnett Modern Tartan.http://scotwebstore.com/tartan/Burnett-Modern/242.html?
Thanks for all the advice!

**Bugbear** · 13th January 08, 11:53 AM

Glad you're going with the 16 Oz and that you have found the tartan you want. Hope all goes well, and you enjoy.

**scoutniagara** · 15th January 08, 10:23 AM

Originally Posted by David Dalglish

16oz is better, 10oz you will find is used for ladies tartan skirts.

This is true, but what about 13 oz wool? My clan tartan is of this weight and it offers all of the positives of the heavier weight 16 oz but is better suited for warmer weather. I'm not outside in the colder temperatures while wearing my kilt, and inside, the 13 oz is lighter in weight and not as warm. If you don't have the 13 oz option, go with the 16 oz.