13 oz or 16 oz?

[Jdot84]

I live in the Ohio Valley in Kentucky, the heat and humidity here can get unbareable. I chose to have my Gunn Ancient made in 13oz and have not seen much difference in the way it hangs and swings compared to a 16oz, although due to my size mine is a 10yrder that may have an effect.
Good luck with what ever you decide.

[David Dubh]

I have a 16oz tank my dad's is 13oz. When you get the two together you can tell the difference. I live in a colder climate so I wouldn't do anything less than 16oz. If hot weather is a factor I would suggest a Mat Newsome box pleat, Ihear they are wonderful

[McNulty]

Sometimes it's not the heat but the humidity. I've worn my 16oz'ers in 100F here and at Moab, Utah and no problem with being uncomfortable. However when you factor in the humidity, then maybe a 13oz would work better for you. When we have 25% humidity here on the Western Slope we former Midwesterners joke about the high humidity and complain about sweating too much. I'd almost say that a 13oz would be best for your part of the country, but then again you can't beat the look and feel of the 16oz. kilt. Best of luck in your search for the right kilt for you.
Nulty

[Colonel MacNeal]

I read on a previous thread to reduce the yardage, rather than the tartan weight, for hot climates.

[ForresterModern]

There are a lot of ways to skin the same cat, as have been mentioned above. I have 9kilts, of which one is a 16 ox 6 yd casual, one is a 13 oz PV 8yd, 2 are 13oz tanks, and the rest are 16oz tanks. The biggest difference I notice in temperature issues is that the casual kilt is the coolest but less attractive because of lesser yardage, the PV is next coolest but the least attractive overall despite the yardage (I think it is the fabric and construction) , and although I can tell the difference between the 13 and 16 oz kilts by fabric feel and weight, they are virtually identical in all other ways, including temperature wearability. The swish effect is definitely better with the tanks, regardless of the weight of the fabric.

Some tartans are only available in one wool tartan weight, while others are available in various weights of wool as well as either PV or acryllic. Personally I avoid acryllic for fire safety reasons. Otherwise I personally recommend the wool, in either weight, and a full 8yd kilt for looks and wearability in the long term. Alternatively, wool in a box pleat or casual.

[The Kilted Reverend]

I have no first hand knowledge on this as I am still waiting on my 13 oz. "tank" to get here. But I was told by Rocky that with where I live a 16 oz. would be to heavy, a 13 oz. would do the trick much better.

We live pretty close as I am in West Paducah, so I would say that the same would hold out for you as well.

Slainte,
Rev.

[Macman]

I have 13, 16, and 20 oz. kilts, and I have to say I don't really notice much difference in hang, swing, or temperature when I'm wearing them.

[Ozark Ridge Rider]

Thanks, everyone. Really appreciate the advice and information. Just what I expected, not only choices but reasons why. Now I have to decide... (and finish saving up the coins)

[Devlyn]

I personally have a 5 yard, 16oz. My Bagpipe teacher, however, calls a 16oz to be a "horse blanket" and told me that, in her opinion, I should buy a 7 yard, 13 oz for any formal occasion. I think its a matter of preference.

[george7]

Don't cut the yardage! Bah, that changes everything. A 13oz will absolutely feel cooler. The swing will be very similar between 13 and 16oz. I prefer my 13oz kilt most of the year, but the 16oz looks nicer... if only ever so slightly. (My kilts are made from 7 yards... it's based on the sett.)