USAKilts 6yd vs 8yd

[cdarwin]

Rocky will be the first to tell you that there is a big difference in the construction of his 5 yard vs 8 yard kilts. If I'm not mistaken, his 5 yards kilts don't have the pleats cut out, a stabalizer, or any lining. There may be other less obvious construction differences that I'm not aware of also.

The 5 yard is machine sewn vs. the 8 yard premium being hand stitched. If you want an excellent quality premium kilt, go for the 8 yard. That said, Rocky's 5 yard kilts are an exceptional value. If you're worried about yardage, you might want to talk to Rocky directly about making one of his premiums in less fabric. Also, choose a 16oz weight fabric if at all possible.

If budget is a non-issue (and if it is, I would just be patient and save longer) I would go for the 8 yard for sure.

Best of luck!

***

Always, get the best kilt you can afford and know that waiting a bit for a high quality product is well worth it.

[Cowher]

Got it Won't happen again.

your just the 999,999,999,999,991 person to do it. Cower,Cowher, Gauger. It's effectively all the same name.
I have been call much worse things.

[longhuntr74]

Owning two 8 yard tanks and one box pleat, I'd argue for the 5 yard. Actually...I'd argue for a 6 yard made in the traditional style with cut pleats, stabilizer, canvas, etc....but that aside, I think the 5 yard is more practical, comfortable, and enjoyable. I have no issues wearing my 8 yard...but unless I'm going to a special affair, I always seem to reach for the lighter weight kilt for wear at games, out and about town, etc.

My next kilt that I make myself will be a reduced yardage, handsewn kilt very similar to Matt Newsome's that were recently showcased in a thread. It doesn't have all the weight and thickness of a full 8 yard tank, but the pleats still look traditional and have a similar swish, etc. That is the ultimate compromise between casual and formal in my opinion.

[Dale Seago]

Owning two 8 yard tanks and one box pleat, I'd argue for the 5 yard. Actually...I'd argue for a 6 yard made in the traditional style with cut pleats, stabilizer, canvas, etc....but that aside, I think the 5 yard is more practical, comfortable, and enjoyable. I have no issues wearing my 8 yard...but unless I'm going to a special affair, I always seem to reach for the lighter weight kilt for wear at games, out and about town, etc.

My next kilt that I make myself will be a reduced yardage, handsewn kilt very similar to Matt Newsome's that were recently showcased in a thread. It doesn't have all the weight and thickness of a full 8 yard tank, but the pleats still look traditional and have a similar swish, etc. That is the ultimate compromise between casual and formal in my opinion.

Totally agree. I have 2 handsewn 6-yard 16-ouncers from Matt, and two 5-yarders (one 16, one 13 ounce) from Rocky at USAK. I like all of them. If you don't tell anyone who sees them that they're not a full 8 yards, they'll never know.

And keep in mind that for about the first century of kilt wear (if you want to stretch it to include the untailored feileadh beag as well as the tailored kilt) the standard was four yards or so.

[Jaeson]

Thanks for info! I have a Kate Cushing 8yd 16oz Blackwatch that was made for our pipeband and an MOD Blackwatch. I just emailed Kate for info... Of course I'm looking at a MacNewsome Davidson from Davidlpope. Of course I just saw the Cthulhu Tartan thread and want an 8yd 16oz Black box pleat with Tartan inserts.... Oi.. :-P