13oz vs 16oz kilts

[lukeyrobertson]

I have a 16 oz tweed and a 13 oz HoE tartan. I enjoy them both. One thing about HoE is that it comes in single width cloth (13oz) so no seam needed to join the cloth (it’s buried in the pleats ). I like the feel and the way the 13oz kilt drapes. Like the post above, it does seem to fit the form of my body very nicely... The tweed is heavier and more bulky, but lovely, substantial and very nice in its own right. You won't be disappointed with either weight. I really like the HoE cloth, though. And, after two years the crispness of the pleats is just fine.

[gwynng]

I have a 13 oz 7.5 yard (okay we could call it an 8) that I have had for about 8 years. In Ramsay red modern. I love it. It has been incredibly serviceable and when I needed an alteration ( I grew a few inches), the result was great. No complaints winter or summer. I just acquired a ex-hire Isle of Skye (LOVE, LORVE, LURVE that tartan) 16 oz 8 yard (yes, measured it). It is my first experience with 16 oz and wow, it is heavy. Gorgeous but weighs a lot. Have not had a chance to wear it out yet, but it really will be good one I think.

Checking the hand of both fabrics side by side, the 16 oz just seems thicker, so I think it is the result of a thicker piece of yard/thread to make the tartan. If you were to put a micrometer on it, I'd guess that it is about 25-30% thicker by hand feel...but then my hands are not micrometers! There is definitely a difference you can feel. It is not a coarseness difference, but a thickness. The 16 oz might be a tiny bit softer, but couldn't swear by it.

So 13 oz vs 16 oz.? From the neophyte point of view I don't think there will be a big difference in the look. The feel, well it is going to be a little warmer, so 16 oz. may be relegated to a cool weather kilt. Both kilts are of very high quality and am happy with both. I think that the 13 oz. might get worn a little more just due to the comfort level year round. Think about your local weather and whether you are wearing it out for evening wear to the opera or for hiking in the hot sun or both. If I had to make a choice between the 2 I would probably go for the 13 oz. What I am thinking about is trying a 4-5 yard in a heavy weight. From what guys have said it seems that the swing is good w/ the heavier fabric and the less yardage would keep cost down and result in a cooler kilt.