18 oz.

[g koch]

16oz isnt a whole lot heavier than 13oz really. But that 22oz makes me feel over-stuffed (probly cuz I am).

What would be involved in trying to get some 18oz yardage in a non-military tartan?

It was once a blanket and now they push 11oz, 10oz, even 8oz on the unsuspecting!

Any one know the history of the ever-lighter kilt material?

[GlassMan]

I don't know the history of it, but I'm glad that the options are there when summer comes around.

[Colin]

I could be wrong, but I thought Geoffery (Tailor) sold kilts in the 18oz weight. Maybe Hamish can clear this up for us.

Here is their site http://www.geoffreykilts.co.uk/gt_welcome.htm

[Hamish]

I could be wrong, but I thought Geoffery (Tailor) sold kilts in the 18oz weight. Maybe Hamish can clear this up for us.

Geoffrey (Tailor) certainly does not list tartans in 18oz weight but, if a tartan is available, they will track it down for you. The top weight in their own 'Auld Reekie' range of tartans and tweeds (woven at their mill next to Edinburgh Castle) is 16/17oz. in addition to which they source tartan fabrics from just about every known weaver. In an older catalogue they did list an 18/19oz. Saxony wool tartan fabric "only suitable for ex-army gent's kilts and available only in kilt lengths." Kilts were not listed in this weight.

This is an extract from their new catalogue which you might find to be of interest in the matter of 'weights':-

"The most popular and highly recommended traditional kilt for men is the eight yard kilt made in full weight, 16/17oz worsted. Geoffrey (Tailor) recommends the full weight as it hangs so well and keeps shape excellently. Different yardage can be used (less and more than eight yards) depending on size of the person and the size of the sett of the tartan. All traditional kilts are hand sewn; the kilt can be sewn to the sett of the tartan, or to a dominant stripe in the tartan, which means the back of the kilt has a stripe down each pleat. Each kilt has sporran/belt loops made in the tartan which are skillfully integrated into the waistband. There is a leather strap and buckle on the left side and two on the right side. The kilt is made on the selvedge edge of the cloth so there is no hem sewn. The traditional kilt sits high on the body and drops down to the top of the kneecap. Some people do like to wear the kilt a bit longer and if this applies to you, you must advise when ordering or being measured by a member of staff.

It has been commented upon that the 16/17oz worsted is too heavy a material and the 12/13oz weight is better especially in warmer climates. Geoffrey (Tailor) would like to advise that the 16/17oz will hold shape better, especially in the heat, than the 12/13oz., which is inclined to 'wilt'. It should be noted that eight yards of either weight wrapped around the body, will be warm to wear, and there is only one pound difference in weight between the two kilts."

[Blu (Ontario)]

I have two worsted wool 8 yard kilts in 13oz. and they have held up extremely well in both heat and cold. I would not be inclined to go lighter than 13oz, however.

[yoippari]

What is your typical temperature in a 16oz before you get cold? I have a 16oz 4 yard that I do get cold in when it get into the 40s and windy. However I get too warm in it when sitting around at home. I was really hoping I could scrounge enough extra cast together before the WPG sale ends.