11oz, 13oz, or 16oz?

[ardchoille]

My very fist kilt, years ago, was an 8 yard, 11oz. custom-made kilt.. I still have it and I love it.This kilt has served me well over the years and I have acquired other kilts of the same yardage and weight. I also have 6 13oz. 8 yard kilts and I love them too. My 11oz. kilts and 13oz. kilts are all comfortable during the year - though the 13oz. kilts can be a bit warm in the hot summer months. I don't own any 16oz. kilts because I assumed they would be too hot in the summer. Would this hold true? How comfortable are other folks in their 16oz. kilts during the warmer months?

What are the benefits of 16oz. over 11oz. and 13oz. kilts? I ask because advice from you folks may help me open up some options.

[JerseyLawyer]

16oz kilts are heavier, so they wrinkle less, are harder wearing, and have a very nice hang and "swish". Did I mention they're hard wearing? Hotter in summer, though? Probably, but walking cools you down. I've worn heavy band kilts to summer games without any trouble.

[RobertParker]

I've got 8-yard kilts in each weight. I grew up in the South were it gets really hot and humid in the summer, so I found that the weight not necessarily an issue for the heat. Instead, the colors were the thing. The darker colors soak up more sunlight and are hotter than lighter or brighter colors. So my 16 oz was a little cooler than my 13 oz, because the 16 was a lighter color and soaked up less heat. Of course, my 11 oz is the coolest, but is also the lightest.

[ardchoille]

I've got 8-yard kilts in each weight. I grew up in the South were it gets really hot and humid in the summer, so I found that the weight not necessarily an issue for the heat. Instead, the colors were the thing. The darker colors soak up more sunlight and are hotter than lighter or brighter colors. So my 16 oz was a little cooler than my 13 oz, because the 16 was a lighter color and soaked up less heat. Of course, my 11 oz is the coolest, but is also the lightest.

I feel silly now. Being one who studies physics, I can't believe I didn't even think of this

[ccga3359]

One option is one of Matt's box pleats in 16 oz if you're worried about heat.

[sirdaniel1975]

My 4yard box pleat is 16oz and I had a tough time hear in Fl last summer. Everyone has different threshold for heat and humidity.

[ChattanCat]

It is also the material. If you are using worsted wool, then 16 oz will give you the most consistant swing. I prefer 13 oz as a minimum weight for kilts. That said, my first tartan material was a 10 oz MaqPherson. Since then, I have gotten heavier weight kilts and they are much more structured while moving.

[Galician]

I was surprised to hear that you were so happy with the 11 oz. I have been reading on here that it is generally considered too light for a good kilt. My tanks thus far are 16 oz, but I'm about to get a 13 oz (which I understand is comparable to Stillwater). Let me see how it feels in the hot, muggy summer I doubt you get out there in Washington State!

[Woodsheal]

I was surprised to hear that you were so happy with the 11 oz. I have been reading on here that it is generally considered too light for a good kilt.

I'm perfectly happy with my 8 yd. kilt in 11 oz. worsted wool from Strathmore. It's very comfortable to wear and a great "3 season" kilt. It would not be the thing for long walks outside in the winter, though ....

[ardchoille]

I was surprised to hear that you were so happy with the 11 oz. I have been reading on here that it is generally considered too light for a good kilt. My tanks thus far are 16 oz, but I'm about to get a 13 oz (which I understand is comparable to Stillwater). Let me see how it feels in the hot, muggy summer I doubt you get out there in Washington State!

Yes, I love my 11oz. kilts. I have 8 yards of 11oz. MacGregor modern tartan, but I can't find anyone who is willing to make a kilt out of it - sadly, no one wants to deal with less than 13oz tartan.