Newsome Kilt 5yrd and Lare Kilt 8yrd Comparison

[iustus]

A brief comparison between two kilt designs.
One is a 5yrd knife pleat by Matt Newsome’s hand.



The other is an 8yrd knife pleat by Kathy Lare’s hand.



Both garments are great, there are some minor structural difference I’d like share with you.

The first is the weight, 5 vs 8yrds is a substantial difference.

There are some interesting differences in construction on the front aprons.
Newsome’s top apron stops just about at the first pleat of the right side and has a shorter inner lining and no hair canvas round the front. This was noticeable when I first put it on. It was not as stiff round the front. There is hair canvas round the back under the “usual” inner lining, which is closed. The lining is white. I opted for a fringe, it is a single.

Lare’s top front apron comes over about two pleats and I believe this is the Keith style. (I think Scotweb’s are in this style too.) The lining is black and there is hair canvas round the front under the “usual” lining. Double fringe standard.

Newsome’s has the strap and buckle on the inside left of the kilt, which fits very well. One strap on the outside right.

Lare’s has the standard “buttonhole” style on the left and two straps on the right.

A difference in wearing the two different buckle styles; I often adjust my kilt throughout the day or evening, depending on if I have just eaten (let it out a notch) or going for a long walk (bring it in a notch). This adjustment is more difficult with Newsome’s design though the fit is more snug to the body.

These two kilts are outstanding in my estimation. They are both very well shaped. The Newsome holds best in shape for me. My first kilt growing up was a J. Higgin’s 7yrd (and not quite the same order of craft) and the top apron shaping was rather vertical.

Some of the detailed “extras” on the Lare; belt loops, hanging loops and all of the inner liners are sewn “closed”.

Some experience wearing them; the Newsome 5yrds is much more wearable for all day affairs. It is much lighter and balanced… by the end of the day, no “back tug” feeling. The 8yrd, is a tank and wears with the kind of substantial feel to it a tank has. The Lare swishes and moves with all them yards goin. It is in general a heavier garment, stiffer round front and a touch warmer.

Great Kiltmaking.

Newsome's work:


Lare's Work:

My thanks to a benefactor in Southern Ohio for the Lare Kilt and my wife for the birthday/Christmas/ordination gift of the Newsome Kilt.

peace,
justin+

[KiltedDixon]

I have admired kilt pictures of both Kiltmakers.

Many thanks for the astute comparisons.