On the Fence

[230Ball]

Getting closer to purchasing my first kilt, most likely from USA Kilts. My dilemma is whether to buy the 5-yard or 8-yard version. I'm leaning towards the 5-yard based on the following: It's my first kilt; may not be satisfied with the "shade" of tartan (noticed slight variations by tartan vendor); would like to have it pleated to the stripe, but maybe sett would be better, and maybe some other unforeseen issues due to my inexperience.
Is this poor logic on my part, or should I hold off, research more, and then go for the big purchase?
Thanks in advance for your opinions!

[Taskr]

An opinion": If you are not certain, then do not. Be confident in your purchase of your kilt - or any clothing or item for that matter. Why spend money on something you don't seem very happy with at the outset? Research. Be sure. Purchase. Wear it well.

[Tomak]

I debated my first purchase for quite some time as well. What I finally decided on was USA Kilts Semi-trad. It's a great looking kilt at a reasonable price. Then about 18 months later I added an 8 yard wool as well. But the truth is, I wear the semi-trad WAY more than I wear the 8 yarder. Others may have different opinions, but the semi-trad will make a fine starter kilt.

[Grunthos]

An opinion": If you are not certain, then do not. Be confident in your purchase of your kilt - or any clothing or item for that matter. Why spend money on something you don't seem very happy with at the outset? Research. Be sure. Purchase. Wear it well.

It's one thing to research kilt makers and construction. It's another thing to ask, "will I enjoy an experience like kilt wearing in various settings?"

An alternate opinion: I have spent much of my life thinking I needed to be really, really sure about anything before acting. The idea of "If you are not certain, then do not" made me miss out on many things in life. I now refer to that as "paralysis of analysis". Now, at almost age 50, I'm finally learning that it is OK to try things out even if I'm not completely certain. Better late than never!

Research and wear it well, yes. But I think it is something you just have to experience for yourself.

I would go with your gut feel. There is nothing wrong with starting with a 5-yard and adding an 8-yard later. Enjoy!

[230Ball]

Great points, gentlemen! Assuming I work out the earlier concerns, is there an outward difference in appearance between the 5-yard and 8-yard kilts and/or between the 13-ounce and 16-ounce wool? Would it be a faux pas to wear a 5-yarder to an occasional formal event?

[Richrail]

I have three USAkilts 5 yard wool kilts. That said you can ask if they can pleat to the stripe, but it is not always possible with the 5 yard. My two 16 oz. kilts were pleated to the sett my 13 oz. is pleated to the stripe. They are by far my favorite kilts I do have a semi-traditional and a number of the casual. The semi-traditional was the first kilt I purchased made to my measurements. I do still wear it but not nearly as often as my wool kilts. I have a number of budget kilts from Buyakilt.com which are now pretty much what I wear if I will be doing something that might cause damage i.e. working in the yard or camping.

[Grunthos]

Would it be a faux pas to wear a 5-yarder to an occasional formal event?

I don't know if it would be a faux pas at a formal event in Scotland.

In the U.S., a perceptive eye might notice if it's a formal event full of other kilted gents; say a Burns Night dinner or something. If there even are any perceptive eyes in the group; depends on the group.

If it's a formal event in the U.S. where few or none others are wearing a kilt, nobody there will ever know the difference. The average American will see tartan and say "it's a kilt!"

[Dughlas mor]

I guess there are some things you won`t be able to answer for yourself until you buy and try. The big differences between a 5 and 8 yard kilt are the 5 will probably have a slightly wider exposed portion of the pleat, thus a few less pleats over all, and the depth of the pleats will be less. It is said that this amounts to less swish and swing in the pleats when walking, though I don`t know how measurable or noticeable that is. Pleating to stripe or sett is purely a personal choice, though some arch traditionalists might tell you that to the sett is preferable for a civilian kilt. I think that a well made 5 yard wool kilt would be fine to wear in any circumstance, even experienced kilt wearers would have to look twice to notice the difference. I have a 5 yard kilt that I like just fine, and it is probably all the kilt I need, but I hope to own a "tank" at some point. Having said all that, if I were buying my first kilt again, and if I could afford it without stretching the budget too much, I would go for an 8 yard wool kilt, pleated to the stripe. If you want a cheaper kilt for knocking around, you can pick one up any time.

[Tarheel]

I had the exact same situation you are in when I wanted to get my first kilt. I found two (a 5 yard pleated to the sett, and an 8 yard to the stripe) I bought both and returned the 8 yard for one pleated to the sett because of my personal tastes. Take your time, look at photos and most times (unless bespoke) a kilt can be exchanged for the one that fits your needs and personality best.
Let us see the result in pictures after you choose.

[230Ball]

Thanks, Gents! This is proving to be a very helpful thread for me!