is it really cooler

[Spartan Tartan]

I've seen several references to temperatures and kilts. I see comments that the weight of the kilt is not so much the issue, rather the amount of material.

Given that I greatly prefer the heavier wool, 16 oz, is it really cooler to wear a 5-6 yard knife pleat over a full 8 yarder?

[M. A. C. Newsome]

Do I notice a difference in temperature between wearing an 8 yard kilt and a 6 yard kilt? Eh, maybe a little bit. I feel the difference mostly in the weight and the "pull" of the kilt in the rear. Much less noticeable in the 6 yarder.

However, do I notice a difference in temp between an 8 yarder and a 4 yarder? Absolutely. The 4 yarders are definitely cooler in the summer months.

I own lots of different kilts, made from varying amounts of cloth. But the ones I tend to wear the most often, year round, are my four yard box pleated kilts. You just can't beat them for comfort and versatility.

[Richard]

I have a 13 oz 8 yard, and a 10 oz 4 yard for the summer on a hot day the 13 oz is way too hot for me, but the 10 oz is fine.

[RockyR]

IMHO, the answer to the OP's comments are BOTH weight AND length of cloth have to do with the 'warmth' of the garment.

I have 15 or so 8 Yard Kilts. 1/2 are 16 oz and 1/2 are 13 oz. Can I notice a difference in 'warmth' between the 2" Yes. The 16 oz kilts are definitely warmer in the summer heat.

I also have 15 or so 5 Yard Kilts. Whether they're 13 or 16 oz, they are definitely a bit cooler than their 8 yard counterparts.

If you really do prefer 16 oz cloth and you're looking for a 'summer' kilt that's a bit less warm, then I'd say go with a 5 yarder in 16 oz cloth.

I hope this helps!

[Nighthawk]

IMHO, the answer to the OP's comments are BOTH weight AND length of cloth have to do with the 'warmth' of the garment.

I have 15 or so 8 Yard Kilts. 1/2 are 16 oz and 1/2 are 13 oz. Can I notice a difference in 'warmth' between the 2" Yes. The 16 oz kilts are definitely warmer in the summer heat.

I also have 15 or so 5 Yard Kilts. Whether they're 13 or 16 oz, they are definitely a bit cooler than their 8 yard counterparts.

If you really do prefer 16 oz cloth and you're looking for a 'summer' kilt that's a bit less warm, then I'd say go with a 5 yarder in 16 oz cloth.

I hope this helps!

I would agree with Rocky on this! I have a 5 yard Colorado State tartan kilt in 16 oz fabric, and while it's not as comfortable for summer wear as a USAK PV kilt, it's deffinately more comfortable than my 8 yard 16 oz kilts. So if you're hung up on 16oz material, I would say to go with one of Rocky's 5 yarders or one of Matt's box pleated kilts.

[Kiltboy]

I was out yesterday at the Scottish fest in Arlington, TX. Before I left the house (at 82f and rising) I had my 8yrd knife pleat. KI switched to a 4yrd box. I'm glad I did. Less material made for a more comfortable experience.

[Spartan Tartan]

Thanks for the responses...I am leaning towards a lower yardage knife pleat, but I do like the idea of a box pleat as well.

[Riverkilt]

I think it has a lot to do with the "type" of heat - i.e. HUMIDITY.

When I visit someplace like Maui, Quintana Roo, or when the Arizona monsoons roll in I need a kilt in a lightweight fabric and fewer pleats - my choice is the USA kilts Casual.

When the Arizona heat is still a "dry heat" I have no problem with 16 ounce wool kilts or even leather kilts though I can't wear kilt hose with them and they do look a tad "different" without kilt hose.

Its also important to remember to stay well hydrated in the heat to feel better no matter what you're wearing.

[Geoff Withnell]

I have a variety (no 8 yard knife pleat tho). Here is the run down:

7 yard double box pleat in 18 oz regimental - Lovely kilt, great in winter. The waistband is too heavy for wear if the temperature is above about 75 F.

6 yard meduim weight knife pleats - good all year round.

16oz 5 yard box pleat (I'm a big guy,4 yard doesn't work) great all year

MM PV casual knife pleat - great if the temp is above around 25 F, much colder is a problem

[Nick the DSM]

My 4 yd 16 oz kilt is an inferno lighter than the 8yd 18oz military kilt in the summer! So yes, it is cooler.