I'm in a quandary

**O'Searcaigh** · 2nd January 12, 08:28 AM

I found a tartan (Irish County Tyrone - see below) that I both really like and is related to my family heritage but my prospective kilt maker says it only comes in "medium" (13-14 oz.) weight and I had hoped to have a kilt made of 16 oz. material. I have several lighter weight DIY kilts and one professionally made heavy weight (16 oz.) one which has the weight and "swish" I was hoping for in a new kilt. What differences would one experience between an 8 yd. kilt made of 13 oz. as compared to 16 oz. material? How much difference in expense (cost of material?) should one expect? What I really want is a County Tyrone in 16 oz. but alas...

**MacMillans son** · 2nd January 12, 08:58 AM

There is a difference, somewhere in between what you experience with your 16oz and your lightweight kilts, though not as pronounced. If I were to describe the difference I would say the swish is quicker i.e. shorter in duration. I think you basically have a weight (the material) hanging on a string attached to your waist. The greater weight, once in motion, creates greater inertia, and therefore, if left uninterrupted, a longer swish duration. How's that for over thinking something as simple as 'kilt swish' ?

I think you can have it custom woven in 16oz., and made into a kilt, for around $700-800. Two sources would be the Scottish Tartan Museum gift shop, and Scotweb both are Xmarks advertisers with links at the top of page.

Best of luck with what ever you decide!

**Riverkilt** · 2nd January 12, 12:16 PM

I had the same quandry with my Macdonald Lord of the Isles kilt. Went ahead with it at the lighter weight and its been fine. No problems at all. No one can tell the difference other than maybe kiltmakers. In warmer weather I'm glad to have it around. Works well in cool weather too - heat rises.

Here's a pic - see if you can tell the difference

**RockyR** · 2nd January 12, 12:44 PM

Originally Posted by MacMillan's son

I think you can have it custom woven in 16oz., and made into a kilt, for around $700-800. Two sources would be the Scottish Tartan Museum gift shop, and Scotweb both are Xmarks advertisers with links at the top of page.

This particular tartan, you most likely WILL NOT be able to have custom woven. It's designed and owned by the House of Edgar and (most likely) they wouldn't grant permission for anyone else to weave it and they won't do a single kilt length custom weave.

When it comes to the Irish County tartans, it's pretty much 13 oz or 11 oz.

**MacMillans son** · 2nd January 12, 01:31 PM

Originally Posted by RockyR

This particular tartan, you most likely WILL NOT be able to have custom woven. It's designed and owned by the House of Edgar and (most likely) they wouldn't grant permission for anyone else to weave it and they won't do a single kilt length custom weave.

When it comes to the Irish County tartans, it's pretty much 13 oz or 11 oz.

Thanks Rocky, I was thinking about non-restricted clan tartans, and forgot about possible copyright issues with commercially designed tartans. Good catch!

**fluter** · 6th January 12, 10:17 AM

I have an 8 yard kilt in HOE 13 ounce; the fabric is absolutely beautiful. I think you'd like it. Mine is the muted red Wallace, so I think the County Tyrone would have a similar look.

The 13 ounce fabric is still warm in the winter and cool in the summer, as a kilt should be.

**lukeyrobertson** · 6th January 12, 10:34 AM

I have an HoE 8 yard in 13oz and it's fine. Hangs beautifully and has lots of swish. I really like the HoE cloth. Very smooth and an excellent kilting selvege. I've had it for over a year now. Have worn it lots (in Canadian winter and summer).