I myself prefer having a bit less yardage (and I'm a big guy).

The lightbulb came on a few years ago when I noticed that the kilt a pipe band had issued me was exceptionally comfortable. It was nice heavyweight tartan but not excessively heavy or bulky in the back. I noticed the pleats were 1" wide and by their number and depth I could tell that the kilt was made from between 6 and 7 yards of tartan.

So, the two kilts I've had made since have been made this same way, and I really like them.