What's the difference?

[flyv65]

So I was searching the vast internet wasteland for amusement this past weekend, and I see that Williams of Wales has a tartan for a Welsh cilt. My question is this: what difference, if any, is there between a cilt and a kilt?

Bryan...inquiring minds want to know...

[davedove]

"Cilt" is basically the Welsh name for the same garment. Of course the "Cilt" would be in a Welsh tartan and I believe there may be some small sewing variations, but basically it's the same thing.

[flyv65]

Thanks for the quick response, Dave. It's those small sewing variations I'm curious about-just how similar/dissimilar are the two?

Bryan...it looks like the biggest differnce is in the jacket, truth to tell...

[davedove]

From Alexis Malcolm's web site:

Welsh Tartans, woven in Cardiff, Wales, are a softer version of the Scottish & Irish 100% Wool Tartans & woven only in the 13oz. weight. Traditionally, Welsh Tartans do not have a selvadge so your Cilt will have a hem...

That's the only difference I have found. Some of our more knowledgeable members may be able to tell you more.

[flyv65]

Wow, you guys are speedy! Thanks again, Dave.

Bryan...saving the website...

[Derek]

Hi Bryan .. Being Welsh and living in Wales and having a Welsh Family Tartan Cilt I can tell you first hand a little of what I have been told.
The family tartans are made in 13/14oz weight and the yardage is anything from 8yd to 8 1/2yd. Even though I'm a slim guy my Cilt is 8.25 yds. It also has a hem of 2" .. which adds to the overall weight, which helps in windy conditions and I must say I have never had any major problem with my Cilt in those conditions, of which we get loads of here in Wales .. generally wet to go with it as well. The cloth itself is woven in a welsh woolen mill in Mid Wales. I think the village is called Llanwrtyd Wells. I also believe thats also the area where the cilt is made, from what I can gather a while back was the only Cilt maker in Wales. The Welsh Cilts do not come cheap but they are definitely a work of art and craftmanship. They do come with a Welsh Dragon embroidered on the front apron but I guess one could ask not to have it on if anyone did'nt want it. Also there are Welsh Cilt pins. Piccy below of my Cilt. You can make out the Dragon and the Cilt Pin. Hope this is of some help.

Derek

[flyv65]

Great shot, beautiful, cilt! Thanks for the info, Derek. I did notice that the Welsh tartans/cilts aren't exactly inexpensive on the websites I've seen, but I'd really like to add one as a salute to this part of my ancestry. Right now I'm trying to decide between a sort of local kiltmaker preparing one, or ordering one long distance. I'm still very leery of my own ability to properly measure for these things, you know.

Bryan...two kilts in the house, one on the way, one ordered...

[Shay]

Check out this thread, too... it gives a little more info on pronunciation.

[Hal]

FWIW, I concur with Derek!

I have a Welsh kilt (cilt? Whatever... ;) ) made by Alexis Malcom. It has about a 2" hem, although it's not particularly obvious. Other that that, and the material, I appears to be about the same as the other "tanks" I've seen.

Hope this helps.

Hal