Traditional 8 yard kilt or 5 yard kilt

**Pleater** · 15th July 06, 11:56 AM

I know it might all be down to differences in shape, plumposity or even swagger - but I do find that a deep under apron pleat is apt to make for a cooler kilt than a narrow one.

I tend to make kilts in pairs so as to take advantage of the full length of a piece of material and not have a seam.

As I am losing weight I remake the kilts smaller and usually keep the folds of the pleats if I can, just moving them closer together. I then make the aprons smaller by increasing the depth of the under apron pleat.

Wearing a fairly lightweight kilt recently I changed it mid afternoon as I splashed one with orange juice and threw it in the sink to wash. The older incarnation of the kilt was definitely warmer than the newer one. I think the deeper pleats allow more fore and aft movement of the aprons so changing the air of the microclimate within the kilt more frequently. I even folded the aprons back on themselves so they would not cover the pleats the and it made litte difference. (My kilts are belted not buckled so this is possible.)

I suspect the the heavier the kilt the more cooling deep under apron pleats would be, when comparing the same fabric.

**cessna152towser** · 15th July 06, 12:05 PM

I have three 8-yard wool kilts and have to admit it is a good feeling to step out proudly in a real kilt with a proper swing, though at the other extreme lightweight acryllic or polycotton kilts have their own comfort zone. A 5-yarder is somewhere in between inasmuch as it looks and feels like a proper kilt, but once you start walking in it the swing won't be right as the weight of the material is not in correct proportion. I purchased my first 5-yard wool kilt earlier this year - described as a casual kilt suitable for hill walking - if the fine weather keeps up I'll climb a hill in it next week and post some photos. I'd say if you have enough material, keep it for yourself and go for the full 8 yard kilt and buy the wife a denim skirt or jeans.