For me personally, I prefer the 8 yard because I like having more pleats. But both serve their purpose well. I believe I have one of each, a Standard from Stillwater Kilts and one from the Gold Bros that I got at a Highland Games. The Stillwater one is by far my favorite with a lot of pleats, nice material, and very comfortable. The Gold Bros one has less pleats which are not as deep. Still comfortable though.