HELP! Which Weight is right for me?

[ChubRock]

While considering the pourchase of my first real kilt, I am having a tough time determining the right weight. Cost wise, they are all within about $75. It is wearing the kilt that I question, and which weight will feel best. Most advice I have from everyone here is get the best and heaviest you can.

I might start attending Burns dinners, but for now it is Scottish Fairs, St. Andrews Society gigs and of course something nice to wear. My family tartan is available in the following weights...what should I do? Help please!


11 oz. light weight
13 oz. medium weight
16 oz. heavy weight
16 oz. Strome weight

[davedove]

Generally speaking, the heavier the cloth, the more solid the kilt will feel. Plus, the heavier cloth seems to give a much better "swish" in the pleats when you walk.

However, you can get a perfectly fine kilts in the other weights as well.

[HeathBar]

16oz would be your best option. It is the all-round favorite of kiltmakers.

[KFCarter]

When money is not a deciding issue, I'd always go with 16 oz. strome for a wool kilt. I think the heavier wool holds a pleat better and there's no question that the "swish" factor is better.

If I ever do opt for a kilt with less heft, I'll still go with 16 oz. wool, but have it made up in a 4-yd box pleat instead of an 8-yd knife pleat.

btw, I'm not certain, but I don't believe there's a difference between 16 oz. strome and 16 oz. heavy weight... I've think those terms are interchangeable.

[kennethc]

16 Ounce Strom, if for no other reason than the pleats hold better, and even if the do get badly creased a hang up over night seems to work.

[HeathBar]

btw, I'm not certain, but I don't believe there's a difference between 16 oz. strome and 16 oz. heavy weight... I've think those terms are interchangeable.

Strome is Lochcarron's 16oz Kilt quality material. Different mills will have different names for them.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

Go with the 16 ounce tartan. Lighter fabrics tend to look "limp", especially the 11 ounce stuff. As important as the weight of the fabric is correct measurement. If at all possible try to be professionally measured for your kilt.

[lethearen]

I just received my new kilt today, 13 oz. My first is 16 oz. I can say there is a huge difference in feel. I would definitely go with the 16 oz. Well made, I'm sure that either would serve you well. But the heavier will probably feel better.

Especially in Minnesota. Especially in January.

As for Strome, I was under the impression that it was just one of the names Lochcarron gave their fabrics. 16 oz = Strome, 13 oz = Braeriach, 10 oz = Reiver. As far as I know, those are registered trademarks of Lochcarron, but I could easily be mistaken.

[Macthenife]

When money is not a deciding issue, I'd always go with 16 oz. strome for a wool kilt. I think the heavier wool holds a pleat better and there's no question that the "swish" factor is better.

If I ever do opt for a kilt with less heft, I'll still go with 16 oz. wool, but have it made up in a 4-yd box pleat instead of an 8-yd knife pleat.

btw, I'm not certain, but I don't believe there's a difference between 16 oz. strome and 16 oz. heavy weight... I've think those terms are interchangeable.

I was told by a kilt maker Kathy Lare, who is Scottish Qualifications Authority Certified that the difference between the regular 16 oz. and the Strome is the difference in the type of weave of the Strome. It has a bit more of a twist to the wool which makes it very strong. I hope this helps.

Slainte!
Shawn

[george7]

The 13oz will feel cooler in the warm humid tropics... but you don't live in the tropics. You have winter, therefore I would suggest 16oz.