8 yards: when, and why?

[MartinGrenoble]

Do any of the Scottish kilt-makers provide box pleats?
Or 4-yard kilts?

Martin

[ForresterModern]

Do any of the Scottish kilt-makers provide box pleats?
Or 4-yard kilts?

Martin

Yes, several do but there is generally an upcharge for box pleats compared to their standard knife pleats.

[fluter]

Yes, several do but there is generally an upcharge for box pleats compared to their standard knife pleats.

In that case, it's probably the military box-pleat, which is more in the 8-yard category.

[davedove]

Well, if politics then was anything like it is today, it was probably the wool lobby that convinced the government they needed more material in their kilts.

[figheadair]

If you purchased an 8 yard kilt, or more, get a tape out and measure the length. It's surprising how often they come up short and the kiltmakers are charging for a standard length but can't actually make it fit.

[Lyle1]

Well, if politics then was anything like it is today, it was probably the wool lobby that convinced the government they needed more material in their kilts.

That was my first thought.

[Squeaky McMurdo]

Do any of the Scottish kilt-makers provide box pleats?
Or 4-yard kilts?

Martin

Do you want a Scottish kiltmaker because they're Scottish or because they're more local than Matt or Barb?

If you want one more local I'm sure Lady Chrystel would be more than capable of making a 4 yard box pleat as she's rather talented at double box pleats.

--Chelsea--

[MartinGrenoble]

Do you want a Scottish kiltmaker because they're Scottish or because they're more local than Matt or Barb?...

--Chelsea--

No, I'm not looking for a box-pleat kilt.
It is just that I have never seen any such kilts advertized by Scottish kiltmakers/suppliers, and wondered if they were regarded as traditionally Scottish in the homeland.

Thanks for your reply.

Martin

[MacBean]

I have a 4 yrd casual B&S, but was recommended to get an 8 yrd hand-sewn. I hefted an 8 yrd kilt in Inverness earlier this year and found it HEAVY. So what's an innocent to do when buying an heirloom, formal kilt? I want a knife-pleat, not box; I have that much decided. I am not likely to use the kilt often.

[ForresterModern]

I have a 4 yrd casual B&S, but was recommended to get an 8 yrd hand-sewn. I hefted an 8 yrd kilt in Inverness earlier this year and found it HEAVY. So what's an innocent to do when buying an heirloom, formal kilt? I want a knife-pleat, not box; I have that much decided. I am not likely to use the kilt often.

The overall weight of your kilt is dependant on the fabric "weight" (typically listed in ounces per linear yard, such as 16 oz, 13 oz, 10 oz), the actual linear length of fabric used (4 yard vs 6 yard vs 8 yard kilt, or more accurately the part of that length actually used to make your kilt), the length of your kilt (probably the least of the concerns) and to a degree your waist size (as it may determine how much linear length of fabric may be needed---bigger guys need bigger lengths of fabric to get decent pleats). One other factor is the overall construction style, as a classic knife pleat traditional 8 yard kilt will use more supporting material beneath the lining than a typical 4 yard casual kilt, also adding to the weight.

There is no question that a traditional style 8 yard kilt will weigh more and feel heavier than a casual 4 or 5 yard kilt in the same wieght fabric. But the difference in the swing factor is also pretty substantial.

My "6 yard" B&S casual (actually only used 4 yards of material to make it) has less body above the fell overall than any of my 8 yard tanks, although it was built to the same length, so it just has less supporting material at the top compared to all the tanks beside having less yardage. One reason I don't like it as well, as it does not feel as substantial around my waist and less supportive overall. One man's opinion.

jeff