New and need advice about kilt weight/yardage

[John McQuillen]

Just as a followup....how different is 13oz to 16oz? I know people are saying use less yardage, but most of the kilt makers here in Aus seem to use 13oz as standard?

[billsides]

Just as a followup....how different is 13oz to 16oz? I know people are saying use less yardage, but most of the kilt makers here in Aus seem to use 13oz as standard?

13 oz worsted wool is great but 16 oz is best for wrinkle resistance and swing. 13 oz kilts have sharper pleats when new and 8 yarders look great. 16 oz is claimed heavy enough to pull out wrinkles in use but I find my 13 oz wool kilts stay nice without extra attention. The kilt that attracts the greatest attention is 16 oz 10 yard wool yet a 16 oz 5 yard wool I have is is poor by comparison. Machine sewn ones often look weird where the pleats are sewn down, hand sewn is better but more expensive. The decider may be the tartan because many are spun in one weight only and at a single mill so you may have no choice. Regardless, go for the larger yardage if you want visual appeal but less weight is easier to dance in and marginally cooler in summer but 16 ox is better in winter. Don't go lighter than 13 oz wool. Some manufacturers charge more for lighter kilts and most strongly recommend 16 oz if a choice is offered. Poly Viscose and Acrylic are cheap, adequate for casual use and can look OK but some are truly horrid and many blow up easily outside. None will last as long as a quality woollen kilt.

Hope this helps you decide. Get one made to measure, it can be arranged via the net at very attractive prices in Scotland and elsewhere, just measure yourself carefully!

Bill

[John McQuillen]

Thanks Bill,

I guess thats the next thing to deal with....making sure the measurements are correct. Scotweb seems to have some good instructions but I do worry a little about sizing.....its a long way to send it back....