4 Yard Kilt - Can it be formal?

**Panache** · 12th August 07, 04:04 PM

Originally Posted by Bryan

Thank you for all the advice. To be honest, I'm not quite sure whether the 5-yard from USAK is traditional or "low rise."

A "low rise" kilt is going to look wrong at a formal function compared to other kilts. If you want a "low rise kilt" use it for casual wear. Save the traditional waisted kilts for formal ones.

Originally Posted by Bryan

I'm was thinking of going with the 16oz for that very reason.

That is a beautiful kilt you are wearing. Is it 16oz as well?

It is the Galbraith Ancient tartan in 16 oz. I am very biased but I think it is a very handsome tartan (I bet Phil would agree with me).

Cheers

Jamie

**Bryan** · 12th August 07, 04:50 PM

Originally Posted by Panache

If you want a "low rise kilt" use it for casual wear. Save the traditional waisted kilts for formal ones.

No, no, I WANT the traditional waist, not the casual hip rise. Just not sure if the USAKilts 5-yard has the traditional waist, or at least can be requested.

**fluter** · 12th August 07, 05:28 PM

As to Rocky versus Matt, my choice is the obvious/universal one: buy one or more of each! The order in which they are bought is the difficult part.

Originally Posted by Bryan

... not sure if the USAKilts 5-yard has the traditional waist, or at least can be requested.

All of Rocky's kilts, except the explicitly named "Casual" in polyviscose fabric, are traditional cuts. The 5 yard wool would be similar to my semi-trad PV, and I'm crazy about it.

**Bryan** · 12th August 07, 06:52 PM

Originally Posted by fluter

That's a good looking kilt. Nice pleating. Pretty tartan, may I ask which one it is? Is that one of Rocky's semi-trad?

**Phil** · 13th August 07, 04:49 AM

Originally Posted by Panache

A "low rise" kilt is going to look wrong at a formal function compared to other kilts. If you want a "low rise kilt" use it for casual wear. Save the traditional waisted kilts for formal ones.

It is the Galbraith Ancient tartan in 16 oz. I am very biased but I think it is a very handsome tartan (I bet Phil would agree with me).

Cheers

Jamie

Yep I have to agree there, don't think you could get a better one anywhere. I only have the traditional type of kilts so can't comment but the guys here look good. I would go for a 16 oz worsted cloth though if you do go for a 4-yarder as the lighter fabrics are more likely to crease and wouldn't look good at a formal event.

**Cawdorian** · 13th August 07, 05:18 AM

It really doesn't matter if the kilt is a four or five yarder or a eight yard tank. If the kilt is well made and fits the wearer properly, the vast majority of people will ever know the difference.

Over the period of a year I go to several formal events where there are 75 to 100 kilted gentlemen in attendance, it is very difficult to pick a four or five yarder out of the crowd. The ones that stand out are the guys who are wearing the kilt too low, too long, or are wearing a very sloppily put together outfit. If the outfit is reasonably correct, well fitting and worn with the proper accessories, you will never be able to pick them out of the crowd. They will fit right in.

Wear what works for you, there are no kilt police out there.

**HeathBar** · 13th August 07, 06:04 AM

Both Rocky and Matt make fine looking kilts. While each use a different style and construction, they are both experts in their trade. One thing you have to consider is the tartan you want. Rocky's semi-trads are made from mostly P/V material. And I didn't see the Murray of Atholl on the P/V list. Matt works only with wool kilting material. But I'm sure Rocky can get your tartan in wool. I've seen it available from most mills in various weights and colors (modern, ancient, weathered).
Which ever kiltmaker you choose, I think you will be pleased.

**James MacMillan** · 12th August 07, 11:40 AM

Yea I have to keep reminding myself.

There are no kilt police!!!

If you feel good in it, wear it!!!!!

**ardchoille** · 12th August 07, 12:39 PM

Originally Posted by James MacMillan

Yea I have to keep reminding myself.

There are no kilt police!!!

If you feel good in it, wear it!!!!!

I'm slowly learning this myself. I went to a wedding recently where everyone was in t-shirts and flip-flops.. even the pastor. My grandfather used to always ask me, "who makes the rules by which ye live?". We are wearing articles of clothing that are centuries old. Did they have a strict set of rules for this clothing back then?

**turpin** · 12th August 07, 05:16 PM

I believe that Rocky's 5-yard woolies are custom made to your measurements and he will make it high or low, as you prefer. I generally prefer the trad-waisted kilts becasue they can be dressed up or down easily and are therefore more versatile. That being said, the kilt I wear more than any other kilt I have is my Utilikilt, just becasue it is easy to throw on, wash, wear, etc., and is very comfortable. I'd not wear it formally, though Monkey at Arms has a recent thread on doing just that. I'm just too lazy right now to search for it.