4 Yard Kilt - Can it be formal?

[Bryan]

Hi. I'm new here and this is my first post. I have been looking at the site for advice and thought I should just go ahead and join.

I have been talking to Rocky at USAK and let me tell you, they are a great bunch of folks and I haven't even ordered anything yet! The response to emails is quick and very helpful. I will be ordering my second kilt from him. I currently have an 8 Yard with Lamont (my wife's clan). Recently I discovered my own Scottish heritage through my maternal Grandfather, so I want a new kilt made in my clan's, Murray of Atholl, tartan, but I don't want to spend another $600. I am very interested in Rocky's 5-yard kilt.

My question is, is there any reason you couldn't wear a 4-yard kilt to a formal occasion? By formal I mean weddings or a night at the opera as well as Highland Games/Festivals and such. According to Matt Newsome's excellent articles and most of the other history's regarding the "small kilt," this IS the most traditional form of the tailored kilt. I've seen a few pics of the 4-yard paired with an argyle jacket and even a Prince Charlie and it looks great to me! But, you guys are the experts so I want your opinions please.

P.S. Sorry for such a long post.

[auld argonian]

...long post?...obviously you haven't been here for some of the rants and diatribes that this forum has entertained in the past...

Anyway, although I do not claim to be an authority on this subject, I'd say that using a nice four yarder shouldn't be a problem as long as the rest of the outfit is appropriate. I wore my five yard Cawdor made of 16 oz. Lochcarron with the tux shirt, bow tie, vest, waist jacket and a bunny-fur sporran and it seemed to pass inspection. This was to an awards ceremony and only one other fella showed up kilted...it wasn't to a Burns Supper or anything where I'd expect to be in the company of a whole hoard of kilties. I would hope that no one would be so small as to criticize you for wearing something less than a full eight yards so long as you've made the effort to dress appropriately...that would smack of "kilt snobbery".

Best

AA

[Nanook]

I am very interested in Rocky's 5-yard kilt.

The heart of the question is: Is the 5 yard kilt a "traditional" (high rise) or a causal (low rise) kilt?

My question is, is there any reason you couldn't wear a 4-yard kilt to a formal occasion? By formal I mean weddings or a night at the opera as well as Highland Games/Festivals and such.

Even a casual kilt from Sialkot (Pakistan) is probably dressier and finer than some of the casual clothing one sees at the opera--- and lets not even start to talk about some of the cheap tartanesque tablecloths that get paraded at Highland Games and St. Patrick's Day events as "Highland" garb).
Is a 5 yard knife pleated kilt a replacement for a 8-yarder? No. Its nothing for the Royal Enclosure at Ascot. Is an Argyll a replacement for a coatee and tails? If one wants to wear kilts to the opera or to weddings I'd opt for a medium weight instead of the heavyweight stuff.

I've seen a few pics of the 4-yard paired with an argyle jacket and even a Prince Charlie and it looks great to me!

They can look splendid. I'd view the 5-yard kilt as a nice kilt for day wear with a less formal jacket (especially tweeds). Made of heavyweight material (such as Lochcarron's Strome) they can be a good choice for a well dressed gentleman (like flannel pants and a tweed jacket).

[Jock Scot]

I have no knowledge of 4 yard kilts,but I cannot see why you should'nt wear it to formal events---with the correct accoutrements.Besides you have an 8 yard kilt in reserve if you decide the 4 yarder does not quite fit the bill.All you have to remember is, wear it proudly and more importantly,wear it well.After that you have absolutely nothing to worry about.Go for it.

[Arlen]

Honestly, as long as the rest of the outfit is good, a 4 yard kilt is just fine. Box or knife pleated, to the stripe or set... None of it matters as long as you are comfortable, confident and look smart for smart events.
I don't really like Sportkilts, but I have seen people make them look just great with a Prince Charlie jacket and tux shirt.

[Panache]

...My question is, is there any reason you couldn't wear a 4-yard kilt to a formal occasion?

Welcome to XMTS!

And a resounding NO! in answer to your question!

Here is a photo of me with my lovely wife, The Flame-Haired Celtic Amazon Goddess, at a Burns' Night supper. I am wearing my 5 yard knife pleated kilt by Matt Newsome and didn't feel one iota less sharp than my companions wearing 8 yarders. I would equally wear a well made box pleat kilt to such a function. The 8 yarders with all the lovely smaller pleats are things of beauty, but they are certainly not the be all and end all.



One thing to note though. The weight of the wool is very important in a 4 or 5yard kilt. The heavier weight (16 oz.) is going to give your fewer pleats better hang and swing than lighter weight cloth.

Cheers

Jamie

[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."

Honestly, as long as the rest of the outfit is good, a 4 yard kilt is just fine. Box or knife pleated, to the stripe or set...

As far as that is concerned, is there any set rule on whether a tartan should be pleated to sett or stripe? My 8-yard is pleated to sett as I've heard most "dress kilts" are. I'm not sure how hard it would be to pleat a Murray of Atholl to sett. Might look really nice to stripe.

[Bryan]

One thing to note though. The weight of the wool is very important in a 4 or 5yard kilt. The heavier weight (16 oz.) is going to give your fewer pleats better hang and swing than lighter weight cloth.

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?

[James MacMillan]

A well made kilt is a well made kilt, regardless of how much material is used.

The more material allows more pleats, and can look somewhat dressier. But a well made kilt that had much less than 8 yard, can look just as nice. In fact the 5 yard kilt can also have just as many pleats as an 8 yard kilt, - the pleats can just be not as deep!

Much more important is the style of the kilt. Is it a traditional kilt?

The next most important item is what you wear with it. Choose your assessories with care!

Don't plan on wearing a low-rise, sporty kilt with a PC! You may feel that you look OK, but to anyone who understands kilts, you will just look foolish.

I don't think many people would wear a utilikilt or X-Kilt to a formal affair.

Shop around, there are some good, less expensive kilts available.

Oh - and

[Arlen]

Set or stripe... It USED to be that military kilts were pleated to the stripe, civilian to the sett.
But over the years many civilians or ex military folk have decided that they preferred to the stripe.
Remember, way back in the day kilts weren't pleated to any pattern at all!

Just wear what you feel comfortable with and remind anyone who questions you that there are no Kilt Police!


P.S


I found this online.

Murray of Atholl pleated to the stripe.