5 yard vs 8 yard

[Jock Scot]

Whatever you decide is whatever you decide and rightly so, but there really is a danger of overthinking all this.

[Stan]

Hummmm......that's something to consider.

Just kidding. I agree, and appreciate all the help.

[Woodsheal]

The "casual" moniker is a bit of a contrived marketing gimmick. A lower yardage kilt of traditional construction can function for all levels of "formality", from pubbing to a black-tie affair.

[mookien]

The "casual" moniker is a bit of a contrived marketing gimmick. ...

*** There is nothing casual about my "casual" kilts.

They look and feel just as good to me as my 8-yd kilts. They are lighter in weight, and the pleats are fewer and a bit wider, but I'm the only one who seems to notice. My 8-yd kilts are warmer in the winter, but likewise warmer in the summer, too.

[Stan]

Brian, as I've thought about my questions regarding casual kilts vs traditional kilts, and wandering if I have been been over thinking the whole deal I've come to one conclusion. If there was some where around Tulsa OK. where I could try on a 5 yard vs 8 yard kilt, or feel how casual vs traditional is tailored than I probably wouldn't have so many questions.

It seems that when your buying kilts (at least around here in Tulsa Oklahoma) your only real source is via the web (in essence mail order).

With this being said, and with out the ability to try any thing on, that it's nice to try to be able to make purchases that you won't regret, or could (passably) have made in another direction. Especially when those purchasing decision results in a $300-$500 + expenditure.

I'd much rather touch, feel and see what I'm having to ask about. If I could do that than most of my questions would be answered in about 5 minuets. As it is (and with out that ability) I feel like I'm in a submarine depending on sonar for my information.

With that said, and in conclusion, let me just say this ", thank goodness for sonar"....LOL....LOL..

[rondo]

Stan,
My two cents...and just an opinion...I have one Celtic Croft Economy, one Celtic Croft Philabeag [for Ren Faire], two Semi-traditional Poly-viscose kilts from USAKilts, and a Kingussie wool kilt from Matt Newsome. The CC Economy is my least favorite but it gets a lot of wear as it was the least expensive, its about 6 yards. I'd have to ask Rocky how many yards are in the Semi-trad....feels like a lot but it is lighter material but the Semi-trads are machine washable PV, very easy to care for and are my fav kilts for daily wear [alsomade to measure so fit great]. The Kingussie from Matt is my 'full on wool go to meeting kilt', fits great, looks sharp but only really wear it on special occasions. The thing is...I'm the only one that really notices the difference between these kilts. From 5 feet away most can not tell PV from wool. Most people can not tell a difference in quality [I can but then I live with them]. If I had to start from scratch, knowing what I now know and all other things being equal...given where I live and what I do i would buy one USAKilts Semi-trad and perhaps 2 USAKilts Casuals and be done with it. I love the other kilts [especially the Kingussie from Matt] but find the wool too hot most of the time. The CC Economy is my beater kilt and the CC Philabeag is just for Ren Faire.

The Semi-trads are great kilts, and great looking kilts. One Semi and two of Rocky's Casuals will set you back less than a full on 'Tank' and be easier to care for.

I am sure that whatever you decide will turn out to be right for you, good luck and Kilt on!

Rondo

P.S. I am a Navy Submarine Vet and always found that sonar served us well ;) One of my Semi-trads is in the Navy/Edzell tartan.

[Stan]

Rondo, wow, great information. I've gone to every kilt maker that you've mentioned, and looked up every kilt that you've listed. All interesting.

I currently own three kilts. One made to measure "tank". (in a black watch tartan), and two PV kilts that are in the Macgregor modern tartan, and are made of 13 oz. material. I like them too. All three of these kilts are "traditional cut".

I'm suspect that at this point ( and in consideration of all the great information tat I've received here on X marks the scot) I might just take some time before making another purchase and let all this sink in. Although...LOL..

I've really been thinking of buying a 16 oz. 5 yard kilt from Scotweb. They have a Macgregor hunting modern tartan that I think is really cool. If I make this purchase then I'd have 3 traditional (in only two different tartans) and one casual cut.

Maybe a good place to stop for a while, and simply start wearing them enough to wear a few of them out..LOL...

At this point i've received enough "returned pings" (LOL...) I'm starting to get a pretty good visual on the options. Thanks Rondo, and to all the other Respondents. You guys have really been a great help.

[unixken]

I've really been thinking of buying a 16 oz. 5 yard kilt from Scotweb.

Having received a 5 yd casual in 16 oz from Scotweb several months ago myself, I can speak to the quality and fit of the kilt. I've been very pleased with it, as I'm certain you would also be. Good luck with whatever you ultimately decide upon.

[Stan]

That sounds great, and with your words, (and as soon as I can get my length measurement) I'm hitting the "place order" button onthe order page with Scotweb...LOL.. The 16 oz material that I've picked from their tartan inventory (for a 5 yard kilt) is the Macgregor modern hunting tartan that shows on my name here at X marks the Scott.

Thanks for your response Ken (and every one else) , I'm already looking forward to it.

[cmcbeth]

A totally emotional response: an 8 yd wool kilt in heavy fabric from Edinburgh as someone with Scots heritage just feels right. I have and will order others...from other sources...but my 8 yard, Dalgliesh 15oz (is this - technically - a tank?) from Scotweb is a total source of pride. As stated...I will probably not order any more from Scotland as the duties don't go well with me (I have one in the queue from Matt) but I treasure my first one.