Not sure if you should go with the 5-yard or 8-yard kilt? We’re here to help you with that. There’s a lot to know when you first approach buying Highland wear for the first time; that much is clear to us and to you as well, most likely. You’re already presented with size charts that you are meant to compare to your body, but on top of that, you also have the choice between a 5-yard or an 8-yard kilt.
So to help you decide which would suit you best, we’ll go over what the options are and also what they mean!
The Traditional Kilt vs. The Casual Kilt
The traditional kilt is the 8-yards (or more) option, and then there’s the casual kilt that is 5-yards (known as the sports kilt). While traditionally, kilts are typically made out of 100 percent pure wool, often in tartan. Tartan is a patterned cloth consisting of crisscrossed, horizontal and vertical bands in multiple colors. Tartans originated in woven wool, but now they are made in many other materials. That doesn’t mean that they can’t be made from other materials, especially the sports kilt.
The most common alternative fabrics that people use are also wools but in more plain colors. You can also find kilts made from denim, plain or printed cotton materials, like camouflage. Essentially as long as the fabric can retain the pleat creases, then it’ll work.
So you may be asking where the difference really lies if not in the material used. Well, it's mainly in where the kilt will sit on your waist.
The traditional 8-yard kilt sits high on your waist, a few inches above the waistband of most pants. As you might have guessed, it uses about 8 yards of material, depending on the size of your waist. The traditional kilt is also a go-to for when you want to wear something more authentic, especially in performances where you can really use the extra length for some impressive swings.
The casual (sports kilt) will sit lower on your waist, around where your pants would naturally be, and it uses less material. These kilts are often made with as little as 3-4 yards of material. The lower amount of fabric to produce the kilt means that it typically has a lower price point. The lack of so much fabric also makes these kilts adept for activities, while the traditional kilt could really weigh you down. You may not get the same authentic effect that comes along with the traditional kilt, but it’s an excellent alternative for most events (not including formal ones).
Recap of what we have said so far, Traditional 8-yard kilts:
● Uses around 8 yards of fabric
● More expensive on average than the 5-yard
● More authentic
● Excellent for performances
Casual 5-yard kilts:
● Uses around 3-6 yards of fabric
● Cheaper on average
● Better for a wider range of activities
● Up to 40 percent lighter
Still with us? Great, back to it.
Pleats
Okay, we’ll be honest with you, the front of the 5 Yard Kilt will look very similar to the front of the 8 Yard Kilt. This pretty much means that there will be two layers, and both lie flat, with one layer overlapping the other one.
The major difference between the two is when you take a look at the pleats on the back. Since there is more material used in the 8 Yard compared to the 5 Yard, that means there will be a lot more pleats, which will give the kilt a more refined appearance since each pleat is folded a little more densely and won’t open out as much when you decide to move around.
Conclusion
Listen, some will say that you must get the traditional kilt (8-yard) or that it makes more sense to get the casual kilt (5-yard). The truth of the matter is that it’ll be your kilt, so it’s up to you. The final thing we’ll say on that subject is that the 5-yard is a budget-friendly option that will serve you well in 99 percent of events. The 8-yard is your best bet as an authentic and faithful option, and it’ll cost you a bit more, but it’ll be your first grab for any formal event in your life, and that’s a benefit that you don’t want to ignore.
That’s our article! We sincerely hope that you were able to make your decision from what we’ve presented! We know that no matter which option you choose, it will be a great addition to your wardrobe and you’ll be proud to wear it.
For much more information about kilts and rentals, check out the rest of our website! You’re guaranteed to have all of your questions answered!
