A Guide for Buying Five-Yard Kilts: Everything You Need to Know

When is it suitable to dress casually in a kilt? The answer lies in the term itself. The casual kilt is a perfect fit for informal occasions, whether it be daily wear or social events such as sports games or cultural festivals. The kilt has seen a revival as a mainstream cultural symbol and is now a regular feature at significant sports events.

Differences in the Waistline of a Casual Kilt

A significant distinction between a casual kilt and a traditional eight-yard kilt is the waistline. While the conventional kilt is worn high on the waist, just above the belly, the casual kilt for sale is crafted to sit closer to the waistline of regular trousers.

This change in waistline subtly alters the design. Most casual kilts come with two leather straps for fitting, whereas a traditional kilt typically has three.

Matching a Casual Kilt

The lower waistline allows the casual kilt to blend seamlessly with a wide range of regular clothes such as shirts, t-shirts, sweaters, vests, waistcoats, boots, trainers, and sneakers. The possibilities are endless when it comes to pairing a casual kilt.

Length and Pleating of a Casual Kilt

Just like its traditional counterpart, a casual kilt is pleated at the back.

Another term for a casual kilt is a five-yard kilt, which refers to the amount of fabric needed for its construction. About 4.6 meters (or 5 yards) of single-width fabric is required to create a satisfactory pleated appearance at the back.

Choosing the Right Fabric for a Casual Kilt

Although a heavyweight tartan is recommended for an eight-yard traditional kilt, a casual kilt can be made from lighter materials for comfort. Some people prefer lighter fabrics for warmer climates, but heavier fabrics can add a touch of quality to the kilt.

Ideal Fabrics for Casual Kilts

A top-quality casual kilt can be made from a variety of materials, but pure new wool, used in making traditional kilts, is the best. It is warm, comfortable, and long-lasting. It feels good to touch, drapes well, and pleats beautifully. No fabric is more suitable for a kilt than wool.

Avoid Certain Fabrics for Casual Kilts

One fabric to avoid for casual kilts is polyviscose. Although it looks like wool from a distance and is cheaper, it doesn’t have the same quality or appeal. If a retailer suggests polyviscose as a popular choice, consider it a warning sign.

Avoid Buying a Kilt Off-the-Rack

A kilt needs to be tailored to fit right. An off-the-rack kilt will not fit well and will look untidy. That’s why kiltmakers require four precise measurements. Each kilt, be it traditional or casual, is a made-to-measure kilts. It should be cut to fit around your waist and hips and fall to the right length at the knee. Even the pleats and the pattern need to line up correctly, leaving only a small margin for adjustment. Knowing your exact measurements can save you from potential online shopping disasters, whether you are buying a traditional or a casual kilt.