Traditional 8 yard kilts vs casual kilts

Most kilts today are made in one of two styles: the Traditional Kilt (with 8 or more yards of fabric) and the Casual Kilt (with around 5 yards).

Either style of kilt can be made in almost any material. You can have a Casual Kilt (aka Sports Kilt) made in your family tartan, or a traditional 8 yard kilt in (for example) denim, camouflage, or plain colours. The difference lies in the height of the waist line, and the amount of material used. Which you choose really depends on how and when you’ll be wearing your kilt.

The Traditional 8 yard Kilt sits high on the waist, a couple of inches above the waistband of most trousers, and uses about 8 yards of material on average (depending on your waist measurement). This looks more authentic for wear in settings where tradition is all-important; and the full length allows more and deeper pleating at the rear, which results in the impressive ‘swing‘, for example when dancing.

The Casual Kilt sits lower on the waist, like trousers, and uses less material. Some producers make these kilts with a little as 3-4 yards of fabric, but ours use about 6 yards on average unless you specify you’d prefer less. With less fabric comes lower cost, and the lighter garment is ideal for activities where the weight of a full traditional kilt might be tiring. You won’t get quite the same swing when dancing, but to the non-expert eye the Casual kilt can be hard to tell apart from the Traditional 8 yard version and for most occasions it can be a very acceptable alternative.

Traditional 8 yard kilts, casual kilts, and other styles of kilts can differ in a number of ways, including:

Fabric: Traditional kilts are typically made from wool tartan fabric, while casual kilts can be made from a wider variety of materials, including cotton, denim, and synthetic blends.
Style: Traditional kilts are characterized by their pleated tartan design, while casual kilts can come in a variety of styles, including solid colors and hybrid kilts that combine different materials and colors.
Occasion: Traditional kilts are often worn for formal events and ceremonies, while casual kilts are more suited to everyday wear and informal gatherings.
Accessories: Traditional kilts are typically worn with formal accessories, such as a sporran, kilt hose, ghillie brogues, and kilt jacket, while casual kilts may be paired with more relaxed accessories.
Fit: Traditional kilts are typically made to measure, with a custom fit for the wearer, while casual kilts may be designed with a more relaxed, off-the-rack fit.
Price: Traditional kilts can be more expensive due to the higher quality materials used and the level of craftsmanship involved in their production, while casual kilts are typically more affordable.
Use: Traditional kilts are designed for special occasions and events, while casual kilts are intended for everyday wear.
In addition to traditional kilts and casual kilts, there are also other styles of kilts available, including utility kilts, sport kilts, and fashion kilts. Utility kilts are designed for outdoor activities and are made from rugged, durable materials, and may have features like pockets, while sport kilts are intended for athletic use and are typically made from breathable, moisture-wicking materials. Fashion kilts are designed to make a fashion statement and are often made from unique and eye-catching materials.

Ultimately, the choice between traditional kilts, casual kilts, and other styles of kilts will depend on the individual's personal preferences and the intended use of the kilt. Each style of kilt has its own unique features and benefits, and the right choice will depend on the individual's needs and circumstances.