FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Our supplier Strathmore Woollen Company has kindly provided us with some ideal frequently asked questions - that may help answer any queries before you purchase one of our goods.

How many yards are in the kilt?
The standard description of an “8- Yard Regulation Kilt” is based on the traditional use of 8 yards of tartan woven (historically) as single width cloth. In effect an 8yard Kilt in our W60 Quality Aberfeldy tartan would use 4 yards double width cloth, split, matched and joined to produce an 8 yard continuous length. Don’t be alarmed this is standard kilt making practice and the join is discreetly hidden in the pleats!

The use of 8 yards of tartan as a standard allows for full sett or stripe (where applicable) pleating for most hip sizes between 37” and 47”.

We also produce a set down version of a full 8yard Kilt which is our Casual or Leisure Kilt. These use around 5 yards single width tartan and are much less expensive. The style is very popular with youngsters, rugby and football supporters, and school pipe bands, and in situations where a top quality kilt is not necessary. A word of caution though, as many traditional Kiltmakers view the Casual Kilt as the work of the Devil!!

What else might someone knowledgeable about kilts wish to know?
The methods of pleating a kilt are, to the Sett or to the Stripe, and this determines the rear aspect of the finished garment. The design of the pattern, known as the Sett, offers in the case of all tartans, the opportunity of pleating the pattern to the Sett, this pleating method reflects the view on the apron (the front of the kilt) which is incorporated into the pleating of the rear of the kilt. Pleating to the Stripe however, which may not always be an option due to the design constraints of a Sett, is more usually used in military kilts and shows as parallel vertical stripes on the rear of the kilt in contrast to the front apron which of course displays the Sett pattern. Aberfeldy tartan could be pleated to either the white line centred on the two maroons, or the white line centred on the two azures.

Are our kilts hemmed?
The edge of the material which prevents a kilt length from fraying is known as the Selvedge, and its quality can vary between cloth weights and production technologies. Typically the Selvedge of a Lighterweight cloth is not constrained by the same high specifications required in that of a heavier weight traditional Kilting cloth, the former being used in the main for ladies skirts and Casual Kilts both of which can include hems. This higher quality of selvedge is normally woven in a traditional loom with the edge of the fabric being formed by the shuttle as it binds each thread around the edge of the warp.

Can you make and dispatch from measurements given on on the phone, or on line?
Obviously it is preferable if we can physically measure a client but we are able to accept measurements by phone or on line. We would suggest, however, that when possible people supply us with both their weight and height. We do have an excellent online guide to measuring for a kilt, trousers and waistcoat found here

Distance selling by mail order, telephone or online is subject to the customer accepting any alteration costs caused by erroneous measurements.

Are the lining on the ladies skirts 100% polyester?
Yes the lining is 100% Polyester