Advice for one with poor visualization skills

[Brice]

I'm trying to decide which would look better in Douglas weathered tartan - a Keltoi Traditional Box Pleated 4-yard kilt, or a Burnett & Struth 5-yard knife-pleated Casual Heavy Weight kilt.

Anyone have any photos of that tartan or something similar in one of those that might help me decide?

And yes, I know it's all a matter of personal taste, but any personal opinions from other XMarkers about which they think looks better, or would be a better choice for other reasons, are also welcome.

Thanks!

[Tarheel]

Welcome Brice. Be assured there are no silly requests for comparison or opinions of the rabble (unless it is your intention.) I hope you get good info that leads to a satisfying result.

[sailortats]

I, for one, think you will be happier with the 4 yard box pleat from Keltoi. I have one like it from Keltoi in the Isle of Skye tartan and it quickly became my favorite kilt. Don't let the 4 yard scare you. It looks and acts every bit as nice as a 5 or 8 yard kilt.

[Mike S]

The Douglas Weathered tartan is a handsome one, and frankly would look good with any of those listed choices.

I rather fancy the box pleated kilts, and feel they are the best looking choice among the sub 8 yard options. If you choose box pleater, remember that they really need a good 16oz material for optimal results.

[Spartan Tartan]

I would also go with a traditionally made 4y boxpleat over a 5y casual.

Best of luck!

[konfuzed]

The Douglas Weathered tartan is a handsome one, and frankly would look good with any of those listed choices.

I rather fancy the box pleated kilts, and feel they are the best looking choice among the sub 8 yard options. If you choose box pleater, remember that they really need a good 16oz material for optimal results.

Thanks for this bit. I was actually just considering that a box pleated may make for a nice less yardage kilt for a balance between lighter but still looking good.

[JohntheBiker]

Like Sailortats, I have a four yard box-pleated kilt from Keltoi (16oz Maple Leaf tartan from Lochcarron) that is a real favourite. You won't be unhappy with this choice. You might want to ask John if he can mock up the pleating choice for you so that you have something to visualize.

[Douggie M]

Brice,
whichever you choose please put some photos up for us to see.
I will be looking at a new kilt around the beginning of next year in one of the Douglas tartans and would love to see how yours turns out.

Mike.

[Brice]

Thanks to all who offered their opinion. It appears that there is a unanimous consensus in favor of the Keltoi 4-yard box pleated kilt. I was leaning in that direction in the first place, and with such a resounding endorsement went ahead last week and put my order in. Nine others were ahead of me in the queue, so the Jonesing will be ongoing for some time.

Also took the advice given here to ask John for mock ups of the pleating choices, and he provided the two shown below, one pleated to grey stripe and the other to the white. Again would like to hear any opinions as to the pleating options.

Thanks!
@Mike, based on John's schedule and the number ahead of me I'm hoping to receive this around January, so will indeed post a photo once it arrives. Hopefully that will be soon enough to help you with your own Douglas tartan choices.

'

Brice,
whichever you choose please put some photos up for us to see.
I will be looking at a new kilt around the beginning of next year in one of the Douglas tartans and would love to see how yours turns out.

Mike.

[sailortats]

I know that when you get this kilt you will be immensely pleased. I know the wait is long. I ordered my Black Watch military repro from John back in late April and I still have another month or so to go. But believe me the wait is worth it.
As to the 2 pleating choices I prefer to the white stripe. Pleating to the gray stripe looses all the blue in the kilt and, to my mind, makes for a very bland backside.