Knife versus Box

[Nomad]

Whilst I am still 4 weeks away from receiving my first ever kilt, measured and ordered, it is a traditional 9 yard with knife pleats.

I am already looking at getting another in the future and fancy a 4-6 yard box pleated kilt as an alternative.

So my questions is, are there any advantages/disadvantages to box pleating over knife i.e doesn't hold pleats as well, less comfortable to sit in or anything else that would help to sway my opinion either way.

Apologies if this has been asked before, I couldn't find it in a search.

[Sir William]

I prefer the box pleat.

Since a box pleat only needs about 4 yards, the weight of the fabric is more evenly distributed around the waist. This also provides less bulk in the back so that it is more comfortable to sit in.

[Tarheel]

I have a four yd. box pleat in Army tartan and a 7 yard knife pleat in Confederate Memorial. There is a night & day difference in the two kilts. I wear them to different event/venues, also move and behave doing different functions while wearing each.

Since I got the box pleat first and tried it in many varied activities, I find it is my go to kilt for physical activity. I reserve the knife pleated kilt for social events where I am not required to perform many functions (except to keep the wife happy). I trust the box pleat to keep its shape better after sitting. I like the weight difference and am happy with the solid feel of the knife pleat.

Lots of words to suggest that you can only decide for yourself. Your kilt will be the one that fits and feels right on your body type and style preferences. I suggest renting a kilt of each style for a night out and testing on yourself. OR! you'll end up like many of us here that have several kilts in our stable (not a bad problem).

[McMurdo]

I have several of each, in the summer a 4 yard box pleated kilt is a joy to wear, however on the other hand I enjoy the security of an 8 yard knife pleated kilt. They each have their place, it is good to have both types in your closet.

[davidlpope]

I find a 6yd knife pleat in 16oz. Tartan is the perfect combination. Still looks like a "normal kilt" but is much more comfortable to wear.

[tweedhead]

Whilst I am still 4 weeks away from receiving my first ever kilt, measured and ordered, it is a traditional 9 yard with knife pleats.

I am already looking at getting another in the future and fancy a 4-6 yard box pleated kilt as an alternative.

So my questions is, are there any advantages/disadvantages to box pleating over knife i.e doesn't hold pleats as well, less comfortable to sit in or anything else that would help to sway my opinion either way.

Apologies if this has been asked before, I couldn't find it in a search.

Personally I've found the low-yardage box pleat to be pretty comfortable to wear, but probably more suited to folks who stress less about keeping the sharp pressed look. Myself, I hate ironing when I don't absolutely have to and tend to prefer a more rumpled look. Without ironing, a 16oz box pleat over time begins to resemble ruffles more than pleats. Knife pleats stay flat and I find them less likely to get mussed up because its easy to gather them up when first sitting.

[Nomad]

Thanks for your advice and comments, I had intended to buy a 6 yard knife pleat as my first kilt, my kilt maker of choice was unwilling as they regarded it as a Mickey Mouse kilt, you will have to go elsewhere if you want want of them was the reply.

To say I was somewhat taken aback is an understatement, I guess if you are that good you can decide to take business or not.

Any, I decided to hell with it and stuck with them as the workmanship is fantastic, saw a 12 year old kilt that was in for alterations (that fluctuating upwards weight problem we all get as we mature) and it looked like new.

Anyhoo, ended up ordering a 9 yard medium weight as HoE weren't making my Kerr ancient hunting in heavyweight and I really wanted that tartan. Downside is it may be more flighty than a heavyweight, but it will be a couple of pounds lighter and in all honesty I self generate enough heat to not worry about the temperature, so I'm happy.

Once I am sure I'm comfortable kilted, I shall be ordering a box pleated kilt from Paul Henry or Lady Chrystel, both make excellent garments, so strength of the pound may be the deciding factor.

Thanks again for sharing your experience and knowledge.

[Derekc5555]

I personally prefer an 8 yard, knife pleated kilt in 16oz tartan; pleated to the stripe. Has a very nice swoosh to it, and in my opinion, when pleated to the stripe has a much cleaner look to them then box pleats. I also like the look of deep, un-ironed pleats. There is something in the way the rounded pleats move that I like a lot. But to each his own.

[Michael A]

Hi Nomad,

9 yards is a lot for any kilt. The expression "the full nine yards" is a First World War expression relating to ammunition. I know you didn't mention that, but I bring it up as it is a common misconception that it relates to kilts. 8 yards (7.4m) is plenty for most.

The 8 yard kilt is an historically more recent Victorian development than knife-pleated Kilts of less yardage. 3.5-4 yard box pleats are older still, being the first known examples of stitched kilts following the unstitched great kilts. A 5-6 yard knife pleat is historically older than the 8-9 yard type. The higher yardage adds more weight and swing when walking, which is why the amount of fabric used was steadily ramped up over time.

There is nothing Mickey Mouse about low yardage knife pleated kilts.

[Nomad]

Hi Nomad,

9 yards is a lot for any kilt. The expression "the full nine yards" is a First World War expression relating to ammunition. I know you didn't mention that, but I bring it up as it is a common misconception that it relates to kilts. 8 yards (7.4m) is plenty for most.

The 8 yard kilt is an historically more recent Victorian development than knife-pleated Kilts of less yardage. 3.5-4 yard box pleats are older still, being the first known examples of stitched kilts following the unstitched great kilts. A 5-6 yard knife pleat is historically older than the 8-9 yard type. The higher yardage adds more weight and swing when walking, which is why the amount of fabric used was steadily ramped up over time.

There is nothing Mickey Mouse about low yardage knife pleated kilts.

Thanks Michael, mickey mouse was not view. Personally I think my preferred supplier of Kilts is somewhat limited by what she considers traditional, that said I thought what the hell as many on here love their 8 yard kilts and the price for a genuinely hand stitched kilt was very good.

The feedback from you guys/gals has cemented my opinion and I shall definitely be going for a 4-5 yard box pleated kilt as I like the look and flexibility it provides. Paul Henry is likely to be my next kilt maker and I'm tempted to go for wildcat tartan, but not sure if the sett will work as a box pleated kilt - shall ask the man himself for advice before making the final decision.