Questions about Ancient Kilts

**Buckskin** · 10th June 08, 07:03 PM

I've been studying the Celtic Croft Catalog concerning the different types of Kilts. I've really gotten interested in the "Ancient Kilt" I've held off ordering one because it rides the waist, rather than across the navel. I've lost 60 lbs. so far this year, but still have a larger "middle" than waist. The modern kilt seams to be more forgiving of this. Still, I've lost enough that I don't "hang" over the belt like I used to, so it's time to try one.

Now for the questions. I'll definately spend the extra money for "cheater" pleats and a buckle. One of the pleat choices is "box pleats." I've read a few members commenting on box pleats but have never seen a kilt with them. The discription says they are a "traditional Military style" Did the time period of the Ancient kilt have that strong of a military regimentation in dress? Perhaps the two don't go together?

Another question for ordering is "Iron Pleats? crisply, lightly, do not iron. WOW, never had that question asked on a modern kilt. Think they are crisply? What would you suggest?

Lastly, most pictures of men wearing ancient kilts show then wearing boots and no Sporran. I can see leaving the sporran off a model to show how the material folds to go up the shoulder. Is it acceptable to wear one. What about hose and shoes? I get the feeling this is more of a day/casual look, wouldn't take a jacket, shirt and tie?

I realize that some of these are "Kilt Police" kind of questions. I don't mind breaking some rules, but would like to know what they are and that I AM breaking them!
I'll wait till I get some feed back before I place an order.

**Nick the DSM** · 10th June 08, 08:03 PM

the ancient kilt is a style based off the movie braveheart and is totally historically inaccurate. they tried to make a great kilt but its not correct.

the box pleats are like sqaure pleats instead of knife pleats. most military regiments used them.

you do need a sporran, where you gonna put your stuff?

**haxtonhouse** · 10th June 08, 08:49 PM

Matt Newsome makes the finest box pleat kilts- they come highly recommended. here is a link to his site
http://kilts.albanach.org/kiltmaker.html
he can also tell you the history of the kilt- he is very knowledgeable.

**haxtonhouse** · 10th June 08, 08:53 PM

hey Buckskin, are you a buckskinner, and a rendezvouzer?

**ardchoille** · 11th June 08, 11:01 AM

The great kilt was simply 5 or 6 yards of tartan cloth wrapped around the wearer and secured with a belt. What I did was just buy 5 yards of tartan cloth and wrap it myself. Here's a good page explaining how to wrap a great kilt.

I've worn this type of kilt out and about and I can say that wrapping it each time is a bit of work and the extra cloth above the belt can be difficult to handle. A friend of mine suggested donning the great kilt, pinning the pleats in place and then sewing them down to keep from having to re-pleat the kilt each time you put it on.

**Finn** · 11th June 08, 11:12 AM

I've been poring over CC's latest catalogue (thanks!) and note that they advertise the ancient for Renn Faire's. For that purpose, they're fine. Seems like if one were worn elsewhere the person would look like the folks in BeloitPipers Milwaukee HG thread.
Old style ghillies & a belt pouch work well with that outfit.
My own taste for Renn Faires run to leine & ionar.
All that said, the pic & kilt do appeal.

**Sionnachdubh** · 11th June 08, 04:29 PM

Trust me get a great kilt from them if you must get one from celtic croft it is accurate and it is not very much more expensive.

**Ryan Ross** · 11th June 08, 05:27 PM

Originally Posted by Sionnachdubh

Trust me get a great kilt from them if you must get one from celtic croft it is accurate and it is not very much more expensive.

I second that... BIGTIME.

If all you're looking for is a Braveheart costume, get the "Ancient Kilt". If you're looking for anything more, go for the belted plaid.

**SteveB** · 11th June 08, 06:42 PM

Go for the Great Kilt over the "Ancient", it is well worth it. I do not own anything from Celtic Croft (yet), but a few of their Great Kilts show up on my friends at kilted gatherings here in Boston. The Great Kilt looks good, and as far as I can tell from the history and style described on Matt Newsome's site, fits the bill with accuracy. I regularly get to see a Duncan tartan in the belted plaid, and it shows quite well.