Pleating options (RAF Tartan)

[Jordan]

I got word today that the length of tartan for my next kilt (Hopefully a box from Lady Chrystel) Is on its way to me.

The tartan is The Royal Air Force one http://www.tartanregister.gov.uk/tar....aspx?ref=3586

I know some people have kilts made from this but as far as I know no one has a box pleated kilt in it.

I like the look of Alex's kilt pleated to the Sett and I've also seen it to the white stripe Which im not a big fan of So I thought I would open it up and see if anyone has anything different or opinions either way?

P.S. I do remember Ron (Riverkilt) showing me a photo of His kilt and replica RAF jacket but cant remember how it was pleated.

Jordan

P.P.S im sorry if this thread seems rushed but Im tired and i want to get this up before i pass out for the night cause im working at five AM again.

[cessna152towser]

As a military tartan, the RAF tartan is only available through Strathmore Woollens. I had been an Air Training Corps cadet but never joined the full time service. I wanted to wear the RAF tartan to honour my late father. As such they would not supply the fabric to me but were prepared to supply me with a completed kilt pleated to the sett. They were more relaxed about supplying Riverkilt with fabric, who also wanted to honour his father, as he lived in USA, and they supplied fabric to him which he then had made into a kilt which was pleated to the stripe. All the other RAF kilts which I have ever seen here in the UK have been worn by current or former RAF servicemen and have all been pleated to the stripe, military style.

[Jordan]

Thanks for your reply Alex. Like yourself I was an Air Cadet for several years and once I turned 20 I came back as staff I am currently SGT(ATC). I got in contact with a gentleman from the tartan's website over the last few days and he was happy enough to supply me with tartan cloth.
Jordan

[Chas]

Hi Jordan,

I had my RAF tartan kilt made for me this year by these people:

http://www.kamrafa.co.uk/html/_mactartan__prices.html

who are the same people who designed it.

I had mine pleated to the sett. They were trying to steer me towards the stripe, but my reasoning was this,

1. Although, I had served 12 years in the RAF, I was no longer a serviceman and had no desire to wear a uniform,
2. I could see the sett any time I liked, but without extensive copying and pasting beforehand, I would not be able to see all the various pleating to stripe options before the kilt was made. Not all the possible stripe options are able to make a good kilt.
3. I liked the sett. It was recognisable as the RAF tartan from all sides.

For me, the decision is easy. Out of 10 kilts I own, only 1 is pleated to the stripe and that is the Black Stewart.

I think that there is only one question - Why are you buying this tartan? If it is primarily because you like it (service connection apart), then why not show it off? If you pleat to the stripe it becomes something different.

Regards

Chas
Q8089960 - RAF Retired

[Jordan]

Hi Chas,

The material is coming from the same people who made your kilt, As far as I’m aware they are the only people who supply it but I might be mistaken.

The sett is currently my preference for the simple reason as you mentioned because I like it. As I have never served with the RAF or any of HM forces liking the tartan is my main reason for buying it (If it was primarily hot pink I would probably have second thoughts) second and third is to show my respect to all those people like yourself who have given up a part of their life’s to help protect this country and because some of the money goes to a good cause.
I think I will end up with it to the sett, all the rest of my tartan kilts are the same I just want to check all my options before I commit to anything.

Jordan

[Chas]

Hi Jordan,

I think you are wise. The RAF tartan is a very handsome tartan; I love wearing it and showing it off. Being primarily blue it lends itself to accessories in either black or brown. It works equally well with a formal black Argyle or a brown tweed day jacket. I am not a great fan of box pleated kilts, but if you are going to have one done, I think that the double box would be the route to go.

Once it is done, you, me and Alex should meet up for a photo shoot!

Regards

Chas

[Jordan]

Thanks Chas,

All my accessories are black so I shouldn’t have any problem with that I’m going to start looking for some blue hose soon I think. And I think it will look fantastic with the blue shirt I usually wear for going out, it’s like a deep Wedgewood blue. This kilt will probably never be used in a formal situation since I already have my clan tartan and a suit from TFCK but I will keep that in mind and try a few photos when I get the chance.
I did think about getting the extra fabric and going the double box route but it looks like a bit of a hassle keeping the pleats right with the extra box.

A few photos sounds like a good idea maybe a few drinks too?

Jordan

P.S. I have also ordered a tartan tie which I plan on wearing with my suit to the cadet 150 celidh this coming sat.

[dfmacliam]

I have to echo the pleating to the sett. I think it's a great look. I have two box pleat kilts (4 yd) and one is to the stripe and one to the sett.

Thanks for your service! I may be in the States, but I am originally from England, and all of my mothers family are all over the UK and Ireland.

[xman]

A box pleated kilt (including double box) would necessarily be pleated tot he stripe. I believe double box pleat would have a pleat reveal 1/5th the size of the sett.

I prefer pleating to the stripe as I think it's dressier and that tartan pleated to the white stripe would look smashing IMO.

[Jordan]

I prefer pleating to the stripe as I think it's dressier and that tartan pleated to the white stripe would look smashing IMO.

I’ve seen this tartan Knife pleated to the white stripe but I don’t like the excess of white at the back