Blaklader Kilt Arrived

**NewYorkBen** · 14th February 08, 09:25 AM

So, I got my Blaklader kilt in the mail the other day from The New Worker here in NY state. I have some mixed feeling about it. I haven't taken a picture with is yet (I'll post one when I do), but here are my thoughts:

The first thing I noticed about it is that it's not as heavy as I expected. I thought it would make my Utilikilt feel like a dress, but it's about the same weight material as the workman, if not a bit lighter.

The second thing I noticed are the pockets. They're great. I love the two front pockets and underneath them? Two more pockets!

The buttons which close the kilt are a nice detail, but like most contemporary kilts they have no give at all. If I'm not exactly a Blaklader 36 then it won't fit. I have to button all four buttons in exactly one spot.

The thing that bothers me the most however is the pleats. They're sort of fake pleats actually. They're sown down on the top and the bottom so it's really more of a gusset than a pleat. It has no "swish" because of this and honestly feels a bit more like a skirt.

For all these reasons (plus the cold) I haven't worn it out of the house yet. I may have to cover it in concrete dust, paint, and beer stains before it has the manly appeal it was advertised to convey.

All that aside, I may end up loving it as I begin to wear it. I'll be sure to let you know.

**cavscout** · 14th February 08, 09:31 AM

Thanks Ben. Can you post a pic of the pleats?

Is it possible the stitching on the bottom of the pleat is just a basting stitch and should be removed? How deep is the pleat and how many pleats are there?

**NewYorkBen** · 14th February 08, 09:35 AM

I'll try to take some photos tonight.

There are about six pleats, and they are about an inch deep in the middle and then taper out towards the top and bottom of the kilt. I'll look again, but I don't think they're meant to be undone.

**Riverkilt** · 14th February 08, 10:13 AM

Thanks Ben,

Its guys like you that make this board. You took a risk on a new product and you're kind enough to share what you found with us...

Looking forward to the pics cause that way of doing pleats sounds new and unusual to me too.

Ron

**NewYorkBen** · 14th February 08, 06:59 PM

I'm not sure of the etiquette here, but as I have no easy ways to upload photos from home, this is the best I can do. I have three shots (taken with my phone) that I uploaded to my blog. You can at least get an idea of what the kilt looks like, and how the pleats work in the back.

This is a full shot of the kilt on me.

This is a shot of the back.

And here's a shot of the bottom of the pleat.

I'll try to get some better photos...

**Larry124** · 14th February 08, 08:51 PM

I appreciate your pros and cons review.

I sometimes feel the same way about my Amerikilt…with the sewn-edge pleats that curl.
And the "don't you dare gain weight" fixed position snaps. If I had it to do over I might ask for a custom-made with the snaps omitted. Then I’d install my own straps or Velcro.

At other times I’m happy with the AK just the way it is.

I say hurray for different kilts for different uses/venues/moods!

**Freedomlover** · 15th February 08, 04:59 AM

Originally Posted by NewYorkBen

The thing that bothers me the most however is the pleats. They're sort of fake pleats actually. They're sown down on the top and the bottom so it's really more of a gusset than a pleat. It has no "swish" because of this and honestly feels a bit more like a skirt.

Thanks, Ben. Now my anticipation is tinged with anxiety.

About 10 minutes ago I sent my order for one of these off into cyberspace. I didn't expect many pleats, but if it is in fact more of a gusset then it probably won't do without modification.
But that isn't really so bad. I have modified most of the kilts I have owned for one reason or another.

**NewYorkBen** · 15th February 08, 07:01 AM

Well, as I was taking the photos last night, and playing with it, I did become a bit happier with it. The pleats are odd, but it's possible that Blaklader was trying to make sure there were no loose ends/corners that could catch on something. It's clear they put a lot of design effort into the kilt, and if you're going to be doing work in it, it's fantastic. It really does have a pocket for everything.

It'll look great with a drill hanging from the side.