To Box, or not to Box - that is the question...

**Orionson** · 11th July 13, 02:15 PM

...whether tis nobler in the mind to suffer the slings and arrows of the outrageous Kilt Intelligencia - or stick with the tried and true Knife Pleat.

Sorry, Ladies & Gentlemen - just couldn't help myself.

Anyway, after nearly 50 years of happy 8 yard 18oz heavy worsted Knife Pleat experience, I am planning a new kilt in Reproduction colours based upon this tartan which was drawn to my attention in one of Matt Newsome's very informative posts. https://plus.google.com/u/0/photos/1...22955015887777

I am not seeking to recreate this kilt, I simply love the colours of this MacDuff tartan. (I am a MacDuff by birth btw, so advice on entitlement is not required.)

I am intrigued by Box and double Box, and Kingussie pleated kilts. I would like to hear from anyone who wears them and what they think of them compared to the more common Knife pleated variety. I have always used Geoffrey (Tailor) for all my Highland Wardrobe needs but they "refuse to make Box pleated kilts because they don't swing the way a proper kilt should."

I am particularly keen to know what your judgement is on the swing of the box pleats etc compared to the knife pleats. I read on Lady Chrystal's site that the double box addresses the "swish & swing" problem admirably. Does anyone have personal experience of this?

Thank you in advance, for your most learned advice and commentary.

Cheers!

**Hopper250** · 11th July 13, 02:21 PM

I have always like the Kingussie look myself. It gives a similar swing to the Knife but still is different enough that people notice.

**gwynng** · 11th July 13, 02:28 PM

It always tickles me when some purveyor "refuses" to make something because it is just not done. They are cringing with every Utilikilt sold I am sure.

I just went out to buy thread and plan on starting a box pleat this weekend. Not enough to attempt one of Lady Chrystal's double-box inventions, but figure for a lighter and different look, it will be nice. Personally I love the clean look they have from the back.

Go for a box pleat.

**Orionson** · 11th July 13, 02:42 PM

I see your point, re: some purveyors. However, in fairness to Geoffrey's they do a very modern and up to date line of 21st Century Kilts which includes all kind of Utilikilts and "other" alternative fabrics. They simply balked on Box pleating as a matter of principle which, I did find rather curious.

**Steve Ashton** · 11th July 13, 05:29 PM

In all fairness to Howie Nicklesby the owner of 21st Century Kilts.

Originally Posted by Orionson

I see your point, re: some purveyors. However, in fairness to Geoffrey's they do a very modern and up to date line of 21st Century Kilts which includes all kind of Utilikilts and "other" alternative fabrics. They simply balked on Box pleating as a matter of principle which, I did find rather curious.

Is not totally correct. Yes Howie is the son of Geoffrey (Tailor), but the two are totally separate and distinct companies.

Howie also does not make Utilikilts or any type of modern or alternative kilts. He makes full, traditional style kilts from alternative fabrics.

**Carlo** · 11th July 13, 05:45 PM

Originally Posted by Steve Ashton

In all fairness to Howie Nicklesby the owner of 21st Century Kilts.

Is not totally correct. Yes Howie is the son of Geoffrey (Tailor), but the two are totally separate and distinct companies.

Howie also does not make Utilikilts or any type of modern or alternative kilts. He makes full, traditional style kilts from alternative fabrics.

I thought that Howie only makes

HIPSTER FIT — No traditional rise, the Kilt will sit at the top of the hip bone for formal and can be loosened for a more modern look. Unless otherwise stated, Kilts are machine stitched, with a traditional hand finish.

Still strange that neither of them would make a box pleat kilt.

**artificer** · 11th July 13, 02:44 PM

I've got a 'classic' 8yd knife pleat as well as a 5yd box pleat, both in ~16oz fabric.

The box pleat is a joy to wear if you'll be sitting or driving or even standing still for long periods. The huge wadge of fabric in the back ISN'T there, so you're not sitting on it. The weight is more evenly distributed.

That said, nothing beats the swish of an 8yd kilt.

If you've already got a good 8yder (and we know you do

) a different option might be nice.

ith:

**Kiltboy** · 11th July 13, 03:15 PM

Originally Posted by artificer

I've got a 'classic' 8yd knife pleat as well as a 5yd box pleat, both in ~16oz fabric.

Hey! So do I.

Originally Posted by artificer

The box pleat is a joy to wear if you'll be sitting or driving or even standing still for long periods. The huge wadge of fabric in the back ISN'T there, so you're not sitting on it. The weight is more evenly distributed.

Yep. Couldn't agree more.

Originally Posted by artificer

That said, nothing beats the swish of an 8yd kilt.

Another Yep.
I agree with everything, and will add.... nothing beats the heat better than a box pleat kilt.

**Truitt** · 11th July 13, 07:13 PM

Originally Posted by artificer

I've got a 'classic' 8yd knife pleat as well as a 5yd box pleat, both in ~16oz fabric.

The box pleat is a joy to wear if you'll be sitting or driving or even standing still for long periods. The huge wadge of fabric in the back ISN'T there, so you're not sitting on it. The weight is more evenly distributed.

That said, nothing beats the swish of an 8yd kilt.

If you've already got a good 8yder (and we know you do

) a different option might be nice.

ith:

on all the above. I also have both and think both are fantastic.

My box pleat kilt is one of Matt Newsome's 6-yard kilts. It doesn't have a much swish to it as does my 8-yard kilt, but it has enough. And it is a lot more comfortable for driving.