I'm just now coming to this thread for the first time.

I'll take a somewhat opposite view: In my opinion the kilt evolved too much, when in the late 19th century the yardage increased to 8 yards and the pleats became microscopic (think of how small-waisted most kilt wearers were then) and the whole apparatus became so danged heavy.

And then in the 20th century it evolved further from tradition, when fads like pleating to the tartan and belt loops and using tartan for the binding came in.

Here is my beau ideal of the kilt, the kilt of the mid 19th century, seen here in 1852:



The Isle of Skye kilt I had made not long ago is very close to my ideal, being of heavyweight Lochcarron fabric, around 6 yards, pleated to the line, no loops, and so forth. The fabric looks great, doesn't wrinkle, and holds a pleat.

I have no use for pockets as I have a very roomy sporran. I have no desire for Poly Viscose or indeed any fabric other than heavyweight tartan.

We're living in the very heyday of kilts and tartans, with hundreds of tartans available off the peg and custom woven tartans available at reasonable cost.