Quote Originally Posted by episcopalscot
But again, Doc, the Highlanders of old didn't iron their great kilts either! And they were used to putting their great kilts on quickly, just as quickly at it takes us to put on a little kilt or trousers. Brock, my one friend with a great kilt, says it takes him about 10-15 minutes to get into "full kit" -- the same amount of time to put on a little kilt or even a suit & tie. In the long run, 10-15 minutes really dosen't matter.
Yes. I have been wearing a great kilt on occasion for nearly 10 years (see http://www.winternet.com/~gmcdavid/html_dir/gkilt.html for an early example--I need to get more current pictures). It really is not that big a deal. The trick is not to get too hung up on the pleating process--just gather it roughly. In fact that is probably more authentic.

Of course, if you sew the pleats in place you can eliminate this step entirely. I did this on one great kilt when I found a pleating pattern I really liked and wanted to preserve it, as well as have the convenience of a ready-to-wear garment. However, you then lose the ability to use it as a blanket, or for your wife to wrap it differently as an arisaid. You have to deal with the trade-offs. Or (like me) get another great kilt.

Glenn