Help with sitting? Am having unusual issues.

[NeighborhoodKiltGuy]

Hey all, got my USA KIlts Casual in today, looks great and fits great... except that I can't sit in it right. Allow me to explain:

When I go to sit, i sweep the pleats forward, as I've read and watched numerous videos of, and yet, one or two of the middle pleats (literally the exact middle of the pleated section) keeps getting caught under me. Plus, the kilt does not go up to above my knees when seated, as it does to everyone else that wears one. It gets bunched up in front and just looks bad. I'm wearing it at my true waist height, with the bottom of the kilt at the top of my knees when standing.

Is there something I'm missing? Some small step I'm just not doing? The kilt is made very well, I do not AT ALL think any of this issue is due to the kilt.

I am feeling quite crazy lol, help would be very very appreciated!

[FossilHunter]

A picture might help. I’m having trouble visualizing what you’re describing.

[NeighborhoodKiltGuy]

A picture might help. I’m having trouble visualizing what you’re describing.

Can't send a picture for a while, but basically the pleats don't all go flat under me. The middle pleats seem to always get caught under me, I cannot get them flat unless I reach under me and pull forward on them. And the front bunches up on me, it doesn't lay flat or close to, like what every normal pic of a guy sitting in a kilt looks like. Those are the best ways I can explain it.

[Tobus]

Sitting in a kilt takes some practise, for sure. The way I do it is to sweep my pleats with my left hand and forearm, while pushing down on the aprons in front with my right hand. And I don't just sit straight down; I start sitting, but move backwards into my seat as I descend. That way, it helps pull the pleats straight as my weight settles. It's difficult to describe in words. You really just have to put on your kilt and practise at it until it becomes a natural movement. But still, things will go wonky sometimes, and you just have to learn how to adjust things after you're seated.

[imbrius]

But still, things will go wonky sometimes, and you just have to learn how to adjust things after you're seated.

For me, I found that if I don't get it right the first time, adjusting after the fact hurts more than it helps. If a pleat is flipped the wrong way or creased over and I can feel it, I'll just push myself up slightly, re-sweep with my hand, and sit down again. That ends up being more socially acceptable than looking like you're trying to shake your own hand between your legs. :P

[Jock Scot]

Can I suggest that the OP goes to "General Kilt Talk" and looks at the post just posted by "Neloon" titled "The Duke of Rothesay". Take a good look at the video there and how the Duke gets himself organised with no fuss whilst sitting down whilst wearing the kilt.

[OC Richard]

To get the all the pleats nice and even underneath, for me, takes sweeping with both hands in one motion.

Not a problem except when sitting in a car, when I have to scoot in sideways which makes the pleats all ahoo.

I have to get my rear end into place first, then do the sweep of the pleats.

[bodhran4me]

To get the all the pleats nice and even underneath, for me, takes sweeping with both hands in one motion.

Not a problem except when sitting in a car, when I have to scoot in sideways which makes the pleats all ahoo.

I have to get my rear end into place first, then do the sweep of the pleats.

I keep a piece of paracord in my sporran or in the car. Pull it taught across the bottom of the kilt and get in the car. All is in order.

[Tobus]

I keep a piece of paracord in my sporran or in the car. Pull it taught across the bottom of the kilt and get in the car. All is in order.

In past discussions, some have said that they use a bath towel to achieve the same purpose. Just wrap it round the kilt, get into the car, and let it loose. As an added bonus, the kilt doesn't touch the car seat.

[NeighborhoodKiltGuy]

To all who have replied with help, I do very much appreciate it, especially Jock's wonderful reference video (which was very entertaining on its own, anyways!) This forum is invaluable to me!