How NOT to wear a kilt

[CBH]

I don't think pleats in the front/back is intuitive. I think it's something that must be taught. If I didn't know better, I probably would have guessed pleats go in the front, because objectively speaking, sitting on pleats isn't ideal.

I totally agree. From a practical perspective, it would make far more sense to put pleats in front.

Unfortunately tradition was done the other way

[User]

I totally agree. From a practical perspective, it would make far more sense to put pleats in front.

Unfortunately tradition was done the other way

I assume it's because the tailored kilt descended from the great kilt, and it would be impractical to have pleats in front on a great kilt. Also, as yardage increases pleats in front make less sense. I suspect most people wearing a kilt backward are doing so with a box pleated or low yardage kilt.

[OC Richard]

I assume it's because the tailored kilt descended from the great kilt

Exactly so.

The pleated portion of the breacan-an-feileadh can only be as wide as the width your backside can hold in place when you lay on it.

So sewing a kilt with pleats in back replicates the appearance that people were accustomed to.

When the army switched from the breacan-an-feileadh to the little kilt for Full Dress they also issued a plaid which was belted around the waist and tied to the left shoulder with a ribbon to completely replicate the appearance of the breacan-an-feileadh.

On the other hand there are 18th century portraits of men in early little kilts which are pleated all around, so it's an accident of history, I suppose, that that didn't win out in the end.

Another accident of history, perhaps, is why sporrans didn't continue to be worn attached to the waistbelt as they originally were, but acquired their own dedicated narrow belt.

[Greekscottish]

I am a Greek who lives in Istanbul, Turkey. And I like Scottish culture very much. Recently, I became interested in Scottish clothings, especially in kilts. I have a piece I think very authentic. I added photos.
What is your opinion about this piece?

It's great to join you!
Thanks.

[Jock Scot]

Hello there. There are many ways to wear the kilt. Sometimes it is often worn incorrectly, sometimes the kilt is worn well. There is really no right or wrong way to wear the kilt as personal choice is an option open to all of us, but………………..wearing the the kilt and its assorted attire to “best effect” in many different circumstances and is what many experienced kilt wearers aim for. I have to say though, that many kilt wearers sadly fail dismally on that particular aspect. I suggest that the properly applied "best effect" aspect might be the route that you could wish to aim for. Why? A properly worn kilt and its accompanying attire, is a wonderful sight!

[jsrnephdoc]

I added photos.
What is your opinion about this piece?

It's great to join you!
Thanks.

They look just like "the emperor's new clothes" (from somebody's fairy tales)

Only in the fairy tale, the emperor himself was still visible (I can't find the pics)

[Greekscottish]

Hello,

Added photos

[jsrnephdoc]

Hello,

Added photos

Thanks so much. Brand new! (basting stitches still in place. What Tartan is that?

[Greekscottish]

It's not actually new, but vintage, as it bears the signature of kiltmaker J.R. Wade. However, it's been preserved very well to this day. It's known that this kiltmaker was a master tailor for the army in the 1970s.

[OC Richard]

It bears the signature of kiltmaker J.R. Wade...a master tailor for the army in the 1970s.

I did notice that kilt has interesting buckles which I can't recall seeing before.

Could you post a photo of the label? Many kilts lack labels and it's great to see them when they do have them.