I almost always don my great kilt by lying down on the prepleated section. However, I once read instructions on donning the great kilt whilst standing. It involves belting the pleated fabric to you and then sliding the aprons into place once the belt is secure. I tried it only once and wasn't too happy with the outcome. However, I'll bet it was the more popular way to don the kilt historically as it supposedly takes less time, doesn't involve as much preparation and can be done in small spaces. It just must take a lot more practice than I have attempted.