what am I seeing here?

[Kilted in Maine]

Thanks for the clarification:

I had noticed both the "Turned Selvedge" and "tucked-in hem" on a recent purchase and had assumed they were either mistakes or defects.

I soon realized they were only visible on very very close inspection and paid them no mind.

Now I am glad to hear that the former is only part of the now standard weaving process and the later, as Barb says, "means that your kiltmaker knows what he/she is doing!"

Now, if the wife happens to notice and second guess this purchase, I can explain these to her.

[DWFII]

I originally started this thread because, with no prior experience with kilts, I rented one for a wedding. I was astonished to see the selvage threads and thought that it was poor cloth or a botched attempt to hem the kilt. An attempt to get clarification from the renting business was met with equal perplexity.

At this point in time, I am equally astonished at how many far less ignorant folks than myself are also unfamiliar with this aspect of kilts. Some, like myself, even thinking there is something wrong with the material or the construction.

I am glad that this discussion has precipitated such generous and well informed advice and information. It is helpful to both the end user as well as those who sell or rent kilts and who might reasonably be expected to recognize not only the problem but the equally reasonable concern of the customer.

I wish this discussion had been available when I was first confronted with the issue. Better late than never, however.