Quote Originally Posted by Cassidy View Post
Bear in mind I'm pretty new to this. What's the meaning of "pleat to the gather"?
To me, the phrase suggests random or irregular pleating that ignores the sett of the tartan --- I'm not sure whether that's actually what Ron means. My SK's acquired since early 2007 were pleated to stripe. Here's a MacGregor, with sewn-down pleats, pleated to the red block.


I have noticed that the SK I own doesn't look quite as fitted as some of the other casuals I've seen around here. There's a lot to learn, it seems.
When SK sews down the pleats, the shape of the kilt is cylindrical. Then it is gathered at the waist with elastic. It's quite comfortable, but as you say not as fitted. Here is a USA Kilt casual, which was made to my waist and hip measurements:




Here's another SportKilt (US St Andrews). I ordered it without the sewn down pleats, then stitched them by hand to try to get a little taper. The experiment was a qualified success. When I have it to do over again, I'll take off the belt loops first, and consider just rebuilding the waistband without the elastic.



This is what I'd call "pleated to the gather"