Those loops of ribbon on the sides.....

[longhuntr74]

I think part of it is that white will show sweat stains more easily than black.

Also, I find it odd that only one of those four kilts seems to have a waistband, and the two that have the front apron clearly visible have a curve cut along the top of the kilt, rather than ripped straight across. Any idea what purpose this serves?

I think the curve you are referring to is just the sag from the weight of the fabric, but I might be wrong. Very observant though about the lack of a waistband! Actually two of them have a waisband it appears. Note the Royal Stewart at the back seems to have a waistband along the pleats that doesn't extend to the apron portion....yet another interesting topic for conversation!

[chasem]

I think the curve you are referring to is just the sag from the weight of the fabric, but I might be wrong.

Actually, if you look at the Balmoral on the left, there's no red line at the top in the center of the apron, but it shows on either side (ie: we see more tartan at the top as we go to the sides.)

Same with the Royal Stewart in front.

And actually, the Balmoral on the right shows a thin black stripe at the top in the pleats, but as you go to the outsides, it disappears (implying the curve starts in the pleats, and goes into the front apron).

Very observant though about the lack of a waistband! Actually two of them have a waisband it appears. Note the Royal Stewart at the back seems to have a waistband along the pleats that doesn't extend to the apron portion....yet another interesting topic for conversation!

now that you mention it, they all look like they might have that weird waistband, or I'm just seeing something that isn't there on one or two of them.