Questions on the Newsome 4yrd Box Pleat or 8yrd Knife Pleat?

[Sir William]

Perhaps the best way to get past the concept of the box-pleated kilt slightly resembling a school-girl's skirt it to wear the box pleat more often so that it no longer appears to be an unusual style. If more box-pleated kilts are seen they will be considered to be just another style of kilt.

I'm not overly worried about the reactions of Scots, since I only go over every few years and, following Jock's advice I keep to just one clan kilt and it just happens to be knife-pleated. Besides, as Jock has frequently stated, the Scots are too polite to make an issue of it (as they secretly smile about seeing yet another Yank tourist wearing a kilt). And if they do ask, it provides an opportunity to discuss kilts and their various styles.

I find the reactions of my fellow kilt-wearers (ie, the self-appointed kilt and/or tartan police) at the local Scottish gatherings to be more negative and rude. When I wore my double box-pleat to a dinner recently, I was "questioned" by one gentlemen, who could not be persuaded that it was a historical style of pleating. After all, everyone knows (so he said) that real kilts are knife pleated, use exactly 8 yards of fabric, and are made in Scotland.

I've got three box pleats, with another on the way. I like them and since most people don't know anything about kilts, whether I wear a box-pleat or a knife-pleat isn't an issue.