What would you like to see in a kilt?

[MacBean]

Have kilts stopped evolving? What features would you like to see in a kilt?

e.g. I'd like to see kilts that accomodated a greater range of waist sizes. I can think of many more desirable features, but leave them to the rabble.

[AcuteEnigma]

Ewan McGregor

[Chirs]

Interesting... "Have kilts stopped evolving?" Isn't that the question that has plagued this site?!

e.g. I'd like to see kilts that accomodated a greater range of waist sizes. I can think of many more desirable features, but leave them to the rabble.

I'm a little confused by that because it can be read in different ways. Kilts are made-to-measure so they will accommodate whatever the maker decides (I'm guessing this is not what you mean).

I'm thinking that you mean having one kilt that can change sizes to accommodate a wider range. I would immediately start by looking at the apron. How would we get past the movement of that across the front? If we were not shifting the apron, the shift would have to happen in the pleats, essentially repleating the kilt to change its sizing. That seems a lot of work... I'm really not sure how that could be done. Perhaps a strap in the blind pleat that could be cinched as needed... maybe one on both the outer and inner apron... Alert the kiltmakers!! We may have an idea here!

For me, I like the direction the modern kilts are going, inasmuch as the inclusion of pockets - both inner and outer - are quite useful; I like the range of materials (but I will always prefer a good wool); I like the option to wear the kilt at different heights (my hips are less than one inch from my ribs so, even without a rise, my kilts are on my ribs)... Anything new...? Nothing comes to mind. Yet. But it is a great question.

[Lyle1]

I like the pockets on Steve's kilts. They would be very handy for a bit of change or a car key. Small pockets would be a very welcome addition to a traditional style kilt, for me.

[creagdhubh]

Great question, with many answers. I am not completely sure what I would like to see in the kilt, but the following characteristics are what I presently (as my own taste and preferences have evolved slightly over the years) like to see in a kilt:

-Two kilt straps, black or brown leather, on both exterior sides of the kilt
-Two kilt buckles to accompany the kilt straps, either in silver or brass
-16 ounce heavyweight, pure worsted wool tartan from Lochcarron, Dalgliesh,
or House of Edgar
-Double to triple fringing on front apron
-Depending on the sett of the tartan, kilt pleated preferably to the stripe (or sett in
some cases)
-Traditional kilt selvedge
-Completely hand sewn
-8 yards
-No belt loops
-Reinforced full canvas lining
-My clan (Macpherson or Chattan) tartan in the dress, hunting, weathered, modern,
ancient, muted, and reproduction colour schemes
-Knife pleated

Cheers,

[creagdhubh]

Good point!

[creagdhubh]

I tend to think there is really no need for pockets to be included in the kilt itself...that is what a sporran, waistcoat or jacket pocket is for!

Just my honest opinion here gents...

Slainte,

[RockyR]

More stock tartans in PV material.

16 oz (QUALITY) PV cloth from MM, not just their 11 - 12 oz stuff.

A stronger market for traditional wool material (kilts and cloth alone) so that mills would remain self sufficient.



After re-reading this post... it sounds more like my Christmas list.

[piperdbh]

A stronger market for traditional wool material (kilts and cloth alone) so that mills would remain self sufficient.

More demand from consumers might bring down cost, which could, theoretically increase demand. That would be a good Christmas list, Rocky.

[M. A. C. Newsome]

I often hear people expressing the desire for a kilt that accommodate a wide range of waist sizes. I understand the desire for this, as the kilt represents a considerable investment for many, and it would be nice to know you'll still be able to wear it should you gain 50 lbs.

However, I also would like to point out that most kilts are adjustable by about 4" already. And I don't know of many articles of clothing which accommodate a size range much larger than that and still look good and tailor made.