Opinions on box v knife pleats

[David White]

Ialtog,

One thing to consider, a box pleat is a wee bit unique, because they are more rare to see them. Could be an extra conversation starter, especially at Highland events...

Daniel s. Williamson

Well said Daniel,
They are unique, the epitone of the kilt (quoting Matt's site).

[davedove]

As has been mentioned, the box pleated kilt will be seen as more unusual, simply because "industry standard" for kilts right now is knife pleats. It will make for an interesting conversation though.

On the practical side, the box pleat will feel lighter and more balanced to wear. That's because you have roughly the same amount of material in front and back. With knife pleats you have extra material in the back.

Comparing the two isn't exactly apples and oranges; it's more like apples and pears.

[way2fractious]

Hmmm... Flagstaff, AZ. Doesn't it get really hot there?

Earlier this year I made a 4-yd box-pleat from 16 oz wool tartan. I often reach for this kilt because (5) it looks good, (4) it has a substantial feel, (3) it is balanced (2-yds front, 2-yds back), (2) the pleats hold well in the 16 oz fabric, (1) it is light, breezy, and comfortable - just what a kilt is supposed to be.

Just this week I finished my 8-yd "tank" using the 13 oz XMarksTheScot tartan. During the sewing and the fittings, I was very aware of the "unbalanced" feel (2-yds front, 6-yds back.) There is enough wool, in enough layers, in the back to keep my backside warm during a polar storm (such storms happen rarely in California.)

One thing I learned making this one is that there is a lot more sewing just to kilt up a lot more fabric. Maybe I'm just lazy, but any more kilts I make for myself will not be 8-yd "tanks"; if made for others, they may be.

I just need a couple more casuals (or hillwalkers), a couple more box-pleats, and a military box-pleat to round out my kilt wardrobe. Then I need a couple more belts, and a few more sporrans, another sgian dubh or two, ... oh, and maybe a waistcoat... <wander off muttering> ...

[Ialtog]

Well, way2fractious, Flagstaff is up at 7,000 feet, so heat isn't so much of a problem. Here, we start whining when it gets up into the mid 80s (F). I recently went back to my home state of Indiana - in August - and now I remember what heat is really like.

The opinions here have, as usual, been fantastic. I've been looking at a lot of your photos, and comparing the look of the box pleat and knife pleat in the yardage I'd like for kilt #2. I'm 99% sure I'm going to get my County Armagh with the box pleat now. I can also get a four yard Ulster with knife pleats for #3. One lesson I've learned here is you really can't have too many anyway....

[Kilted KT]

All of mine are either knife pleated or whatever you call the pleating on a UK survival ( two-way knife pleat?)

I like the look of the box pleat, and there will prolly be a MacTavish (Thompson Red) Box pleated 16oz tank in my future.

[starbkjrus]

I firmly believe that everyone should have at least one box pleat. I love the way they look and to me box pleats are more comfortable to sit on than knife pleats. Just my two cents.

[Angus]

.......at least once. I've bought one of Matts box-pleated kilts and can affirm what everyone else has said about excellent workmanship. Its my favorit kilt to wear, and best looking one to. I'm a confirmed box-pleater (if there is such a thing) from now on. Try it you'll like it.

BTW, Dee, you're not alone, the box pleat is more comfortable to sit in.