Fringe or no fringe

[Grizzly]

Count me in for the fringe vote. We are so used to seeing it, it might look a bit odd without it.

[Domehead]

Just curious, and in know way judgemental...are you all saying all your kilts contain fringed edges?

[Dani Mac]

I'd ask what style will you construct first? If box-pleated, I'd say no fringe. The MacDuff c.1800 from the Museum had no fringe. I'd like to see the Gordon Highlander c.1796, but I can't imagine it did either. If you are doing something more "contemporary" (relative, of course) then have at it.

They will be traditional with knife pleats.
Okay, the rabble has spoken. I will be doing fringe. Thanks everyone. I appreciate your experience and expertise.

[Grizzly]

Just curious, and in know way judgemental...are you all saying all your kilts contain fringed edges?

Mine does and so will my next kilt, but thats not to say that not having one is wrong. Its just a matter of personal taste.

[sailortats]

I prefer the look of a fringe on the apron. To me it adds a "finishing" touch. However, that being said, I have one casual kilt with no fringe on the edge of the apron but a very small fringe along the bottom of the kilt. I understand that some mills, at least used to, finish their material that way.

[Tobus]

Just curious, and in know way judgemental...are you all saying all your kilts contain fringed edges?

The only kilts I've ever owned that didn't have a fringed apron are my military kilt (these are not made with fringed edges) and a PV casual kilt. All my traditional kilts, plus my box-pleated kilt, and even my cheapie acrylic kilt are all made with a fringed apron. It's by far the norm to see fringe on a civilian wool kilt.

[Domehead]

Yes, Yes. Again, not passing any judgement. When I was deciding on my first kilt, I began drinking up much of Matthew A.C. Newsome's research on the historic edifices for the box-pleated kilts. When I found the images of the earliest examples, I never gave it another thought. Over the years, I've come to realize that the "norm" is an 8yd knife-pleat, most likely with a fringed edge...fair to say? I guess I did'nae realize the 4yd box-pleat is still (relative, again) a tad avante gaurd, even among kilties. Now, I've developed an internal image: me in highland dress (whether realistic or not) and I can't see myself wearing anything else - which may or may not be a good thing.

[MacSpadger]

From my own experience I've always associated Fringe = civilian, No fringe = military

I exclude the London Scottish here, who wear a blue fringe down the Hodden Grey.

[Domehead]

MacSpadger & Tobus,
I have a follow-up question re: the likely origins (not practicalities of) civilian: fringe / military: no fringe. But, I do not want to offend the OP with a hijacking, or the MODS for that matter. Any advice?

[Tobus]

I wouldn't know beans about the origin of fringe. That's a question for Matt et al. As for hijacking, you could always just start a new thread to talk about the various fringe issues you're thinking of.