Military Rolled Box Pleat Alterations

**RCAnderson** · 25th February 15, 10:40 PM

I need some advice on kilt alterations. I just received a brand new Royal Regiment of Scotland kilt that still has the basting stitches and was never issued. I have been waiting on it for a while, unfortunately when it got here today it is WAY too long. It fits me like a glove except for the drop being 27" and I wear a 23" drop.

Normally I would just have it hemmed up like I have done with all of my other kilts that were purchased too long, but this one has the military rolled box pleats instead of the knife pleats. I am not sure if a kilt with the military pleats can be hemmed up 4" without it affecting the pleats. Has anyone had any experience with this situation before? I don't want to ruin a brand new kilt experimenting.

**The Wizard of BC** · 26th February 15, 12:52 AM

I too have one of these. And it was way too long when it arrived as these all are.

I altered it from the top down.

I removed the waistband, closed the strap hole, moved the stabilizer down, and re-assembled the kilt. It now fits perfectly.

Total time start to finish, about 11 man-hours.

**Orionson** · 26th February 15, 02:48 AM

I have never understood the modern reluctance to wear these Military style Kilts in the high rise manner in which they are worn in the Military. The thought of chopping them down from the top, or worse, hemming them from the bottom just rankles me.

I know, to each their own ~ and so, be it. Yet, in my world some things should ever be sacrosanct.

**Jock Scot** · 26th February 15, 03:23 AM

Originally Posted by Orionson

I have never understood the modern reluctance to wear these Military style Kilts in the high rise manner in which they are worn in the Military. The thought of chopping them down from the top, or worse, hemming them from the bottom just rankles me.

I know, to each their own ~ and so, be it. Yet, in my world some things should ever be sacrosanct.

The very same thoughts are running through my mind too and like you, I quite accept that personal choice prevails as does an individual's height perhaps, but................

**kiltedtom** · 26th February 15, 03:58 AM

Dr. Anderson,

I can full understand your situation. From my "natural waist" (about 2 inches above my navel) to mid knees on me, is only 22 inches. So if I had to wear a kilt with a 27 inch drop, I would have it riding in my armpits. I am not aware as to if that is where soldiers wear their kilts, but I cannot believe it is quite that high. So go ahead and do the alterations necessary for you to be comfortable in your new kilt. Bet it looks great. I have not seen a Royal Regiment of Scotland kilt before. Be sure to post pics!

Have a great day.

Tom

P.S. What is your Ph.D. in? Mine is history.

**auld argonian** · 26th February 15, 06:12 AM

I alway understood that these kilts were supposed to be worn "up to your armpits". Anybody got a photo of someone in the military wearing the kilt properly? I've never been interested in one of these kilts because of the high rise and the heavier weight…it's fine when it's part of your uniform but for general civilian use it looks like way too much. Obviously, to each his own but unless you're a re-enactor, I can't see why you would want a military kilt.

Best,

AA

**Tarheel** · 26th February 15, 06:26 AM

I remember that military issue (anything worn) was based on an 18 year old body after basic training being stretched, shrunken, fattened, etc. to accommodate the four inches of extra length you have discovered in your purchase.
I think the "WIZ" has the ideal fix by starting at the top for alteration.

**Mike S** · 26th February 15, 07:52 AM

Originally Posted by auld argonian

I alway understood that these kilts were supposed to be worn "up to your armpits". Anybody got a photo of someone in the military wearing the kilt properly?

Here is an example of the extremes in which they were worn at one time, in this instance during the late 19th c. They aren't worn that high today, but still higher than seems to be the current trend for civilian wear:

**Glen** · 26th February 15, 08:21 AM

photo-15.JPG

Vertically challenged with short legs and arms, nevertheless, genetically selected for the work I carry on, I have always has to have everything tailored. I had the length of this RRS kilt cut and hemmed, sacrileges as it may be; however, the kilt still swings well. Taught in the military how to wear a kit, yes, it is worn high, just below the ribs...

**RCAnderson** · 26th February 15, 09:00 AM

I wear the kilt at the proper height of my natural waist, but I am only 5'7" and this particular kilt is marked that it was made for someone that is 6'2" tall. When I wear it just under my ribs it hangs below the tops of my hose.

unfortunately altering from the top down isn't going to be an option as my local alterations place will not attempt that one. She said she could hem it up or cut the bottom off.

Tom, my Ph.D. is in Microbiology