Review of my new double box pleated kilt

[Nighthawk]

OK, so I recently received my new double box pleated kilt. It was made by our very own Hothir Ethelnor. It is in the MacLeod hunting tartan. I'm not great at reviews, so I'll just give my opinion. The construction is fantastic- very well made and sturdy. It's very heavy in the pleats, given the fact that it's 16 oz material, yet comfortable to wear- no pillow butt. The pleats are nice and crisp, and almost gravitate to each other. The left hip strap is hidden inside te kilt:



The pleats:



I had asked for a special belt loop, crossed at the middle of the back:






The tartan is the softest wool that I have. I have a 13 oz kilt from USA Kilts, and one from Scotweb, and in neither case is the wool as soft.

Now, as I know by this point in my life if there are no pictures, it didn't happen, so here you are:







I included the last one because there is a rather amusing story to go with it. I was climbing out of the cab when that cool looking crossed belt loop got caught on a loose bolt. The loop twisted around the bolt, tightening it down on the belt loop, the two loops twisting themselves around the bolt. I was stuck on the steps while my cousin and wife struggled to loosen the bolt and free my loops! It was rediculous... Anyway, it was built ruggedly to have survived. And I might add here, the wind yesterday was horrible! The kilt didn't lift on me once. I was quite pleased. Thanks, Gabe! The kilt is great!

Oh, and the photos of the kilt by itself are courtesy of the kilt maker. He sent those to me as he was making the kilt.

[guitarmatt]

Looks great, and the attention to detail on those crossed belt loops is fantastic. A real work of art.

[McMurdo]

Congratulations on the new kilt. It really looks great.

[Bugbear]

Congratulations, Hawk, and congratulations to your wife.

[Redshank]

are the photo's of the finished kilt ?

if so, am I the only one to spot there is no finishing waistband, or is that the norm in the States with box pleated kilts ?

Just an interested observation.

[M. A. C. Newsome]

are the photo's of the finished kilt ?

if so, am I the only one to spot there is no finishing waistband, or is that the norm in the States with box pleated kilts ?

Just an interested observation.

You missed the part where he said the photos of the kilt were sent to him by the kiltmaker as the kilt was in progress. I would assume that the finished kilt has a top waistband.

I assure you that those very few of us in the US that make box pleated kilts know better. :-)

[Nighthawk]

You missed the part where he said the photos of the kilt were sent to him by the kiltmaker as the kilt was in progress. I would assume that the finished kilt has a top waistband.

I assure you that those very few of us in the US that make box pleated kilts know better. :-)

Exactly! The waistband is indeed finished.

[Redshank]

Matt, your quite correct, I didn't read the review, just looked at the pictures

Glad to hear that fine looking kilt has been finished with a waistband, for one brief horrible moment there I was thinking that all the good work and craftsmanship had been spoiled by that ommission.

Happy now, Thanks

[Riverkilt]

Had a reaction to the unfinished waistband too - until was explained the pics were by the kiltmaker during construction of the kilt.

Great bolt story. Sometime let me tell you about getting my long hair caught in the velcro inside a fire engine cab....

And thanks for the train pics!

[Bugbear]

I know, long hair can get tangled in all kinds of things, Ron. I have to put mine under my hat when I'm working in the trees or I would get stuck.

I note that Nighthawk has noted the difference when a kilt does not have "Pillow Butt."

Major difference ,having experienced the before and after on my own kilt.