Pleats in Front

**castledangerous** · 24th September 12, 12:47 PM

I spoke with a guy in the beer line on Saturday at the Wildwood Irish Festival. Since, he was wearing the pleats in front, I asked him if it were the first time he wore the kilt. He said no, it was the seventh or eighth time that he had worn his kilt. After I told him that he had in on backwards, he said that no one had ever told him he was wearing it wrong. He was very appreciative and I saw him a few minutes later wearing it correctly. It was the type of kilt that I saw for sale at the festival itself in an $89 package deal, which included a sporran and a belt. Needless to say, it was not a high quality kilt, but it sure looked a lot better worn with the pleats to the rear.

**auld argonian** · 24th September 12, 01:04 PM

Good of you to gently enlighten him and nice of him to take the advice gracefully. Makes you wonder why no one had the goodness to let him know before...probably too busy laughing...but your experience should act as a reminder that we should all be diplomatic when we point out kilt faux pas to others.

Best

AA

**James Hood** · 24th September 12, 03:23 PM

Did same twice this summer at Chicago Highland Games & Festival. In both instances, it seemed the gents were first-time-just-bought from the booths kilties who likely changed clothes in the port-o-potties. Both were grateful, tho one's lady was rather amused.

**tundramanq** · 24th September 12, 03:44 PM

Kind of amazing, especially at events where kilts abound that the newbe didn't notice this obscure detail. Especially after putting it on in the portapotty, it had to have raised some question as to which way is which. I would have looked around at other kilts to make sure I had it correct if I had doubts. Quick spin, A- OK. Most venders are wearing kilts and the question: "Will this be your first time wearing a kilt?" could lead to a quick mini lesson that would keep your product from ridicule and customer from looking the fool. Win Win.

**Squeaky McMurdo** · 24th September 12, 04:39 PM

A few weeks ago I saw two silly things in one day. A guy with a kilt on sideways and a lady trying on life jackets...but the life jacket she was trying to squeeze into was a dog one

I being the kind hearted person I am patiently waited until she started complaining about the fit before I pointed out that it was for dogs. She thanked me...the sideways kilt guy got mad. (Not my fault you're a numpty)

**Sir William** · 24th September 12, 05:02 PM

Originally Posted by tundramanq

Kind of amazing, especially at events where kilts abound that the newbe didn't notice this obscure detail.

Some years ago I saw a man walking by at a Celtic Festival with his kilt on backwards. I went up to him and rather diplomatically suggested he might like to look at how everyone else was wearing their kilts. He told me he didn't realize there was a front and back...but the next time I saw him he was wearing it correctly.

I've even had a few people ask me why I don't have the pleats in the front.

**tundramanq** · 24th September 12, 06:11 PM

Have heard some do it driving to save the pleats. Was just thinking of using a urinal with the pleats in front - both arms full of pleat.

Bet you would feel a draft from the rear too.

**figheadair** · 24th September 12, 11:22 PM

Originally Posted by Sir William

I've even had a few people ask me why I don't have the pleats in the front.

That's not quite as daft a question as it may at first seem. Not so much the kilt (sewn down pleats) but there is portrait evidence showing the feileadh beag with gathered pleats at the front too. The elder of the MacDonald boys (c1750) and one of Lord George Murray at Blair (c1745) are the best examples.

**Jay** · 25th September 12, 10:08 AM

Originally Posted by Sir William

I've even had a few people ask me why I don't have the pleats in the front.

Just counter with "do I look like David Hasselhoff?"

**creagdhubh** · 25th September 12, 10:16 AM

Originally Posted by castledangerous

I spoke with a guy in the beer line on Saturday at the Wildwood Irish Festival. Since, he was wearing the pleats in front, I asked him if it were the first time he wore the kilt. He said no, it was the seventh or eighth time that he had worn his kilt. After I told him that he had in on backwards, he said that no one had ever told him he was wearing it wrong. He was very appreciative and I saw him a few minutes later wearing it correctly. It was the type of kilt that I saw for sale at the festival itself in an $89 package deal, which included a sporran and a belt. Needless to say, it was not a high quality kilt, but it sure looked a lot better worn with the pleats to the rear.

Good on ya, mate!