Box versus Knife Pleats

[shamrock715]

Since I'm new to possibly purchasing a kilt, I wanted to see if there are any advantages/disadvantages to a box pleat versus a knife pleat. Very soon I'll be purchasing my first kilt and I'm partial to the box pleat myself. I like it because it's more subdued looking and I really don't need the swing that a knife pleat would give.

My big question is is there a change in movement/fit/comfort with a box pleat? I've tried on a knife pleat before and it's very comfortable but I've never tried on a box pleat. As said above, I'm just partial to the look.

Thanks,
Matt

[RichardtheLarge]

Since I'm new to possibly purchasing a kilt, I wanted to see if there are any advantages/disadvantages to a box pleat versus a knife pleat. Very soon I'll be purchasing my first kilt and I'm partial to the box pleat myself. I like it because it's more subdued looking and I really don't need the swing that a knife pleat would give.

My big question is is there a change in movement/fit/comfort with a box pleat? I've tried on a knife pleat before and it's very comfortable but I've never tried on a box pleat. As said above, I'm just partial to the look.

Thanks,
Matt

Matt,

If I were ordering a new kilt today, it would probably be high yardage and box pleated. This is a bit hard to describe, but due to the overlap the box pleats “solidify” the fabric and it doesn’t hang as loosely as the unidirectional knife pleating. This can be especially useful in the wind.

[shamrock715]

Matt,

If I were ordering a new kilt today, it would probably be high yardage and box pleated. This is a bit hard to describe, but due to the overlap the box pleats “solidify” the fabric and it doesn’t hang as loosely as the unidirectional knife pleating. This can be especially useful in the wind.

What I'm reading out of this is that the box pleat can be better in the wind with less blowing around but it doesn't seem that it restricts movement at all. Am I reading that right?

Thanks,
Matt

[Father Bill]

I have one of each. The knife-pleat has the traditional appearance & yes, the "swish". The box is lighter to wear and yes, very flat in appearance. I don't really notice any difference in the "feel" when I'm wearing them.

[Liam]

I too have both. The 8 yd knife pleat kilts rarely need any repressing or steaming, while the 4 yd box pleats need the occasional bit of attention if you are sitting a lot. A 4-5 yd knife pleat kilt also similar issues. The box pleat kilt uses about half the amount of material as the 8 yd kilt and therefore is less expensive and lighter. I like both styles, although if I were to chose only one it would be the 8 yd knife pleat.

[Jumpmonkey]

I too have both. The 8 yd knife pleat kilts rarely need any repressing or steaming, while the 4 yd box pleats need the occasional bit of attention if you are sitting a lot. A 4-5 yd knife pleat kilt also similar issues. The box pleat kilt uses about half the amount of material as the 8 yd kilt and therefore is less expensive and lighter. I like both styles, although if I were to chose only one it would be the 8 yd knife pleat.

That's very interesting Liam. I was under the impression that box-pleats were more comfortable when seated, and were less apt to wrinkle from the same. As a lot of my job involves being planted on my posterior I was leaning that way (at least partly) for maintenance sake. You're saying I'd be better served by an 8 yarder for that?

[RichardtheLarge]

What I'm reading out of this is that the box pleat can be better in the wind with less blowing around but it doesn't seem that it restricts movement at all. Am I reading that right?

Thanks,
Matt

Yes. But as Bill has pointed out, with less lateral movement of the layers of fabric comes less “swing”, which for many kilt wearers is of great importance!

[Tarheel]

Like the good father and Liam, I have both types. Each kilt has its place in my world. The box pleat for its lightweight, flexibility and style for the cut. I like the knife pleat kilt for the heft, swish and ease of maintenance. Both of my kilts are tartan and can be interchangeable for most events. I get to choose which will fit the mood I'm in.

[RodF]

Gotta say, that the tail pleat seems to be a great way to have the tartan "pop" out from the back. Wow, fascinating to see.

Also, the jacket is pretty cool to see as well. Unfortunately, some of the details are not easily visible in all of the tartan!