Troublesome pleat at the edges of the apron.

[Jumpmonkey]

The pleats, on the right side of the apron, of my Casual Kilts give me a bit of trouble. For whatever reason, I can never get it to lay down properly. It always seems to be stretched open, and resists being pleated back into place, it seems nigh impossible.

Being that USA Kilts has quite an excellent reputation, and that I'm quite the novice at wearing traditional kilts, I'm figuring I must be doing something wrong to cause this. I call upon you, great rabble, enlighten me!

Thanks!

[KiltedSergeant]

I would contact USA kilts and see what they have to say. It may be normal, or you may be doing something wrong in the way you're wearing it, or they may offer to do repair/modify the kilt. Let us know what you learn.

[Barb T]

Could be how the apron edge was shaped, your body shape, or how tightly you've buckled the second strap (if it has one). Can you post a pic to let us see?

[The Wizard of BC]

This may also be a factor of the fabric used.

It is quite common to find the aprons pulling away from the first pleat on kilts made with synthetic fabrics. Synthetic fabrics not able to take the compound curves as well as wool will.
Many kilts made with synthetic fabrics use an apron taper that is a straight line instead of the gentle "S" curve used in wool.

It is also common to see this on many kilts made by someone not familiar with what gives a traditional kilt (AKA TAoK) its distinctive shape hang and swish.
Pressing of the aprons and pleats after the kilt is sewn is a step often left out of non-traditional kilts.

And again, what Barb says. The apron may not have enough taper, the hips may be too small, or the buckle too tight.

[Barb T]

Although it could be that the hips are too small, the body shape issue that I was alluding to actually involves thighs. Muscular thighs can cause the front of a kilt to pull forward a bit, opening the first pleat on the apron edge. This isn't an issue for someone with a bit of a pot belly, because the kilt goes around the tum, and there's plenty of room for muscular thighs underneath the belly. So, this can actually be more of an issue for someone who is trim and athletic.

The same thing can happen if a person has chubbins on the outside of the thighs (this is a problem for many women who wear kilts) - the kilt has to go farther around below the bottom of the fell, but the pleats are straight below the bottom of the fell, so the first pleat or two tend to pull open to go around the extra circumference. That's the problem I have with my own kilt - see below:



If either of these is the reason why your first pleat opens up, there's not much you can do about it.

[The Wizard of BC]

Please remember that the casual kilt you purchased is designed and built with care for the stated purpose -

The Casual Kilt is designed for the budget-minded customer or first time kilt wearer hesitant to make the investment in a more expensive kilt. It’s also great for highland athletes, runners, and anyone looking for a low-yardage kilt with excellent durability and stain resistance. It’s perfect for wearing to the pub or in situations where spills or getting dirty is expected.

This is not a premium wool kilt. The fabric is exactly as described -

Our Casual Kilt is made from the best “non wool” tartan fabric available: a 12 oz Polyester Viscose material that is woven in the UK. This fabric is extremely hard wearing, has Low Pill™ technology to resist pilling and is Teflon® coated to resist stains. It holds a crisp pleat and is easy to iron.

You did not get ripped off and there is nothing wrong. Please, do not expect this to be something it is not intended to be.

[tripleblessed]

So, this can actually be more of an issue for someone who is trim and athletic.

Thanks for pointing this out.

With my 71st coming up, I'm hardly as trim as I once was, but the thigh issue has been with me from early teens. A paper route
with a lot of customers combined with being the smallest boy in my class gave me larger thighs than most kids my height and weight.
Levi's had to be bought four inches larger than waist my size, football pants always floppy at the waist even when cinched to the max.
It is the case with my casual kilts, as well. My semitraditional PV and my five yard wool do not behave the same way. I have thought
it to be just my non-standard body in combination with the slightly different design and construction of the different styles. It does not
affect the function or wear, and folk have never complained.

[Jumpmonkey]

Although it could be that the hips are too small, the body shape issue that I was alluding to actually involves thighs. Muscular thighs can cause the front of a kilt to pull forward a bit, opening the first pleat on the apron edge. This isn't an issue for someone with a bit of a pot belly, because the kilt goes around the tum, and there's plenty of room for muscular thighs underneath the belly. So, this can actually be more of an issue for someone who is trim and athletic.

The same thing can happen if a person has chubbins on the outside of the thighs (this is a problem for many women who wear kilts) - the kilt has to go farther around below the bottom of the fell, but the pleats are straight below the bottom of the fell, so the first pleat or two tend to pull open to go around the extra circumference. That's the problem I have with my own kilt - see below:

If either of these is the reason why your first pleat opens up, there's not much you can do about it.

Well, finally over (or over enough anyway) the wretched virus which beset my home and family last week. I noticed during my daily ablutions that indeed my gut protrudes forward, but not so much to the sides, and right where my pleats are acting up, my thighs indeed jut outward a bit. After putting on the kilt I've little doubt they're the cause of my trouble.

Part of me wonders about trying to iron out the bottom of the pleats so they mostly lay flat when worn. Perhaps this would make way for my weird body-shape. Or perhaps I shall grin and bear it. They are lovely kilts any-which-way.