As a former active-duty Marine NCO, I would pleat to the stripe, particularly the double gold stripe. I do not own a kilt in this specific tartan, and I'm afraid I never will, but it is a lovely sett. It is a 'military' tartan in a way, and military (Army/Regimental) kilts are always pleated to the line (stripe). However, I suppose the Leatherneck tartan is more of a tribute to the U.S. Marine Corps, so pleating options are completely up to the personal taste of the wearer!

Fellow XMTS member, David Pope, also a former active-duty Marine, has (or had?) a kilt in the Leatherneck tartan, however, I believe he had his box-pleated. Perhaps he will contribute to the discussion at some point. He may be a good person to ask for advice.

Semper Fidelis,