Do kilts have a "break-in" period?

[RAF]

Steve: What an absolutely splendid example of illustrated, forensic deconstruction/reconstruction!

Thank you for sharing it with us in such a dramatic and easy-to-understand fashion. You obviously spent a lot of time, and went to a lot of trouble to produce it. I appreciate it, and know many other folks do, too.

This is the most interesting, informative, and "fun" thread I have yet to read on XMTS. Very well done!

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Tobus: You now own what I think will become a piece of American, kilt-making lore. I know you will treasure it. Your kilt may have been an heirloom before, but now I think it is not an exaggeration to say that it will become a legend - the kilt that Steve Ashton brought back to life in plain view.


John

Ditto!

[billsides]

Great story and photos. It prompted me to study my cheapest kilt, a now ancient $60 (with postage) Pakistan made 8 yd acrylic claimed 16 oz (obviously less) It is now only worn around house and garage as I have better but remains my most comfortable kilt. It stretched 1" initially, no big deal, I used a different hole in its straps. Not a thread has ever pulled, it is abused in the garage and machine washed. It holds pleats and does not crease unlike most working ones. Its cotton lining is long gone exposing construction. It is high rise, has good shape but no cut pleats, excessive bulk or internal webbing so is very cheaply made. It has three straps and 23 pleats whose stitching carries all waistline loads like the kilt featured. It is proof that webbing around the waist is not essential but I believe it is a very good idea as some expensive kilt pleat sewing leaves much to be desired so anything that reduces loads on it is desirable. Webbing also largely eliminates stretching, but does involve extra work hence cost.

Bill