Pleats in Front

**bdkilted** · 25th September 12, 03:49 PM

I thought I saw the same thing this weekend at the Sherwood Forest Celtic Festival, but I didn't say anything until I saw him turn around...and saw pleats there too. It was then I realized he probably had on his sister's skirt, and was glad I didn't say anything. It was a young teen, and I can't get my teenage sons to wear kilts anymore.

**Tartan Tess** · 25th September 12, 05:27 PM

Naw, it happens more often than you would think. I started the day off at Loon mountain telling someone this. But the basting thing is more common.

**Sir William** · 25th September 12, 06:38 PM

Originally Posted by figheadair

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.

True, and I'm familiar with these portraits, but I think most who asked were familiar with pleated skirts but not kilts, and may have been just curious as to the proper way to wear a kilt. I've never had anyone tell me to turn the pleats to the front (thankfully).

I learned of the pleat sweep long before I ever put on my first kilt, and consequently have never even considered turning the kilt around to avoid sitting on the pleats. Somehow, I can't imagine trying that maneuver at a Burns Dinner.

**Riverkilt** · 25th September 12, 08:36 PM

Right up there with telling a stranger that his fly is open....

"The basting thing" is a tough one too....saw this guy at the Phoenix games back in 2008...just let him wander.

Gotta wonder about the quality of vendors that don't tell folks the basics...

**Bob C** · 25th September 12, 08:59 PM

I straightened out a guy with the basting stitches a couple years ago. I was polite and discreet and he took it well. I have not encountered pleats in the front.