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.

[The TALL TN Scot]

I'm having the same issue, I think it may be due to how tightly I'm putting it, I haven't worn it but once, so not sure just yet.

[Jumpmonkey]

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.

Woah! Slow down there mate! I've never said anything of the sort. I knew what I was ordering. As stated in the OP, if anything, I assume its something I'm doing wrong. If it's part of the cheap and cheerful experience I'm fine with that too. They are fine kilts. I'd just like to wear them better if its something I'm doing wrong.

Apologies to all for my general silence, I've been dreadful sick all week. Have hardly gotten up, let alone out of the house. Once I have one of the kilts on again, I'll get a picture for y'all to look at. Thanks for the thoughts thus far.

Cheers!

[The Wizard of BC]

It is just that it is usually polite to contact the manufacturer when a customer has a question or concern.

To give the people who made the product the opportunity to address the issue.

Have you contacted Rocky with your concerns? Has he responded and answered those concerns?

I know that if I make and sell a kilt, and a customer has a question or problem, I want to know about it from him directly, and not read about it on a forum.

[Jumpmonkey]

I have not contacted Rocky, as my assumption is, I'm simply doing something wrong in putting it on.