I kind of agree with your wife. My first kilts were Sport Kilts and they are made of tartan, but with a narrower, although not UK narrow, apron. Whether it's because they are what I had first or not, I like the look. At some point, I will have a more traditional appearing kilt, but for now, I like additional appeal of visible pleats in front.

This sort of ties over to the when to wear a sporran thread that's running around now, maybe it's not just the tartan vs. plain fabric, but the width of the apron factoring into the overall visual.

The experienced kiltmakers will have to answer the questions about building a more structured kilt of tartan with the narrower apron.

Bob