Stripe/Sett

[Brian K]

To my eyes, tartan that is pleated to the stripe looks far too busy. That might be fine for the military and pipe bands that require that sort of thing, but I am not convinced that effect is required for civilian wear.

Thanks, Jock. I wondered when one of our resident Highlanders would respond to this thread.

It occurs to me that one reason I, and so many of our brethren on this side of the Pond, might prefer pleating to the stripe is that so much of our exposure to the kilt, whether in the media or in person, involves the military or pipe bands. Since this style is what we see most it is what we come to expect and, thus, a preference is developed. Perhaps if I had seen more kilts pleated to the sett I would have a different opinion.

I also can not discount the fact that as someone who enjoys designing tartans that pleating to the stripe appeals to me because it is a way of exploiting different elements of the design for various effects. Anything that makes a design of mine more versatile is going to make me happy. Of course, if someone ever decides to have one of my tartans woven and sewn up into a kilt () I'm going to be pleased no matter how they have it pleated .

Regards,

Brian