Full review of my new double box.

**James MacMillan** · 12th January 09, 07:03 PM

Here’s a full review of my new Double Box Pleated Kilt from Lady Crystel.

First off, it came in a heavy cardboard box. Had I been home to sign for it, it would have been in my hands in four short days! It was rolled and wrapped in tissue paper. I think all kiltmakers should roll their kilts for shipment. Those that have done this for me, have had much less wrinkles from the packing. Two rows of basting held the double box pleating together, and I thought that I would have to press it before I wore it, but no. After trying it on before taking the basting out, I hung it up, and before I had a chance to get around to pressing it, the few wrinkles just came out.

The fabric is a light weight PV that Robert and Crystel found locally in the French Alps.

The double box pleating is a joy to wear. It’s light weight, and it still has the swish and swing that so many of us enjoy.

It has two belts, one inside the waistband on the left and one on the right in the standard manner, similar to the way that Matt does his belts. I like this arrangement a lot. Strapping the kilt on seems to be a little easier and also there is no hole in the waistband to hurt the strength of the construction. It is fully lined.

It is pleated to sett, with each box pleat holding fully half of the sett. All three of my box pleated kilts are like this. I need to ask about the possibilities or problems with pleating a box pleat to stripe. The tartan is a “fashion” tartan, but it is close to one I have seen before… although I can’t remember where.

The workmanship is second to none. I own, or have seen and handled full blown traditionals and box pleated kilts from all the top kiltmakers. Lady Crystel’s abilities will stand up to any of them. Barb, Wally, Matt, Kathy – watch out, there’s some new competition for the high-end kilt.

I provided her with my measurements, and this kilt fits like it was made for me, which, of course, it was. The fit is superb!

Any of you will not go wrong if you order one of Lady Crystel’s masterpieces.

The other thing that I ordered from her was a lace Jabot and Cuff set. I am going to test them out with my PC for formal occasions. These too, are well made and easy to use.

I am a truly very pleased customer, and I don’t think this kilt will be the last that she makes for me.

**Mael Coluim** · 12th January 09, 07:18 PM

Jay, I never seen you look more distinguished! That's one beautiful kilt. Congratulations!

**Tartan Hiker** · 12th January 09, 07:31 PM

Looks great James.

As for the pleating options...some tartans lend themselves to box pleating "to the sett" and others don't....it's all in the numbers. The pleats themselves must be neither too wide nor too narrow, and there must be two distinct elements that you can center on adjacent pleats to give the "to the sett" appearance. If you can find such elements, and have enough material between them to produce the underpleats, then off you go. If that isn't the case, you're kind of stuck with "to the stripe."

As for the resemblance....when I first glanced at your photo I thought "Cameron of Erracht, Ancient".

**Nighthawk** · 12th January 09, 08:13 PM

Sexy!! Man, I need to get me one of those!

**BEEDEE** · 13th January 09, 05:07 AM

James - great review and you look good in all the photos.

Brian

**McMurdo** · 13th January 09, 06:14 AM

James
Congratulations on the new Double Box Pleated kilt, one of those is really on my short list, Lady Crystel’s work looks wonderful. The last photo, is that Sean Connery? Enjoy your new kilt.