Pleats, Front or Back or Who Cares

[KiltedBigWave]

I am attempting to move this from another discussion to address pleats in kilts.

The original discussion was about utility kilts and how some do not have many pleats in the back. My view was that I prefer my DNKE women’s kilt over my 511 that lacks of pleats in the back. Although, I really prefer my Sport Kilts that have very nice pleats throughout the back and flows nicely. I just like the look.

All my hash kilts by Sport Kilt have the double box pleat, which is a rarely used traditional method that makes for a more distinctive trail kilt. These kilts are one of the most comfortable you will ever wear, and you are connecting to the kilted past wearing this tradition.

Regardless, I would really like pleats all the way around on my kilt for even more flow, but then I guess I would be talking about a pleated skirt.

What do you think?

[Modoc]

Regardless, I would really like pleats all the way around on my kilt for even more flow, but then I guess I would be talking about a pleated skirt.

What do you think?

I think it's only a matter of time until the distinction between skirt and kilt will become so blurred that only the kilt purists will be left to defend their position. I wouldn't get into an argument about it because it's just not worth the time or the aggravation, but a kilt is just a particular kind of skirt.

[e2k2houck]

I'm sure that I will catch some crap over this. I don't really care. Pleats look good but so does a nice "A" line skirt, which is what I have most of. I enjoy wearing both and nobody seems to care if I have pleats or not. The only person you have to worry about it is yourself. If pleats are a big thing then wear kilts with lots of pleats. Just wear what you want.

[KiltedBigWave]

Regardless, I would really like pleats all the way around on my kilt for even more flow, but then I guess I would be talking about a pleated skirt.

What do you think?

I think it's only a matter of time until the distinction between skirt and kilt will become so blurred that only the kilt purists will be left to defend their position. I wouldn't get into an argument about it because it's just not worth the time or the aggravation, but a kilt is just a particular kind of skirt.

You may be correct, only time will tell. I like to wear both.

[KiltedBigWave]

I'm sure that I will catch some crap over this. I don't really care. Pleats look good but so does a nice "A" line skirt, which is what I have most of. I enjoy wearing both and nobody seems to care if I have pleats or not. The only person you have to worry about it is yourself. If pleats are a big thing then wear kilts with lots of pleats. Just wear what you want.

It is truly a matter of taste, if we all wore or like the same thing, it would be a boring world. I am not a fan of A line skirts as much for running in.

[Myopic Bookworm]

I am not a fan of A line skirts as much for running in.

I agrree with that: the only skirt from my current collection that I would ever consider running in is a lightweight kilt (traditional style, with pleats only at the back). I know that running skirts exist, but I've never had one (I usually run in shorts if it's warm, leggings if it's cold).

[denimini]

Pleats give a bit of room for a good stride. When seated they do get crumpled at the back but offer some good drape at the front for modesty. Hence I prefer pleats at the front.

[Myopic Bookworm]

Before I ordered my first kilt, I watched a gentleman trying his on, and listened to the Scottish lady in charge advising him how to sit. Don't crush your pleats: smooth them with a hand as you sit, or even just give a little forward swing of the hips and let the weight of the cloth carry the pleats forward so that you can sit on them flat. (I guess this last bit wouldn't work with a lighter fabric.)

And make sure you let the apron fall between your knees for modesty's sake: this is where front pleats would come in handy!

[KiltedBigWave]

Before I ordered my first kilt, I watched a gentleman trying his on, and listened to the Scottish lady in charge advising him how to sit. Don't crush your pleats: smooth them with a hand as you sit, or even just give a little forward swing of the hips and let the weight of the cloth carry the pleats forward so that you can sit on them flat. (I guess this last bit wouldn't work with a lighter fabric.)

And make sure you let the apron fall between your knees for modesty's sake: this is where front pleats would come in handy!

Sounds like very good advice, thanks for sharing.

[KiltedBigWave]

I am not a fan of A line skirts as much for running in.

I agrree with that: the only skirt from my current collection that I would ever consider running in is a lightweight kilt (traditional style, with pleats only at the back). I know that running skirts exist, but I've never had one (I usually run in shorts if it's warm, leggings if it's cold).

I typically run in lightweight kilts with pleats only at the back, with leggings when cold. I would like to try a pleated running skirt.

[r.m.anderson]

I typically run in lightweight kilts with pleats only at the back, with leggings when cold. I would like to try a pleated running skirt.

Running in an all around pleated skirt would be better than the solid front unflapable apron kilt.
Less material to move aside in the running movement - resistance factor.
To cut down on the internal fabric resistance avoid the skort form
Try a tennis skirt or what passes for the new fangled sport of pickle-ball.
The other aisle skirt used in field hockey la crosse maybe a tad too long in the hem.
A skirt with minimal fabric weight and the same minimal unmentionables would be best for competitve racing.
Cheer Leader skirts with the flyaway pleats would offer minimal restriction of movement.

[Kirbstone]

Not that I run anymore (old people don't run!), but by definition short and lightweight for running is the apparel norm. From the hips down the shorter the garment the more essential modesty measures are required. Girls competing may wear very skimpy bottoms but they are bulletproof opaque, so when wet don't reveal anything unwanted.

Us blokes though need to wear something less clingy and for those of us skirted, the 'skort' seems to fill the bill best, i.e'. they are equipped with matching shorties underneath. Were I to sally forth in a minikilt I would definitely specify dark or matching shorties with it.

Tom

[KiltedBigWave]

I typically run in lightweight kilts with pleats only at the back, with leggings when cold. I would like to try a pleated running skirt.

Running in an all around pleated skirt would be better than the solid front unflapable apron kilt.
Less material to move aside in the running movement - resistance factor.
To cut down on the internal fabric resistance avoid the skort form
Try a tennis skirt or what passes for the new fangled sport of pickle-ball.
The other aisle skirt used in field hockey la crosse maybe a tad too long in the hem.
A skirt with minimal fabric weight and the same minimal unmentionables would be best for competitve racing.
Cheer Leader skirts with the flyaway pleats would offer minimal restriction of movement.

All great ideas and suggestions for skirts. I am buying my first tennis skirt now.

[KiltedBigWave]

Not that I run anymore (old people don't run!), but by definition short and lightweight for running is the apparel norm. From the hips down the shorter the garment the more essential modesty measures are required. Girls competing may wear very skimpy bottoms but they are bulletproof opaque, so when wet don't reveal anything unwanted.

Us blokes though need to wear something less clingy and for those of us skirted, the 'skort' seems to fill the bill best, i.e'. they are equipped with matching shorties underneath. Were I to sally forth in a minikilt I would definitely specify dark or matching shorties with it.

Tom

I tend to wear the women's workout booty spandex shorts that are designed for yoga or volleyball under my short running kilts and skirts.

[FLbreezy]

I know a proper kilt is apron in front, pleats in back but most people wouldn't know the difference between that and a kilted skirt (I think that's the right term?) with pleats all around.

I bought an Adidas skort with some pleats in strategic places and I have become a fan of pleats all around both for the range of motion and extra modesty. I've tried some unpleated ones and they just seem too clingy/bumpy in the wrong places. Pleats are also simply more fun to wear I think, even if they're only in back.