Wrapping a Great Kilt

Ok, you've finally found the right plaid. You're standing there in a pair of socks and a smile. What now?

First of all, despite the claims, there is no right way to wrap a great kilt. It is usually accepted that you pleat the length of the fabric, but there are a few people who pleat the width, and have a few yards of wrappable material left. And what do you do with all that? Well, again, whatever works.

I know, not really helpful. But this can be a real trial-and-error kind of thing.

In most cases, though, you'll need a goodly amount of floor space, and possibly some help the first few times you try this.

The basic idea is to take all this material and lay it out in little pleats, then wrap it around your hips and secure it with a belt. It's easiest to lay the thing out on the floor, the lay on it and roll. Funny, but effective.

"Modern" versions of the Great Kilt can be made with beltloops, which can help keep the darn thing from sagging, and make pleating and donning it much easier. Not as accurate, maybe, but it might suit your needs just fine.

The front of the kilt is flat, with the two ends of the kilt (the aprons) crossing in front so there are two layers. The remaining material above the belt (which will hang down around your ankles, by the way) is twisted and tucked into the belt, and the center is usually pulled up over one shoulder and pinned. It can also be draped over both shoulders (or even your head) for warmth or in the rain.

As soon as we get the digital camera, I'll post our trials and tribulations in getting this to work.

In the meantime, a few other people have been brave enough to post detailed instructions, and even a few pictures:

  • Pleating and wearing a Great Kilt from Wm McIntosh - very clear, with two different ways to pleat and drape. Nice pictures. I have a tendency to believe that this is the "proper" way to do it, since these are the kind people who sold me Mark's kilt and were so helpful. I'm biased.
  • How to wrap a Great Kilt , an illustrated guide as to what to do with the thing once you get it. I'll leave getting out of it up to you. John is one of those who pleats the width of his kilt, with great results.
  • Some notes on wearing a Great Kilt , with an alternate method of wrapping the kilt itself, as well as some hints on what to do with the leftover plaid. No pictures, tho'.
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