[Kilt_Like_Objects]

Hi All,

For those of you who wear contemporary kilts, I'm wondering how many of you prefer the UK-style narrow apron and how many prefer a wider apron more like a traditional kilt.

So, hit me with the info, team.

I'm hoping this begins a debate about the relative merits of each.

Thanks guys.

Ian

[Kilt_Like_Objects]

Oh, my preference is for a wider apron.

I find narrow aprons allow the last box-pleat to be too exposed on each side, making it easier to knock items (wine glasses, etc) off of tables.

Also a wide apron allows for better under-apron-pleats which, IMHO, is what allows a kilt to move properly.

[Bugbear]

First, I am not a Kiltmaker, tailor, nor expert, and I really don't know a whole lot about all of this.

My contemporary canvas kilt had a front apron that was strait up and down on the right hand side (where the fringe might be on a traditional). However, it was almost as wide as a traditional apron, and the left hand side is tapered. I think the UK aprons are reverse tapered on the right, and straight on the left.

It was functional, but I didn't like it as much as the traditional apron. Thinking the bottom edge of the top apron was supposed to lay between the legs, toward the right leg, when sitting; that would have been helped with a reverse taper. I also think the buckle of the right hand side was misplaced a little, and had to use different holes on the strap, but that would be just for my specific kilt.

I decided to tinker with it, partly because it had a large turn back of the hem of the right side of the top apron.

I was able to get an "A" shape to the apron, as well as, put the buckle where it belonged, and a few other changes. It worked out well in my opinion.

So, from before and after, I can say I prefer the traditional apron, but can see how a narrow, reverse tapered apron would work out.

Also, I am not suggesting anyone should tinker with the kilt apron just because I did.

[NewEnglander]

I only have 2 kilts, one Utilikilt mocker and a USA Kilt casual. Now that I have the USAK, I've really noticed the differences in apron widths. I like how the narrow UK apron falls between my knees when I sit It took a shocked gasp from my girlfriend to remind me that I need to be cautious when sitting with a wider traditional apron.
I voted for narrow in the poll because for a contemporary kilt (ie non-tartan, with pockets) I think I'd prefer the narrow apron.

[cessna152towser]

I voted for wide aprons. Yes I agree with the above poster that narrow aprons fall between the knees when sitting and are good while seated, but narrow aprons can also be prone to flying open in the wind while standing or walking.

[BEEDEE]

With a 46" waist, narrow doesn't cut it!

Brian

[Larry124]

I like BOTH the narrow of my AmeriKilts (although I special order them without snaps), and the wide of SportKilt's specialty fabric solids.

[csbdr]

I think with a modern kilt, and NO SPORRAN, the apron almost has to be narrow for me, so it falls between the knees on it's own. Ordinarily the sporran would do this, and I don't like sitting down and shoving the apron down to cover up. My UKs fall neatly between the knees on their own.

[Pleater]

Consideration of the width of the apron is perhaps not taking all factors into consideration - I think that the size of under apron pleat - and perhaps the reverse pleat as well - the two together make an inverted box pleat at the edge of the apron and under apron, is significant in how freely the aprons drop when sitting.

With a narrow apron, the under apron should really be extended rather than reduced, possibly with a reverse taper, so that even if the apron lifts or flips modesty is preserved. Otherwise, a zip, line of poppers, Velcro, buttons, lacing - something to make a mechanical join between the two aprons should be considered, or perhaps a detatchable third layer, or a kilt liner improvised.

Another thing to consider is the sewing down - or not, of the edges of the apron. I leave them entirely free, so the under apron pleats can fall open easily and that seems to be advisable for any kilt where there is climbing over styles, stepping over obstacles, vaulting gates and the like, as it means that when the knee is raised the apron drops.

It seems that no matter how much fabric there is in the pleats, they will always tend to fall backwards on the outside of the thigh, and - from experience - a good deep under apron pleat - with a reverse pleat if appropriate, is the requirement for a vertical apron under almost all circumstances.

Anne the Pleater

[timseh]

I really have to say it depends on the Kilt. I have 2 SWK standards and a UK. Partially due to the width of the apron and the fact that I just don't think they would look right without, I always wear a sporran with the Stillwaters. I love the narrow apron on the UK, however and it works well for me without having to wear a sporran, which I believe just doesn't look right with the UK.