The resurgance of the Box-Pleat Kilt, and X-Marks

[Alan H]

Until I joined X-Marks I'd never even heard of a box-pleat kilt.

There are a couple of us here that have been making box-pleats for a while, most notable among them being Matt Newsome. But if I remember correctly, Matt dove into the Box Pleat Kiltmakers pool just about the same time that I joined X-Marks, meaning about 2 years ago. Since that time I know of at least half a dozen guys who've made box-pleat tartan kilts, not to mention the 65+ box-pleated X-Kilts. It seems like an awful lot of the damaged X-Marks tartan from Fraser and Kirkbright is going into 4-yard box pleat kilts.

There are even a couple of other folks who make box-pleats semi/casually-commercially here at X-Marks. The very first box-pleat kilt I ever saw was made by way2fractious, and it's still one of my favorite kilts. Personally, without Matt and Richards work I never would have thought of making a contemporary box-pleat kilt, and the X-Kilt would have been something entirely different.

So I wonder if it wouldn't be too far afield for us folks here at X-Marks to have made a significant contribution to the resurgence of the box-pleat kilt, and re-awakening of general awareness of that style as a valid kilt.

[BEEDEE]

So I wonder if it wouldn't be too far afield for us folks here at X-Marks to have made a significant contribution to the resurgence of the box-pleat kilt, and re-awakening of general awareness of that style as a valid kilt.

Good point Alan. I know McWage has made several box pleats and I have made one in the Fraser and Kirkbright Grey/green fashion tartan. And I'm saving for a Matt Newsome next.

Brian

[andyfg]

So I wonder if it wouldn't be too far afield for us folks here at X-Marks to have made a significant contribution to the resurgence of the box-pleat kilt, and re-awakening of general awareness of that style as a valid kilt.

Alan, I have thought this for a while generally about Xmarks. I do not think that there has been in history the number of folk talking about the kilt with the frequency or intensity that happens on Xmarks.

I think you are right about the box-pleat. Because kilt makers around the world monitor Xmarks, the forum has added greatly to awareness of new trends.

[Freedomlover]

I agree that the last couple of years have seen a remarkable increase in the number of box pleated kilts. In fact, having worn the kilt for most of my sixty years, I do not recall ever seeing a box pleated one on other than a military man. And very few of them. Last Saturday the wife and I went down to Hendersonville to the last games of the season. I was surprised at the number of box pleated kilts we saw. At least thirty, and probably more. Matt's were easy to identify due to sheer quality of workmanship (I know there are other excellent makers out there too, but Matt is the local boy so I give him the credit ). And the few men I spoke to were in fact wearing Matt's workmanship. But...there were also a few that were not well aligned. Some downright crooked. And before anyone jumps my bones about being judgmental let me say that I am just reporting what we saw. My very Scottish wife doesn't really care for the box pleat because she says it doesn't, even in the finest quality, "swing enough to catch one's attention". Well, I hope she gets used to my Leatherneck box pleat because I just love it to death. But in a way I can see her point. Some of the kilts we saw, though beautifully made, had only eight or ten fairly wide pleats and did have (I hate to say it) a certain resemblance to schoolgirl skirts. But the most important thing, I think, is that the wearers were just as pleased as punch.

Further deponent sayeth not.

[pdcorlis]

Time will tell Alan - but I sure hope you're right.

[ccga3359]

Still to my inexperienced mind the knife pleat is "the" traditional kilt (yes I know I'm incorrect). Having said that I am jonesing my Matt Newsome. In today's times a box pleat in less expensive because of the less material. I also think that we are buy more kilts per individually (especially here at XMarks). Days of yore one would only have their one clan tartan kilt.

[McMurdo]

I really think you are on to something here Alan. I had not heard of the box pleat either until I joined x-marks, I was under the often repeated myth that the knife pleated 8 yard kilt was the only traditional one. Now I am also waiting patiently for a Matt Newsome 4 yard box pleated kilt.
If you google Box pleat kilt the first thing you find is Matt's site however not far down the line you find x-marks. I think we must be doing something right. Yes I think we may have helped just a little in getting the box pleat specifically and the kilt in general, more widely accepted just in being here and choosing to wear the kilt out in public.

[Kiltman]

I had never heard of a box pleats until Xmarks. Now I've made a half-dozen or so of them and wear them in warm weather. Thanks to Xmarks kilts and their history has become much more interesting than just knife pleated kilts.

[Nick the DSM]

yeah, me too. i think they only look good on darker color kilts than a red.

[James MacMillan]

I have a box-pleat on order from Matt in my beloved Leatherneck tartan. (and yes the jonesing is getting bad!) But before I made the leap and ordered one, I did some extensive research, both on line and in our local library.

On-line, the references to box's were very heavily influenced by X-Markers. On the print side, I had to go to the historical references, and some of those were vague to say the least.

Matt's research has also shown us that the box may well be one of the first types made.

But to those X-Markers who have given the box a boost, allow me to say Thanks!