Thoughts on the MacGregor Drawstring Plaid

[Sir Didymous]

I gave the apron slippage a bit of thought and honestly I don't think it would be any different than wearing a philabeg with an attached half-belted plaid. The 24 inch length would allow plenty of cloth above the belt to hold it into place. So consider that question retracted. About the bulk distribution however, I have a few things to take into consideration. I have experimented with a style of kilt that was pleated all the way around as was popular (in art at least) for a brief period. I found when doing some swordplay that having the bulk all in the rear is preferable. The extra up front, though more balanced, tended to get in the way. Though that could be more from the pleating than the material's location itself. You did mention one thing that made me think a bit in your most recent post. The three yard length. I have a three and a half yard plaid that I use in the hotter times of summer and when I am doing the fancier combat techniques that the crowds enjoy. It doesn't allow much in the way of pleats. Not sure if it would even require that many loops if worn doubled over lengthwise. Albeit I'm 6'2" and 287 as opposed to the average sized person of the era. I'm a firm believer that the experience of us reenactor types can more than augment the findings of the so-called experts, it can at times even prove or disprove them. Who are you going to trust more, one who theorizes from behind a desk, or one who has tried it for themselves. That is not to say that the authors and the ones who contributed their expertise to this article are just desk jockeys, but rather a bit of trial and error could shed new light on this subject. Like I said, I want to try this out as soon as the opportunity arises.