origins of the right-hand fringe

[McMurdo]

The earliest 4 yard kilts did not have a fringe, military kilts do not have a fringe. I would think that the fringe came about as part of the Victorian movement toward all things Highland wear.

[jthk]

The earliest 4 yard kilts did not have a fringe, military kilts do not have a fringe. I would think that the fringe came about as part of the Victorian movement toward all things Highland wear.

Thanks!

Further on the topic: I've seen some older-styled kilts that have the right-hand apron edge folded back on itself once, then stitched in, w/o fringe. Most of my modern traditional kilts have the fringe in addition to several layers of fabric under that right-hand side of the apron.

[Tobus]

Thanks!

Further on the topic: I've seen some older-styled kilts that have the right-hand apron edge folded back on itself once, then stitched in, w/o fringe. Most of my modern traditional kilts have the fringe in addition to several layers of fabric under that right-hand side of the apron.

My ex-MoD kilt is as you describe: just folded back on itself and stitched. They didn't leave a raw edge visible on the inside, so the cut edge was at least folded a bit before the stitching was done. But it doesn't feel like there are a lot of layers of tartan at the right side of the apron like fringed kilts.

Most kiltmakers these days will do the apron however you want. I would guess that a single or double fringe is standard if not otherwise specified, but some will do triple fringe or no fringe at all. I actually have come to prefer no fringe, and the kilt I'm having made at the moment will be like my military kilt.

[jthk]

My ex-MoD kilt is as you describe: just folded back on itself and stitched. They didn't leave a raw edge visible on the inside, so the cut edge was at least folded a bit before the stitching was done. But it doesn't feel like there are a lot of layers of tartan at the right side of the apron like fringed kilts.

Most kiltmakers these days will do the apron however you want. I would guess that a single or double fringe is standard if not otherwise specified, but some will do triple fringe or no fringe at all. I actually have come to prefer no fringe, and the kilt I'm having made at the moment will be like my military kilt.

Gotcha. I tend to be also be moving towards simplicity: 4-yard box pleated kilts with two straps (or twill ties) and no fringe. No belt, no kilt pin. I like the simplicity.

[figheadair]

The earliest 4 yard kilts did not have a fringe, military kilts do not have a fringe. I would think that the fringe came about as part of the Victorian movement toward all things Highland wear.

If you looks at Victorian photographs the majority, if not all, the kilts have a non-fringe apron. I suspect that it's an early 20th century fad.

[McMurdo]

If you looks at Victorian photographs the majority, if not all, the kilts have a non-fringe apron. I suspect that it's an early 20th century fad.

Thank you Peter, my oldest kilt is military and of course has no fringe, my Gunn Modern was made in 1950 and has a fringe.