early kilts with pleats in front?

[figheadair]

The Clan.com article makes some rather strange claims, not least that the pleats were moved from the front to the back, and that the early feileadh Beag had less material (in the lower section )than the belted plaid. There is absolutely no evidence to support either. Similarly, the idea that the late 16th century kilt was made from a clan tartan is wholly without foundation.

In terms of pleats at the front, think of this as pleats all the way around rather than at the front. There are several 18th century portraits that show this feature. It was most likely achieved by using a drawstring - think curtain drapes. The pleats were gathered and not sewn as they are in a modern kilt.

Three examples of all-round-pleating.

Kenneth Sutherland, 3rd Lord Duffus, c.1712


Lord George Murray, 1745


James Francis Edward Moray, Yr of Abercairney, 1756