To the Stripe or the Sett, that is the Question?

[Standard]

I usually prefer pleating to the sett. The look of uniformity around the whole kilt to me looks nice. That being said however, pleating to the stripe does work for me sometimes. I especially like the look of when a hidden bold colour pops during the swish. That makes for a very striking kilt appearance.

[McClef]

My main preference is pleating to the sett and I always ask for this when it's being made to measure. I guess I like the tartan to be visible all round rather than just at the front.

However I do have some kilts pleated to the stripe - ones which were already made up and in my waist size. I am perfectly happy with them.

There can be some striking effects with stripe pleats of course but some tartans just don't look right IMHO when this is done.

[herminator]

I prefer to pleat my kilts to the stripe, not only do I like the look of having the apron in a different design, it is also much easier to alter my kilt. This is becoming necessary again due to weight reduction. And when I have to take pleats out again it´s much easier with stripes...

[Highlander31]

I prefer pleated to the sett. However, if the right tartan comes along,...and it talks nicely to me,...I might be willing to try pleating to the stripe.

[Jock Scot]

As has already been said, but it is worth repeating, civilian kilts are traditionally pleated to the sett. It is worth remembering this, as most kilt makers in the UK(can't say about anywhere else) will assume that is how the kilt is to be made, unless instructed otherwise. In my humble opinion, kilts pleated to the stripe look far too "busy" for my liking.

[nab2488]

I kilt to the set my self. To me to the stripe looks like it completely hides the tartan in the back and all you can only see the tartan on the apron. Now if I get a tartan that is IMO ugly then maybe I would pleat to the stripe.

[Scott West]

I feel the tartan will dictate the most attractive pleating. I recently ordered a tank - an 8yd, 16oz Strome in Buchanan Hunting Modern from Lochcarron. I generally prefer pleating to the stripe. However, in this instance i decided to pleat to the sett. Why? The Buchanan Hunting Modern has a thin yellow stripe and thin steel blue stripe set against bottle green, brown and black stripes. Pleating to the yellow or blue stripe would have produced an unbalanced appearance with the rear extremely lighter than the front. Pleating to the brown or black would have produced a rear very dark and with single, thin horizontal lines from the yellow and blue stripe. So, in this case pleating to the sett was really the only aesthetic option. Hope this helps.

[Riverkilt]

Have always trusted my kiltmakers judgement as to what appeared best for the tartan.

I may arrive with ideas of my own, but Kathy Lare and Rocky aren't shy about pointing out options if my idea isn't gonna look quite as good as the image in my mind.

And, one thing I love about pleating to the sett - with a kiltmaker like Kathy the pleats are so well done it looks like I have the kilt on backwards. A tribute to her craftsmanship.

Bottom line, ask your kiltmaker and trust their judgement.

Ron

[kiltedsawyer]

I have to confess being somewhat "sett" in my ways................oh, keep the growning to yourself.

"Cheers"
David

[WARPIPER]

The sett is important. My Robertson Hunting was Pleated to stripe because the sett is so big it requires much more material to pleat to sett. Now when I get My red it will be to sett.