Belting the Plaid: How'd They Do It??

[Nighthawk]

Would sewing in the pleats or attaching belt loops not take away from the versatility of the kilt if this was an item of clothing that could be used as a shelter, bag, etc.? I can see how gathering the pleats in a similar fashion on a daily basis would create natural creases/pleats in the wool (not to mention that I highly doubt they were washed all that often).
I tend to favor the thought that the paintings show more of a "staged" and formal wearing of the kilt than a representation of how the average Scot would have wrapped and worn it. My outdoor gear/garb certainly hangs and fits differently than a suit.

In the case of belt loops, I don't see where it would detract from the functionality at all. All you would have to do is remove the belt from the loops. Sewn in pleats, on the other hand, would change things a lot. I personally have a long plaid that I use to sleep under when at reenactments. That actually works really well, and is more versatile than a great kilt- wee kilt with a long plaid, I mean.