Brian K.

You are quite correct. How the tartan in the kilt is pleated has, as far as I am concerned, nothing to do with tradition. I just happen to think tartans pleated to the stripe look far too busy, to my eyes they look more like a string bead curtain and unnecessarily brash for civilian wear. Others are quite at liberty to think otherwise and no doubt the world will carry on spinning whatever we choose.

I have a feeling that you are correct with the suggestion that pleating to the stripe does seem to be more popular on your side of the Atlantic.