Dressin Detail Questions

[Cerebite]

Well I got my first 8 yd kilt today and now that I am putting it on [as is ones want ] I have some questions about minor details. I know that a lot of this will come down to personal preferences but I wanted to "hear" the consensus on "what is proper" or "looks right."

I read the thread last week about the "belt" loops, very informative and I loved Barb's explaination, so I didn't make that mistake .

1) How much of a "drop" should there be in the sporran?

2) How much of the flash should show below the turndown of the hose?

3) How much of the sgian dubh should show above the hose?

4) What is proper placement of the kilt pin on the apron [yes I already saw the lesson about not actually using it as a closure ]

5) Is there a trick to getting the Ghillie Brogue snug around the heel? Usually I get heel snugness by the knot in the laces on the arc of the foot which is not an option when Ghillie Brogues are tied correctly.

Thank you for your help and advice both future and in the past when you did not yet know you were giving it to me

[Arlen]

The general rule for the sporran is that it should be a hand's breadth beneath your belt.
The best way to judge it for your personal height, if this rule doesn't work, is to see that the sporran covers your 'self' with the bottom half.
The chains or strap should slope gently down. They shouldn't hang sharply down so that the sporran looks loose and sloppy.

With flashes it is your personal preference. I tend to think that about half of the flash sticking out from the fold over looks best.

For the sgian dubh it, again, depends on your height. I usually have about 1 1/2" sticking out of the top.

The kilt pin can go wherever you want. It has graduated down over time, so people tend to wear it at the bottom of the apron these days.
Some few people will wear it about a third or half of the way up.
Again, it is your preference.


As for ghillie brogues, I don't wear them. I wear more traditional buckle shoes for fancy occasions and regular dress shoes for anything else dressy.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

Arlen has answered 80% of your questions with 100% accuracy. Concerning the ghillie brogue question I put moleskin in the heels of mine to "snug" them up. You should be able to get moleskin at any shoe repair shop, or (possibly) from the Dr. Scholl's rack at your local pharmacy.

[DTrain]

I agree with Arlen on his advice. I would expound on the length of sgian showing out of the hose: make sure the sheath is completely concealed within the hose. The length and diameter of the handle of a sgian dubh varies, so "show" as much handle as is comfortable. Generally, keep the top of the handle below the knee.

[Chef]

Arlen and MacMillan have steered you correctly. I might have a bit more sgian dubh sticking out but a lot depends on what you have.

[Livingston]

come to the kilt night next month and you'll see as many opinions on those questions as kilties that show up. Basically, Arlen has stated the basic answer for your questions. Everyone will fudge a little one way or another to get the look they are comfortable with AND looks good.

[Cerebite]

Thanks for the replies guys.

Your answers are jiving with my "gut" feel, particularly the sporran height

The flashes in particular seemed long [about 3/4 showing] on my legs. This set is 7.5 in. from top to swallow tails which seems to me to be longer.

Some of my issue with the Brogues is that I usually have to buy a size to a size and a half large to accomidate my wide feet. I knew I was getting the correct size as I have some Singapore specification [aka UK sized] Doc Martins that fit great. I already have Dr Scholls in them and may add some "stuff" in the toe to push my foot into the heel. BTW these are "piper" brogues so I can do more hiking and walking in them.

[beloitpiper]

Some of my issue with the Brogues is that I usually have to buy a size to a size and a half large to accomidate my wide feet. I knew I was getting the correct size as I have some Singapore specification [aka UK sized] Doc Martins that fit great. I already have Dr Scholls in them and may add some "stuff" in the toe to push my foot into the heel. BTW these are "piper" brogues so I can do more hiking and walking in them.

Gillie brogues, in my opinion, look like a relic of the Victoria age that should've stayed there. For dressy or formal events I always wear buckled shoes or standard brogues (with tongues).

[McClef]

Gillie brogues, in my opinion, look like a relic of the Victoria age that should've stayed there. For dressy or formal events I always wear buckled shoes or standard brogues (with tongues).

Well I for one like them!

But it's one of those things that is down to the personal preference factor.

[Darkislander]

The brogues are still given as standard at kilt hire shops here in Scotland. The only thing that has changed recently is the style of tie worn.