[denmcdough]

I'm rather new to the kilt thing...got my first one a month ago from SWK....Irish National. Not bad for the price. My question is: what do most folks prefer in length? I've read many sites that give top of knee, mid knee, and even one site said to the bottom of the knee - all are acceptable. Give me your thoughts! Personally, I like mine mid knee, and even a tad below.

I prefer mid-knee.

[Tobus]

"Correct" is top of the knee, but no longer than mid-knee. Wearing at the bottom of the knee is what the modern trend is going toward, but it's not traditional.

My own personal preference is the exact same. Top of the knee to mid-knee at the lowest. Longer than that, and it starts to look like a woman's skirt.

[wildrover]

Even mid-knee starts to look a little skirty to me. It really depends on what else you're wearing...if you're wearing a thrashed t-shirt, scrunched down socks, combat boots, and a bunch of metal on your arms and hands, then yeah...it might look good low.

However...my inclination every time I see a band member or someone obviously intending to dress up in their kilt, and their hem is riding low, I want to say "hey buddy, pull up your skirt!"

Show some knee, and you'll be fine. A kilt is not surf shorts.

(And bear in mind the guy saying the above has to pull his kilt up regularly since he's lost weight since measuring...I should move the strap!)

-Sean

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

Top of the knee prevents the pleats from sawing away at the back of your leg and rubbing it raw. The kilt survived due to its being worn by Highland infantry units, and was made to be worn long enough for modesty, but short enough to be comfortable on the march. Anything longer than top of knee (especially with hose worn pulled up to the bottom of the knee cap) just looks like a skirt.

[denmcdough]

Thanks, so far, for all the great information concerning kilt length. I realize that everyone has their own personal preference but, in reality, who sets the standard? Is this carved in stone? And will the kilt police grab you if you happen to wear your kilt "not up to everyone else's standard?" Hmm, just wondering. Funny how society dictates to us. If we listened to society, though, then why wear a kilt! Again, just some food for thought! Cheers! McD

[Chas]

I always find it amusing when people think that they are 'hip' and 'modern' and 'now' and 'with-it'. But all they are doing is following a trend set in motion by a little old man in Milan 18 months before.

Designer labels and follow the herd - no thanks. That's the reason to wear a kilt.

Regards

Chas

[bricekolob]

Originally Posted by denmcdough

I'm rather new to the kilt thing...got my first one a month ago from SWK....Irish National. Not bad for the price. My question is: what do most folks prefer in length? I've read many sites that give top of knee, mid knee, and even one site said to the bottom of the knee - all are acceptable. Give me your thoughts! Personally, I like mine mid knee, and even a tad below.

I agree with you. Atleast mid knee.

[Tobus]

Originally Posted by denmcdough

Thanks, so far, for all the great information concerning kilt length. I realize that everyone has their own personal preference but, in reality, who sets the standard? Is this carved in stone? And will the kilt police grab you if you happen to wear your kilt "not up to everyone else's standard?" Hmm, just wondering. Funny how society dictates to us. If we listened to society, though, then why wear a kilt! Again, just some food for thought! Cheers! McD

The "standard" is from centuries of tradition (some of which is actually a written military standard). That's where the kilt comes from. It's not exactly a new fashion that our culture has yet to define.

So while you're certainly free to wear it wherever you like, if you're wearing a traditional cultural garment, it would be advisable to at least know its roots and the customs associated with wearing it per that tradition. Whether you decide to follow tradition or not is another matter entirely.

There are no kilt police that will confiscate your kilt, assess fines, or make you go home and change if you don't wear it 'correctly'. But I'm sure the rest here can attest that there are undoubtedly people who will approach you and try to give you "advice" on how to wear it correctly. Some of them can even be downright rude. But as long as you're wearing it how YOU like, and you know as much as they do about what's "proper" so you can stick up for yourself, you're in good shape.

In the end, wear it however you want, and wear it proudly! There is plenty of room for personalized touches and individuality, whether you decide to stick with centuries-old tradition or not.

[Pleater]

If you are out in a kilt in wet weather then mid knee is the worst length - every step the edge of the kilt scrapes the back of your leg, or worse, gets caught as you bend your knee and either stops progress or is pulled out, eventually making your skin red raw.

If you stay inside when the weather is bad then it is no problem, whatever length you feel is right for your look.

Anne the Pleater