Of the Military (Kilt) Rise

[BoldHighlander]

I'm curious

My last kilt (a Newsome Box Pleat) had the standard 2" rise, however on the next kilt I have made in the future, I'm considering the so-called "Military Rise" (4").

I have two questions for those of the rabble who own such kilts:

a] what are the pros & cons (if any) of a kilt with a military rise?

b] if you have a picture of yourself wearing such a kilt, would you be kind enough to post it here?

Thanks in advance!

[Woodsheal]

Here are some highland soldiers in shirtsleeves showing how high the true military kilt rises - basically to your breastbone! Looks like they'd be nice and warm, covering the kidneys and all. Something I'm sure these poor lads serving in South Africa appreciated...!

[Macman]

Terry, I don't own one, but I used to wear one. What I would consider a "con" is that I think the figure looks slightly unbalanced when such a kilt is worn without a jacket/waistcoat. To my eye, the kilt with a 4" rise just looks too long on most bodies if only a shirt is worn.

[Wompet]

Here's the Hunting Stewart I sewed with a military waist:



As Macman noted, it does look a bit offbalance with just a shirt.
Extra height means extra warmth, which is a pro in winter and con in summer.

The extra height did allow me to try this (inspired by Matt Newsome's blog): the single strap kilt.

[JRB]

Terry, I don't own one, but I used to wear one. What I would consider a "con" is that I think the figure looks slightly unbalanced when such a kilt is worn without a jacket/waistcoat. To my eye, the kilt with a 4" rise just looks too long on most bodies if only a shirt is worn.

I agree. Without a jacket a military rise can make a oerson look like they have a disproportionately short torso. That wouldn't stop me from owning one, however.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

Unless you are contemplating recreating a Boer War soldier (complete with "trews" worn under the kilt) I'd suggest that the 4-inch rise is really a bit too much. It will look ghastly with a Prince Charlie coatee, and extremely awkward with a day wear jacket unless a waistcoat is also worn.

[JRB]

Unless you are contemplating recreating a Boer War soldier (complete with "trews" worn under the kilt) I'd suggest that the 4-inch rise is really a bit too much. It will look ghastly with a Prince Charlie coatee, and extremely awkward with a day wear jacket unless a waistcoat is also worn.

So, were the trews worn under the Boer War soldier's kilt the modern trouser-like type or were they the old style bias cut and tight?

[Big Mikey]

The following picture shows a "high rise" kilt worn with a makeshift PC. In most cases I would bow to M of Rs vastly superior knowledge but I must disagree that the gentleman shown looks "ghastly" inspite of some minor errors. (sporran a bit low and off-white hose)



This picture shows the same kilt without jacket and again, I can't see anything negative. I also admit that my eyes aren't what they used to be.



It is this fat, old man's opinion that mid to high rise kilts are the best fitting and the most flattering for gentlemen of substance.

[BoldHighlander]

Thank you for the replies gentlemen, I greatly appreciate it!

And for what its worth, I think you look great Big Mikey

[Stratherrick]

On gentlemen that are broader in the beam, I think a military rise looks good.

For us skinny 'uns, it's a bit of a stretch!

Slainte

Bruce