Kilt too Short... Apparently

[Arnot]

In the last couple of weeks I have had two women tell me that my kilt was too short. One was probably in her eighties, the other was either late forties or maybe into her fifties. My kilts come to the top of the knee, right where I make them to go. Not too short.

The older woman said that it was too short and she should know as she was from Ayrshire.

The younger one said that it was too short and she apparently knew best as she said that she has Scottish heritage. She spoke with a Northwest English accent so that might or might not be true. She began to explain that thing about the kilt should touch the floor when kneeling. I told her that I was a kiltmaker and that I knew to what she was referring, but that I didn't do it that way. I got the impression that she didn't believe me (because of my American accent probably). She continued on so she could be right.

I didn't go into any more detail about why my kilt wasn't too short. Some people can't be told. I have come across people like this before, but never as close together as this.

How often doe this happen to others of the rabble?

[LKM]

I have heard different opinions on kilt length: top of the knee, mid knee, bottom of the knee... I don't know if there is a consensus or if part of the debate is regional fashion when wearing a kilt.

At festivals I have on numerous occasions found myself talking to the sales people to see if the kilts they have a kilt long enough for my 6'5" tall self. The "standard" 22 or 24 inch drop does not work for some of us.

[Jock Scot]

I just love it when Lowlanders and non Scots come up with those sorts of comments!

I hear it about once or twice a year, from non locals. Its amazing to me that people from parts of the world that have historically had nothing to do with the Highland kilt and in fact have been, up to recently, quite hostile to it, on occasion, have all of a sudden become experts on kilt attire. Frankly, I don't know whether to laugh or cry.

Without I hope labouring the point, I do wonder if its partly due to the influence of the kilt hire fashion mentality at work outwith the Highlands of Scotland.

[Arnot]

Without I hope labouring the point, I do wonder if its partly due to the influence of the kilt hire fashion mentality at work outwith the Highlands of Scotland.

Funny you should say that as I did mention the kilt hire industry as where the younger woman might have gotten the idea.

[Holcombe Thomas]

No expert here, but I prefer top of the knee. That way, if the kilt eases its way down a bit over the course of the day, it will still be at an acceptable mid-knee level. Bottom of the knee or lower and it just doesn't look good.

Holcombe

[Friday]

This is always a touchy subject. It is easy to find historical pictures that show the kilt being worn from below the knee to well above the knee. I can remember seeing a paining of two Highland officers walking across a park where their kilts were well above the knee. In addition, there are pictures of Prince Edward (before becoming king) where his kilt is below the knee.

In my humble opinion, what is the "correct" length is basically a point of fashion (driven by regimental regulations). Personally I feel the to the top of the knee is two short for me and normally wear mine at the mid-knee. However, because of my 24 pack abs (pot belly) my kilt hem seem to travel south a number of times during the day.

[Nomad]

You think that's bad, I have the argument with my wife, who states that all of the people/pictures she sees are not as short as my kilt at the top of the knee.

"Oh so you are right and all of the others, many who are Scottish are wrong" is often her argument, if I'm being nice I'll just say yes, if she really pushes it I tell her to go forth and procreate (not very nice but she sometimes deserves it). This is typically followed by I'm as much Scottish as you ( we both have English dads and scots mothers) my answer being "yes but I was born and grew up in Scotland" and whilst it may not make a difference with some it certainly has with you.

People often wonder how we argue so much and have remained married for 30 years, I guess the answer is that we both like a good argument.

I have given in a bit and my next kilt will be mid knee, still too short she cried, I could have answered "gan and bile yer heed" but she wouldn't have got it. Mine will never come below mid knee as I'm a short **** with an inside leg of 29" and I don't think it looks good on me if any lower. Plus I wouldn't like to deprive the ladies at work who appreciate my legs, maybe that's the wife's real problem.

[Macman]

I wear mine at the top of the kneecap, and sometimes even a bit higher. I was at a Burns Supper when the English wife of a bandmate came over and said in a snappy tone: "Your kilt is way too short; it looks like a skirt." It happens sometimes. People have many different ideas as to how a kilt should be worn, and sometimes they feel the need to give unsolicited advice. After fifty years, I'd like to say that I'm used to it, but I'm not. It's a good thing it doesn't happen very often.

[KMCMICHAEL]

I never get any comments at all but it’s my kilt and I will wear it on my head if I like. All of mine hit mid knee even the utilities. Some of them I wear a little lower on the waist to accomplish this but i do not like it when it hits the top of my calf when walking.

[Arnot]

I never get any comments at all but it’s my kilt and I will wear it on my head if I like. All of mine hit mid knee even the utilities. Some of them I wear a little lower on the waist to accomplish this but i do not like it when it hits the top of my calf when walking.

I agree. Wear it how you like. The main issue is the "unsolicited advice" mentioned by Macman. Their delivery usually comes across as a bit superior as well. They aren't, though. If you let them go on for a minute, their actual lack of knowledge will come out.