Kilt length

[Monkey@Arms]

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.

Yeah, and from that accounts I've read here, that type more often than not is usually wrong. I listen to people like Matt Newsome, and Dr. Fiddes when I'm looking for a "correct" answer. If you haven't already, check out the resources linked to here: http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/s...679/index.html

Best regards,

Jake

[thescot]

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.

Hear hear.

I dont really think the modern trend is to wear it longer; it appears that some younger fellow wear theirs longer, but that's not necessarily a universal trend. The fact is, a long kilt doesn't look too good and it's not very comfortable in the long run. (Try doing some serious walking and/or hiking with that wool rubbing the backs of your legs for a couple of hours.)

I woould strongly recommend the top of the knee cap. No one will think it odd, but lower will bring about a few thoughts if not comments.

Few things look worse than a kilt worn long, especially below the knee. Although very long "shorts" (which end up not being "short") or the pants waist below the butt come awfully close.

[Squeaky McMurdo]

Here's some anecdotal (and humorous) wisdom for kilt length:

Above the knee, you're a Boy
At the knee, you're a Man
Below the knee, you're a Liar!


--Chelsea McMurdo--

[Jack Daw]

No longer than mid-knee; no higher than 1/4" over the top of the knee. If its on top of the knee, I feel like I'm wearing a mini-skirt.

[WClarkB]

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.

Two thumbs up!

It is the connection to the kilt as a traditional garment that makes it a kilt. If one is wanting to wear fishnet and lycra, one is certainly free to do that;but then it kinda violently molests the concept if you call it a kilt. I presume you were interested in what IS a kilt properly (which can be accomplished) rather than the definition of what might in some minds (and dicey territory that is at times) be called a kilt:ootd:.

[WClarkB]

No longer than mid-knee; no higher than 1/4" over the top of the knee. If its on top of the knee, I feel like I'm wearing a mini-skirt.

Hmmmmm, you have much experience in wearing mini-skirts?

[denmcdough]

Wow!...being new to this site, I can see where some folks can get pretty po'ed about kilt talk. All I wanted was a short and to the point answer, not a history lesson or to be lectured to. Everyone is entitled to their feelings about the kilt, but some seem a bit TOO opinionated. Chill!!! It's only a piece of cloth! I'm sure someone will want to tell me how to wear my kilt, and I find mid knee to be appropriate for ME! Period!!! Anyway, thanks for chiming in!!! Kilt on >>>>>>>>>>>

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

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?

Military regulations set the standard. The kilt is, ultimately, an item of military apparel that has been adopted as the national attire of Scotland. That being the case the correct length of the kilt, for soldiers and civilians alike, is to the top of the knee.

Is this carved in stone?

No, something even more permanent: Queen's Regulations.

[Monkey@Arms]

Military regulations set the standard. The kilt is, ultimately, an item of military apparel that has been adopted as the national attire of Scotland. That being the case the correct length of the kilt, for soldiers and civilians alike, is to the top of the knee.No, something even more permanent: Queen's Regulations.

Wow, I didn't know when I bought a kilt as a civilian I had signed on to follow the Queen's military regs! Do you personally administer the floggings for violators?

Best regards,

Jake

[Tobus]

All I wanted was a short and to the point answer, not a history lesson or to be lectured to.

In all fairness, the question did open itself to history (especially since you did ask where the standard came from). Again, the kilt is a garment with centuries of tradition, regulations, and culture attached to it. When you ask a question about how people prefer to wear it, it's sort of obvious that people are going to answer with the tradition, regulations, and culture.