Quote Originally Posted by vorpallemur View Post
I'm under the impression that many kilts have been made to use the full width of the fabric, selvage to selvage. Unless the wearer is quite tall, if the bottom is worn above the knee, that's going to give quite a high rise, even with narrow hand-woven fabrics. The advantages are that it's less work to make: you don't need a waistband to keep the top from coming apart, and if you're feeling thrifty, you can take it apart and remake it should your size change, or when it gets worn at the bottom edge.

For proper function, the kilt only needs to extend a half inch or so above the waist of the wearer.
Don't forget in the Highlands "thrift" was a necessity, choice was not an option for most, until very recently. It was not unusual for the kilt apron to be reversed after years of use, to give it another generation or three of life.