Kilt too Short... Apparently

[Tobus]

The sporran hanging open was a nice touch, I think. But I can't laugh too hard. Anyone who has worn a cantle sporran has likely had it pop open at some point without realising it. I know I have, anyway.

[rinfrance]

Thing is that like many other things clothing evolves. Many years ago ladies dresses hit the floor, so are the mini dresses of today no longer dresses (no pun intended). The army stopped having kilts below the knee in the 20'-40's as the newer so called clean wools absorbed water and then froze causing damage to the wearers calves so cut them shorter. So it seems to comply with the two ladies we should be wearing uncleaned wool that is full of the sheep oils, and have it below the knee as per mid 1800's. Sorry I live a bit later that that. like in the 2000's!

[Jock Scot]

Thing is that like many other things clothing evolves. Many years ago ladies dresses hit the floor, so are the mini dresses of today no longer dresses (no pun intended). The army stopped having kilts below the knee in the 20'-40's as the newer so called clean wools absorbed water and then froze causing damage to the wearers calves so cut them shorter. So it seems to comply with the two ladies we should be wearing uncleaned wool that is full of the sheep oils, and have it below the knee as per mid 1800's. Sorry I live a bit later that that. like in the 2000's!

Well, yes and no. It depends on whether you are talking about the modern "utility style" kilts and attire, or the contemporary styles of kilts and attire, or the traditional style of kilts and attire, or the hire style of kilts and attire, or the historical style of kilts and attire.

The first two groups mentioned, then fashions do move rather quickly. The traditional style and attire where wearing ones kilt to best effect is the foundation of that particular style and interestingly, the hire style of kilt and attire then fashions tend to move at a slower pace. Are there fashions in historical kilt attire? I think this style is governed more by the time in history that one is involved in and even there kilt height seems pretty consistent.

[LKM]

Looking at the kilt length are you adjusting for the parallax effect of the camera being higher than the top of the knees. If the kilt is an inch or two away from the knee and the camera is shorting in a downward direction the bottom of the kilt would look lower then it actually is.

Yes, I know how camera angles can make a difference in such things and I can see that neither man has the kilt at the top of the knee. Looking at the image I would say that it was taken by someone about the height of the height of the man on the right of the frame. The man on the left of the frame has his kilt just under mid knee as can be seen by his right knee touching the him of his kilt (look at the shadowing and you can see this), while the man in the sweater on the right of the frame has his hanging much lower and it appears to be sitting low on his waist, almost to the jeans waist. If someone only knows the kilt length to be below mid knee then they would think that a kilt at the top of the knee would be short.

I have used camera angles, light balance, apertures, focus points and other adjustments several times to add effects to images. If the camera angle is lower a person can look taller and the image more dramatic while a higher angle can make someone look shorter. Color balance can change how we see temperature in am image with slightly more or less red giving the impression of hotter day or colder day. Aperture and focus point can be used for several different effects. The list goes on...

[Tobus]

The army stopped having kilts below the knee in the 20'-40's as the newer so called clean wools absorbed water and then froze causing damage to the wearers calves so cut them shorter.

I'm not aware of military kilts being worn below the knee in WWI or earlier (photo evidence tends to indicate the opposite), or there being any change in kilt lengths due to changes in wool.

Do our forum historians have any input on this?

[Macseobang]

Regarding kilt belts (for those asking). I usually find that any shop or web site selling kilts offers some selection of belts. Most are eager to sell the shiny "plate" buckles we see worn with formal evening attire, but I have not had trouble finding regular "daywear" belts with the spike buckle.

Most leatherworkers who make sporrans also produce very high quality belts, with your choice of colors and designs. My own belt was purchased from such a source, who is unfortunately not actively open for business any more.

I have checked every american kilt selling website that I am aware of and there was not one that sells a day wear kilt belt with an attached spike buckle. So if anybody has a link or can recommend a place to buy a day wear kilt belt, let me know. I'm open to purchasing from some kind of leather worker but I probably don't want to spend more than $50 - $60. I may look into tool belts in the meantime.

[tokareva]

I have checked every american kilt selling website that I am aware of and there was not one that sells a day wear kilt belt with an attached spike buckle. So if anybody has a link or can recommend a place to buy a day wear kilt belt, let me know. I'm open to purchasing from some kind of leather worker but I probably don't want to spend more than $50 - $60. I may look into tool belts in the meantime.

I was having the same trouble not long ago, and still am really, got this one from Centauer designs. I can't really recommend it however because the leather is cheap particle leather, it is very thick "leather" though.

http://www.centaurdesign.co.uk/highl...ete-kilt-belts



L and M Highland has this one that I like, just not crazy about the roller buckle.

[Manu]

I have checked every american kilt selling website that I am aware of and there was not one that sells a day wear kilt belt with an attached spike buckle. So if anybody has a link or can recommend a place to buy a day wear kilt belt, let me know. I'm open to purchasing from some kind of leather worker but I probably don't want to spend more than $50 - $60. I may look into tool belts in the meantime.

I went on Amazon and bought a 1.75" Brown leather belt with snaps to add a buckle. I then searched for the buckle separately and got a nice brass simple spike buckle to attach to it. I think total cost was about $25. Im sure you can find 2" belts and wider if you prefer it.

[Holcombe Thomas]

For those in the United States, Tandy Leather (tandyleather.com) has belt blanks and buckles. You might find what you need there.

The company also has stores, as well, but not nearly as many as it once had.

I've no connection with Tandy whatsoever, save as a very occasional customer.

Holcombe

[Bruce Scott]

I have checked every american kilt selling website that I am aware of and there was not one that sells a day wear kilt belt with an attached spike buckle. So if anybody has a link or can recommend a place to buy a day wear kilt belt, let me know. I'm open to purchasing from some kind of leather worker but I probably don't want to spend more than $50 - $60. I may look into tool belts in the meantime.

Sam Browne style "Duty Belts" may also be worth a look.

https://www.google.com/search?client...aca1nA#imgrc=_



Boston Leather offers a choice of black or brown leather with either brass or silver buckles.

http://www.bostonleather.com/product...ned-2-1-4-wide