Kilt Length

[Blu (Ontario)]

... a person in that area would have to wear whatever cloth was available. It could be adjusted a little bit by tucking into the belt, but not much. So, on one person it might fall right at his knees, but a shorter person might have it hit mid-calf, and a taller person might have it hit somewhere on his thigh.

Interesting speculation. However, while your analysis may seem like sound logic, I don't think I have ever seen a historic painting or reference to a kilt being worn mid calf. If anything, kilts are shown at mid knee or top of the knee. Great kilts are shown even shorter. Long kilts seem to be a recent thing... possibly stemming from male insecurity about showing off their legs. (speculation in my part.) Utilikilt wearers seem quite notorious for long kilts.

IMHO kilts look best striking the top of the kneecap. Mid kneecap gives a bit more formal look. With no knee showing, the kilt somehow starts to loose that "kilt" look. Kilts that are mid calf look just as wrong as those that are mid thigh. I've seen both.

As far as when kilt length was established... tought to say. But the Scots have got this issue right over a very long time. Why mess with a good thing.

blu