First time in a kilt - Questions

**sorcererdale** · 26th February 06, 10:50 AM

My wife likes my kilt to cover my knees as she said I have bad and knobby looking knees. My two kilts (utilikilts) hang just below my knees. I think part of that could be solved when I buy a 2 1/2 inch wide belt. Right now the kilts hang lower because of the narrow belt I only have for use now.

But I do get compliments on my calves from women who many say I have nice legs, wither with the socks or no socks!

DALE.

Originally Posted by Hamish

Ron,

I think you have pretty much had your questions answered by our kilted brethren (and female admirer!) but there is an increasingly noticeable, but as yet only slight, difference in what is 'right' in the USA and what is 'right' in Scotland (and other traditional kilt-wearing countries). Anyway, here is my sixpennyworth:

<<SNIP>>

2. The bottom edge of the kilt is supposed to be mid knee?

Certainly no lower than this. Hiding the knees makes the kilt look 'skirty'. Ideally, the kilt should reach the top of your kneecap. If, however, you are wearing it casually, say for walking or hiking, then it is perfectly in order to wear it an inch or two higher so that it does not rub against the back of your knees as you walk or climb.

<<BIG SNIP>>

I hope I have not been too severe with my comments, but you did ask! On the whole, you look very good indeed and not only does the kilt suit you, but you suit it. You do not tell us if you get to keep these great outfits, but I hope you do and, if so, it would be worthwhile having the sleeves adjusted slightly so that a little shirt cuff shows.

**Blu (Ontario)** · 26th February 06, 05:16 PM

Originally Posted by sorcererdale

My wife likes my kilt to cover my knees as she said I have bad and knobby looking knees....

You can gently inform your significant other that there are responsibilities associated with the wearing of the kilt. And there are general rules of thumb (and Hamish) that override what wives think.

Kidding aside, there are some subtleties associated with wearing the kilt that have developed and evolved over the last 200 years... something I believe shouldn't be ignored. And while there are no kilt police to tap you on the shoulder and critisize the errors we make, it's always better to know and understand the rules before you break them.

There isn't a single member here, that didn't strap on a kilt for the first time and ask all the questions you're asking. In short order, you will adapt a style, based on an understanding of the rules but adapted to suit your style in a meaningful way. Best of all... the learning curve is short, and alot of fun.

blu

**Shay** · 26th February 06, 05:21 PM

I'm rollin' my eyes over here...

Ask her if you can criticize something about her, then. That should be okay, right?

Yeesh.

**ronstew** · 26th February 06, 07:48 PM

The reason for trying on Dad's kilt is that I may (I reckon 10% probability) have occassion to wear a kilt in a formal setting in a few months. I am welcome to borrow Dad's clothes. Many people at said event will be Canadian Forces personnel who know how a kilt is worn. If I wanted a custom tailored kilt, I would have to order it right away. A complicating factor is the fact that I have lost five pounds this year, and hope to lose 35 more by Christmas.

So, what big picture things have I learned from this trial and thread?

1. xmarksthescot.com is populated by some helpful, friendly and funny people.

2. Kilt fit is more important than I had guessed.

3. Borrowing Dad's kilt (yes, he does want it back) is not going to be satisfactory. A kilt that is too big is uncomfortable.

4. If this event does occur, I am going to rent a Hunting Stewart outfit.

5. When I hit my weight target and have held it for a while, I am going to buy some Highland clothing.

6. No belt loops on this kilt, but when I order one it will have loops.

7. Hamish thinks my favorite necktie is ghastly. Nobody else seems to like it much, either.

8. Hose, flash, sgian dubh and necktie position matter, but are easy to get right.

9. North American women - like my wife - seem to prefer the kilt worn lower than is traditional.

10. I could get my Dad a day-wear sporran and/or belt for Christmas.

11. I should completely forget about how I wear trousers when putting on a traditional kilt.

12. Waistcoat or belt, not both.

13. I like writing lists.

So, thanks all for the reponses. I'll chew on this all for a while.