My first kilt.

[Planopiper]

Part of what keeps this stuff interesting is the varying opinions. Here’s my own take on it. You can see some pics of me dressed for formal occasions at www.planopiper.tk.

1) is the belt supposed to go through the belt loops, I ask because it does not seem like it would fit.
If your kilt is a traditional one, then those may or may not be beltloops in the back. Either way, they should be plenty big for any belt, so if you think they may be too small then I wonder if your kilt is a modern variation. Those sometimes have smaller beltloops meant for a regular belt. Since you’re asking about how to dress for a fairly formal event, traditional standards apply. The kilt belt should be worn with the top edge along the top edge of the kilt, so no tartan shows above the belt. In that case the belt can’t go through the loops because that would put it too low. On the other hand, with a formal jacket like you’re talking about, no belt should be worn. The kilt should fit well enough to stay up without a belt.

2) the sporran seems a little short right?
The sporran was originally worn to the side, which makes sense to anyone who thinks about it for a minute. It’s my understanding that it was moved to the front in Victorian times for modesty’s sake, to cover any bulge in the front of the kilt. With that in mind, position the sporran accordingly.

3) am I supposed to fold the hose back, if so how far?
Typically the hose are long enough to be folded over once or twice at the top. I like about a 3 inch fold. The top should be just above the swelling of the calf, or a few inches below the knee. If they’re too short to fold back and still keep the height, then don’t fold them. The fold will be less apparent than the height, so the height gets priority. In your picure they're a little too high. Some people think white hose are better for formal dress, some prefer colored hose. Off white is never formal.

4) How far is the kilt supposed to drop? My wife likes the current length but I thought it was supposed to be shorter.
For myself, I think the kilt looks better when it comes just above the knee. I used to think differently, and there are many other opinions about it. The top of the kilt should be very high, at least up to your navel. The position at the top is less important than the position at the bottom because it’s less obvious. In the picture of me on the front page my kilt has slipped down about an inch because I’ve been playing for a while and it’s settled. I should have tightened the straps a little bit.

[munnin]

First I would like to say thank you for all the help. I would have been lost without this board, and its easy to forget to say thanks.

Second I will be more specific about the kilt:

Affordable Royal Stewart Kilt #16137

Semi Dress Sporrans #16151

Embossed Piper Kilt Belt + Thistle Buckle #16221

As you can see this Kilt is part of their affordable line rather than a traditional kilt. Looking at the pictures on kiltmart I can see that the belts are not put through the. I think that with the side strap pulled tight it should stay up without the assistance of the large, and apparently for appearance only belt.

I cannot envision wearing the kilt with no belt, cumber bun or vest. Some how that seems like it would look wrong, but then I guess I am just use to wearing a belt with pants. Should I again start pushing for a vest?

I am glad to hear the sporran is about right since its on the last available loop. I may still have a problem though since the sporran is also not currently though the belt loops either, should it be?

I think I will keep the kilt at about mid knee since that will require no alteration to the kilt and once I get the hose folded down correctly it will look closer to correct.

Thank you
Paul Wilson

[munnin]

I realize that we went with some inexpensive options which won’t be traditional. The decision was made that having a unified look and allowing the groom to look slightly better was the way to go. As it is the Groom already has to pay for one of the groomsmen’s outfit. From here I am just trying to get it to look as nice as I possible.

I will definitely retry the kilt tonight to get it sorted out. We currently do not have flashes, should we?

BTW: both my wife and my 6 year old daughter like the outfit.

Thanks again
Paul Wilson

[cavscout]

I would not worry about the belt loops unless you have a problem keeping the belt in place.

To be truely formal I believe you should wear a vest. But I would not go get a vest for this since you already have a belt. Wear the belt, it will look just fine.

Here is a dark grainey pic of the outfit I wore to a wedding

http://community.webshots.com/photo/...69831397rvWYBz

Without the vest I feel the eye needs the belt to break up the long void down the center of the body from the tie to the sporran. The buttons on the vest serve this purpose very well as well as obsuring the straight line where the shirt and kilt meet. You would still have this line with the belt but for some reason the belt and buckle help it look better.

I also found this link on formal scottish wear

http://articles.pointshop.com/music/56019.php

I can't vouch for it's accuracy but I read nothing in it that was blaringly incorrect.

As is your outfit looks fine, but since you wanted to tweek it a bit thiese are just suggestions of my preference. Wear the kilt and have a great time!

[Norbydog]

I got rave reviews for this look (mainly from people on this forum). I know this isn't exactly as formal as you will be, but this pic shows kilt height, sock fold, sporran height, and belt placement. Also, I run the sporran chain or strap through the belt loops on the kilt, and the belt over the belt loops.

Just keep in mind, if there are other kilted people there, they will help you with any last minute details. If not, they won't notice little imperfects in how you are dressed. The kilt itself will steal the show.

In regards to flashes....think of them as a little extra bling. Not a necessity, but really make you look sharp, and bring the whole ensemble together.