problems with the top half

[randyrandy]

Yup... what they said.

[Moose McLennan]

Thanks for the tips!

Tucked in is fine with me (always, with shirts) - and I always thought the convention with T's and especially polos was untucked. Sweaters or waistcoats untucked too, obviously. It's just difficult finding something short enough for on top, in waist to hip length

Now I just wish I hadn't thrown out my old jeans jacket years ago!

The rise on my kilt is just too high to look good on its own I fear, at 2" above my navel. Might just go for the shirt (tucked in, don't worry) and black suede waistcoat on top.

M.

[billmcc]

The rise on my kilt is just too high to look good on its own I fear, at 2" above my navel.

A traditional kilt should be worn with a 2-inch rise above the navel. (A military kilt is worn even higher.) If the top of your kilt looks too high, it may be your belt isn't wide enough. A Scottish kilt looks best with a 2-inch or wider belt.

[Riverkilt]

Here's an example Moose,

Hope the pic comes out, its from another thread.



I don't know that any of us would have come up with this look on our own, but it works...heavy cable knit sweater, fishing vest to replace the sporran, with tartan kilt, no belt.

Point is, you can explore and find a LOT of different looks to go with your kilts.

Ron

[Tartan Hiker]

Lots of good advice here so far, but let me reiterate the suggestion of the wide belt. It makes a world of difference in the look regardless of the height of the wearer.

[Moose McLennan]

Sorry for just the back view, but my camera ran out of juice!

The back of the kilt is much nicer anyway, and I have a horseshoe shaped handbag of Mrs M's as a "travel sporran" on the front. An error of judgement methinks. You can use the bookcases for scale if you want I'm not a big bloke.

You have so much good advice, thanks all again!

Cheers
M.

[HeathBar]

The outfit looks OK to me(from the back at least). The only problem I see is that the kilt is "tilted". Its riding higher on your right hip.
Also...
From that angle, you look like a giant!

[Moose McLennan]

...the kilt is "tilted". Its riding higher on your right hip.
Also...
From that angle, you look like a giant!

Thanks HeathBar, I don't hear that very often!
My Danish brother-in-law is 6'8", and he's the smallest of his his brothers and sisters. Yes, you heard right, and sisters. That is one tall lady.

5'6" is TINY here.

Oddly enough it wasn't out of the ordinary in Scotland. I read a theory once about the huge Scottish losses in WW1. Soldiers had to be at least 5'4" - and the gene pool just took a long time to recupurate. Before that, Scots were the tallest nationality in Europe.

I have readjusted the kilt... ...it's not squint, that's the SWAY (hey hey).
Took the dog for a walk earlier on, my first German public outing (apart from my wedding) with kilt. Brilliant! It felt so good and the kilt moves like a dream. I'm converted (as if I ever needed to be).

BTW, it is an odd kilt (to me at least) since it only has straps on one side. The inner apron is held on by the fit, not by a second strap. Sits fine though.

Cheers
M.

[Ruanaidh]

You can use the bookcases for scale if you want I'm not a big bloke.

If your legs are long enough to reach the floor you're the right heighth.

[Hamish]

I am sorry to be coming late to this thread, Moose.

With regard to your worries and concerns regarding your height and the positioning of your kilt: I'll reiterate what most others have said - please wear your shirts tucked in. To look its best, as much of the kilt as possible should be seen!

I'll also go along with the recommendation that the wearing of a broad kilt belt (2" minimum - 2½" is ideal) helps to visually lower the waistband.

If you are still worried that you appear to be 'all kilt and no shirt', take a page from Bubba's book and wear a loose fitting waistcoat over the shirt. The effect he achieves with that accessory is just right - the vertical lines of the waistcoat draw the eye from the horizontal line of the kilt's waistband to perfection.

I frequently wear an all-leather waistcoat with my kilts - our good friends at Union Kilts (www.unionkilts.com) produce the perfect one - masses of pockets so that you don't NEED to wear a sporran, and in the softest black leather you can imagine. Honestly, no kilt-wearer should be without a leather waistcoat!