Kilt length

[Tobus]

Thanks, so far, for all the great information concerning kilt length. I realize that everyone has their own personal preference but, in reality, who sets the standard? Is this carved in stone? And will the kilt police grab you if you happen to wear your kilt "not up to everyone else's standard?" Hmm, just wondering. Funny how society dictates to us. If we listened to society, though, then why wear a kilt! Again, just some food for thought! Cheers! McD

The "standard" is from centuries of tradition (some of which is actually a written military standard). That's where the kilt comes from. It's not exactly a new fashion that our culture has yet to define.

So while you're certainly free to wear it wherever you like, if you're wearing a traditional cultural garment, it would be advisable to at least know its roots and the customs associated with wearing it per that tradition. Whether you decide to follow tradition or not is another matter entirely.

There are no kilt police that will confiscate your kilt, assess fines, or make you go home and change if you don't wear it 'correctly'. But I'm sure the rest here can attest that there are undoubtedly people who will approach you and try to give you "advice" on how to wear it correctly. Some of them can even be downright rude. But as long as you're wearing it how YOU like, and you know as much as they do about what's "proper" so you can stick up for yourself, you're in good shape.

In the end, wear it however you want, and wear it proudly! There is plenty of room for personalized touches and individuality, whether you decide to stick with centuries-old tradition or not.

[Pleater]

If you are out in a kilt in wet weather then mid knee is the worst length - every step the edge of the kilt scrapes the back of your leg, or worse, gets caught as you bend your knee and either stops progress or is pulled out, eventually making your skin red raw.

If you stay inside when the weather is bad then it is no problem, whatever length you feel is right for your look.

Anne the Pleater :ootd:

[SMOKEnPipesJim]

The standard kilt is designed so that the top waist belt should be worn above the belly button or true natural waist when your measured for a kilt by anyone who knows this is were the "mark" the waist this leaves the bottom of the kilt, Normally<, above the kneecap and the hose or hosetops would be folded over just below the bone that protrudes outboard and below the kneecap, the flash marking 1st the bone for hieght and also as a guide for how they face ... forward of sideways while baggies and board shorts and droopy ghetto fashion tends to force younger folks to believe they're waist is just below the pubic bone it is simply not true.... kilts worn too Low ie below the knee end up looking nearly as stupid as the inner city BBall teams who think its fashion to wear socks that at taller then the shorts they wear or wear they're shorts as above mentioned Bands seem to have issues with younger members that dont understand that they reflect poorly on the whole group if they don't dress properly ... I know If it happened I was taking a group of band members into the circle at any level I would hold out a poorly decked out member even if they were the best musician because often the judges are old school very old school

anyway...

[Monkey@Arms]

But I'm sure the rest here can attest that there are undoubtedly people who will approach you and try to give you "advice" on how to wear it correctly.

Yeah, and from that accounts I've read here, that type more often than not is usually wrong. I listen to people like Matt Newsome, and Dr. Fiddes when I'm looking for a "correct" answer. If you haven't already, check out the resources linked to here: http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/s...679/index.html

Best regards,

Jake

[denmcdough]

Wow!...being new to this site, I can see where some folks can get pretty po'ed about kilt talk. All I wanted was a short and to the point answer, not a history lesson or to be lectured to. Everyone is entitled to their feelings about the kilt, but some seem a bit TOO opinionated. Chill!!! It's only a piece of cloth! I'm sure someone will want to tell me how to wear my kilt, and I find mid knee to be appropriate for ME! Period!!! Anyway, thanks for chiming in!!! Kilt on >>>>>>>>>>>

[WClarkB]

The "standard" is from centuries of tradition (some of which is actually a written military standard). That's where the kilt comes from. It's not exactly a new fashion that our culture has yet to define.

Two thumbs up!

It is the connection to the kilt as a traditional garment that makes it a kilt. If one is wanting to wear fishnet and lycra, one is certainly free to do that;but then it kinda violently molests the concept if you call it a kilt. I presume you were interested in what IS a kilt properly (which can be accomplished) rather than the definition of what might in some minds (and dicey territory that is at times) be called a kilt:ootd:.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

Thanks, so far, for all the great information concerning kilt length. I realize that everyone has their own personal preference but, in reality, who sets the standard?

Military regulations set the standard. The kilt is, ultimately, an item of military apparel that has been adopted as the national attire of Scotland. That being the case the correct length of the kilt, for soldiers and civilians alike, is to the top of the knee.

Is this carved in stone?

No, something even more permanent: Queen's Regulations.

[Monkey@Arms]

Military regulations set the standard. The kilt is, ultimately, an item of military apparel that has been adopted as the national attire of Scotland. That being the case the correct length of the kilt, for soldiers and civilians alike, is to the top of the knee.No, something even more permanent: Queen's Regulations.

Wow, I didn't know when I bought a kilt as a civilian I had signed on to follow the Queen's military regs! Do you personally administer the floggings for violators?

Best regards,

Jake

[bricelythgoe]

I'm rather new to the kilt thing...got my first one a month ago from SWK....Irish National. Not bad for the price. My question is: what do most folks prefer in length? I've read many sites that give top of knee, mid knee, and even one site said to the bottom of the knee - all are acceptable. Give me your thoughts! Personally, I like mine mid knee, and even a tad below. ith:

I agree with you. Atleast mid knee.

[Jack Daw]

No longer than mid-knee; no higher than 1/4" over the top of the knee. If its on top of the knee, I feel like I'm wearing a mini-skirt.