Kilt length

[Paul Henry]

I wear the kilt because I like it, I choose to wear the kilt so it falls just above the knee. That has absolutely nothing to do with military regulations, it's the way I like it and it works for me.
Military regulations have no standing or authority on civilian attire. If you are subject to rules in a group or club or organisation it's best that you follow their rules, outside of those you choose your own style , and make your own decisions......

[denmcdough]

Paul Henry, cheers to you!

I especially like your answer the best!

[Monkey@Arms]

Paul Henry, cheers to you!

I especially like your answer the best!

Just you wait, those floggings will beat that independent spirit out of you.

Best regards,

Jake

[denmcdough]

Independent spirit?! Ha! I like that..very funny! I am, first of all, an American!!! Can you say i-n-d-e-p-e-n-d-e-n-t? You bet I'm independent. And the Queen's Rules? Military Rules?? Ha! I, like Paul Henry, wear the kilt the way it makes me feel....independent!! Which means MY way.

[KiltShot]

I, like Paul Henry, wear the kilt the way it makes me feel....independent!! Which means MY way.

You will find soon enough that a great many of the posters on this forum would agree with you. I think that this forum covers the entire spectrum of kilt wearers from formal and conservative to casual and radical. During these discussions we try not to step on each others toes when we express our preferences. Sometimes the discussions get vigorous but most times they stay polite. There are enough of us here to provide a wide range of impressions to what is posted. I have personally benefited from those who have a different viewpoint from me and have told me so.

[Bugbear]

It has no real effect on me what length someone's kilt is, of course, but in my mind, I like the way the kilt at the top of the knee looks; that is, with the whole knee showing, and the hose a bit below the knee.

Although, I have read that the angle of the camera makes a bit of a difference in the pictures being posted on the forum.

[SteveB]

Since we are in the General Kilt Talk forum, the question is subject to a wide range of answers... and opinions.

I own and wear a very diverse kollection of kilts. In my avatar I am wearing a traditional knife pleated hand sewn wool tartan kilt. I prefer to observe the traditional Highland standards when wearing a tartan kilt. This is worn with the top of the kilt at my rib cage and the hem slightly above the top of the knee (one finger width). Most off the peg kilts have a 24" length, so I adjust the straps and belt to bring the hem to the proper height even though the top is now a little below where it should land. My made to measure kilts have a 26 to 27 inch length.
In the contemporary kilt department, I own 4 Utilikilts. One is a survival that I wear almost 2" above the knee and at "jeans waist". I have 2 workman that are worn at the "jeans waist" and are below the knee. This is intentional for my woodworking to protect my knees while machining timber. My Basic is worn above the "jeans waist" and hangs to mid knee, and is worn for musical performance purposes. All of my casual self colour are worn at the top of the knee. I own one Blackadder hi-vis kilt that sits just at trouser waist, and is about 3" above my knee.
I own 3 "Great Kilts" A.K.A. 3 five yard lengths of double with tartan. These start out worn at the top of the knee, but can end up anywhere by the end of the day.
You will find a comfort point on your body for the "waist" of your kilt. After that, you will need to find the hem length that works for your body and your activities. Each of us is built slightly differently. What works well for me may not work at all for you.

Kilt on and enjoy.

[Kiltman]

Top of the knee prevents the pleats from sawing away at the back of your leg and rubbing it raw. The kilt survived due to its being worn by Highland infantry units, and was made to be worn long enough for modesty, but short enough to be comfortable on the march. Anything longer than top of knee (especially with hose worn pulled up to the bottom of the knee cap) just looks like a skirt.

Wearing it too long will cut the back of the leg if it's wet. If that's not a problem then you can wear it longer.

[davidlpope]

I, like Paul Henry, wear the kilt the way it makes me feel....independent!! Which means MY way.

I shouldn't worry too much about running up against etiquette suggestions, good-taste rules of thumb, etc., if you're not inclined to pay heed to such things. I think you'll find you'll find no shortage of folks here on XMarks who will enthusiastically ratify ANY fashion choice you decide to make!

Cordially,

David

[denmcdough]

Thanks Dave, and to all who commented on my original thread. Nice to know we all have an opinion. After reviewing all comments, I realized that I did learn a lot. My SWK is a standard 24" length, which is a tad long, but if I wear it to the rib cage, as Dave suggests, then the kilt is at half way between the top of the knee and the mid point. Hmm, that feels okay by me, but my wife thinks I look like Mr. Grimly with the kilt that high. Anyone else wear it that high??