Which tartan to go for as a newbie?

[edenjohnny]

Hi there, I am Scottish descent on My mothers side, She was a Bell. She has cousins who are Mc Haffie. Am I entitled to wear either?
It would be Bell o, the borders I reckon.
Also I have bony knees , would a longer one be alright, or is there a set length?

[McFarkus]

from Chicago. Many folks wear tartans to which they have no family connection. You may be most comfortable starting with a Bell tartan. The kilt normally comes to just above the knee, though some wear it a bit longer. I wouldn't be concerned about your knees. Most people are so enthralled by the kilt that they don't notice knees.

[creagdhubh]

Welcome!

There is an official Clan Bell International Association and I have provided the link to their official website, but apparently, it is under revision and refurbishment at the moment. I also provided some additional links of interest pertaining to the Clan Bell. The Bell tartan is actually a rather interesting looking sett, so perhaps you could go with that? Completely up to you, mate.

As far as the kilt length is concerned, most men tend to prefer the selvedge (bottom edge of the kilt) to fall right at the top of the kneecap. This canbe a rather subjective and personal choice for many men, since some prefer the kilt to fall an inch above the kneecap and others to the middle of the kneecap. I think somewhere in the middle of the two would be a good choice. Just make sure the top of your kilt is worn at your true waist (navel area). Any reputable kilt-maker will be more than helpful in assisting you with getting the measurments correct. And I wouldn't worry so much about your bony knees!

http://www.clanbell.org/

http://www.electricscotland.com/webc...toc/bell2.html

http://www.tartansauthority.com/tart...ll-border-name

Cheers,

[McElmurry]

Hi there, I am Scottish descent on My mothers side, She was a Bell. She has cousins who are Mc Haffie. Am I entitled to wear either?
It would be Bell o, the borders I reckon.
Also I have bony knees , would a longer one be alright, or is there a set length?

Welcome. You pose two good newbie questions. In the end only you can answer these questions for yourself but reading threads here will help. The first question has been discussed quite a bit on this site. Read some of the threads in The Clans forum and you will get many sides of the issue.

A vast majority of men who post on this site wear their kilts between the top of the knee cap and mid knee plus or minus an inch either way. There are a few who dabble in slightly longer kilts in a more relaxed look. The problem is a longer kilt looks completely out of balance with traditional jackets and hose. Here is one thread on the subject; if you search for “length” you will find more.

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...-report-75823/

Browse through the threads and take your time.
But most important…Welcome!

[flairball]

Am I entitled to wear either?

No. There is no entitlement. Where what you like. We are all free men and women.

That said, many feel more comfortable wearing a tartan to which there is a connection, or some significance. So if wearing the tartans you have mentioned have meaning to you, all the better.

[Chas]

Hello edenjohnny,

Welcome to XMarks from Norfolk in England.

We all have knees, Johnny - and yours are no worse than anyone else's.

So 'Top of the knee to you!'

Regards

Chas

[creagdhubh]

Hello edenjohnny,

Welcome to XMarks from Norfolk in England.

We all have knees, Johnny - and yours are no worse than anyone else's.

So 'Top of the knee to you!'

Regards

Chas

***

[Alan H]

Hello edenjohnny,

Welcome to XMarks from Norfolk in England.

We all have knees, Johnny - and yours are no worse than anyone else's.

So 'Top of the knee to you!'

Regards

Chas

HA! If only that I could be this witty!

Welcome, edenjohnny!

[Gayle]

Am I entitled to wear either?

Also I have bony knees , would a longer one be alright, or is there a set length?

Thanks for asking these questions. I have very recently found I have Scottish heritage, Cunningham & Groundwater, was wondering the same. As for bony knees, well I have kinda funny looking ones, but I am just happy to have knees, so show them off. BTW, a warm welcome from the land Downunder .

[McElmurry]

Hello edenjohnny,

Welcome to XMarks from Norfolk in England.

We all have knees, Johnny - and yours are no worse than anyone else's.

So 'Top of the knee to you!'

Regards

Chas

Nice...I am so sad I didn't think of it myself I am in morning.