How high is too high?

**Rex_Tremende** · 10th May 06, 05:40 PM

I beg your forgiveness in advance; this post is a jumble of thoughts, in no particular order.

OK - so yee-haw, my SWK Standard pleated-to-the-sett Black Stewart 2006 was waiting for me on my front step when I arrived home from work today.

No, there will be no photos until I get the ensemble pulled together. I do not want to end up on the Dos and Don'ts thread!!

This is my first tank-like kilt, so we are getting to know one another. I am surprised, but not really, at the bulk in the back - tends to droop a little that way, but I guess that's really a solution to another problem. Regardless, it's more lively, has more motion, than any of my other four casual cotton or cotton-blend casual kilts. So I see the difference.

This purchase was a test of sorts. I wanted to see if I liked the SWKs before I purchased a heavyweight shadow in black or saffron wool, to test the sizing, quality of workmanship, etc. The size that I ordered worked well enough (I'm an in-between size), and as I've been wearing it this afternoon, it seems to want to stretch and I want to cinch it another hole on the straps (this is a good thing!) I have no issues with the workmanship.

What I do have an issue with, however it its length. I know that I'm going to have to hem it an inch at least. But if I hike it up enough, it's almost suitable, with the bottom edge skimming just slightly below the top of my knee - a comfortable length for me.

But, how high is too high? I read on another thread that something about military regiments wearing them high (and possibly giving genesis to the second strap). My new SWK actually sits somewhat comfortably with the waistband considerably above my navel - my body is sort of shaped that way. With my wide UK belt, I can keep it there. I mean, it's not an empire waist, but it's higher than most kilts in photos that I've seen posted here.

Second, since I anticipate that I will need to hem this thing, someone mentioned on another thread how to do it, using (I think) a hidden catch stitch. I tried searching for that thread without success. Could someone repeat the information or give a vector to it? I would like to find more information on how, exactly, to execute that stitch.

Thanks for your interest and support,
Rex in Cincinnati.

**Southern Breeze** · 10th May 06, 05:53 PM

There have been several threads on hemming a kilt,here's one. You should also consider getting a copy of The Art of Kiltmaking. It has excellant info on altering and caring for a kilt.

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/s...ad.php?t=17577

**Rex_Tremende** · 10th May 06, 06:27 PM

Originally Posted by Southern Breeze

There have been several threads on hemming a kilt,here's one. You should also consider getting a copy of The Art of Kiltmaking. It has excellant info on altering and caring for a kilt.

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/s...ad.php?t=17577

Yes, that was it, exactly. Thanks so much. I will look into the book. Or possibly a seamstress.

Thanks!
Rex.

**KiltedCodeWarrior** · 10th May 06, 06:34 PM

Rex, I am not associated with Barb at all, but buying her book will repay you, even if you never make your own kilt. Knowing how a kilt is made and what to look for to determine a quaity kilt is also spelled out in her book. The $18 (is that the price) you will spend on her book will save you money in the long run, especialy if you are going to purchase any kilts from lower quality/lower priced kiltmakers.

**Nick** · 10th May 06, 06:36 PM

I tend to wear my SWK at or a bit above the navel. It felt strange at first, but it's completely natural to wear it high now.

**Southern Breeze** · 10th May 06, 06:54 PM

Originally Posted by Nick

I tend to wear my SWK at or a bit above the navel. It felt strange at first, but it's completely natural to wear it high now.

You keep doing that and you'll be arrested for indecent exposure!

**KiltedCodeWarrior** · 10th May 06, 07:02 PM

Originally Posted by Nick

I tend to wear my SWK at or a bit above the navel. It felt strange at first, but it's completely natural to wear it high now.

Ummmhhh, what part are you wearing at the navel? The waist or the hem? Could make a big difference with those who see you!

**Southern Breeze** · 10th May 06, 07:06 PM

If you read the original post, then Nicks, you get the impression that the hem is at his (Nicks) navel.

**Rex_Tremende** · 10th May 06, 08:57 PM

Well, I had to throw some (more) clothes on to return some DVDs to the rental store, so I decided to snap a pic anyway before heading to bed.

The black Stewart has this yellow running through it; I thought it went OK with the tartan.

Yeah, I see some adjustments are going to have to be made (and not just with the kilt!). Pity, it is, because I like that dark band at the bottom, and it'll have to go.

G'night,
R.

**GlassMan** · 10th May 06, 09:30 PM

Personally I like the high rise of a traditional kilt. It simply feels more comfortable to me. Most of the light weight and modern kilts are cut with the expectation that they will be worn at a pant-level waistline. Whereas you can easily wear an SWK at the full traditional height without worry, and that's what I do.

I wear my SWK kilt at the same height as my tanks - approximately 1 inch above my navel. At my sides, the top of the kilt rise gently brushes against my ribs. It looks quite good according to all who have seen it, and I would highly recommend trying it out at that height.

Wear that kilt just a little bit higher and you won't need to hem it at all. Plus, there is something just secure about having a garment belted at that level.