The "right" length for a kilt...

[staticsan]

I know the right length for a kilt is one of those topics that will never really go away. I had cause to think about it today, because I donned a kilt for the first time in months in the coldest weather I've yet experienced kilted.

It was 12 deg C. I know, call me a wuss, or whatever. I know some of you happily endure sub-zero temperatures in kilts.

My first thought was to wonder what the hell I was doing. But I wanted to be kilted. The socks keep my shins warm, but nothing covers my knees. :-/ Perhaps longer kilts is something that is going to happen eventually. Another 6 inches would have been nice this morning, sitting down to breakfast.

Then I got up to do some chores and discovered something interesting. If I'm moving around, it doesn't matter so much that my knees are out in the open. Hmm. Maybe my lifestyle just isn't active enough!

Wade.

[McFarkus]

I wore mine at 10º F with a brisk wind blowing last winter to the Robbie Burns dinner. 8 yards of wool at my waist, wool hose to my knee. I WAS able to feel the cold just a bit at my knee, but was not at all uncomfortable.

[Jock Scot]

Sorry chaps, but we discovered that years ago!

[ChattanCat]

Sorry chaps, but we discovered that years ago!

I have to agree. The wool has magical properties, especially if it is crafted into a kilt.

[robthehiker]

It was about -5 C this day.

[staticsan]

I have to agree. The wool has magical properties, especially if it is crafted into a kilt.

Maybe that's my problem: none of my kilts are wool. The one I had on yesterday is poly-viscous. I would like a wool one, but it will have to wait until there's cash in the kitty to afford one.

Wade.

[Rex_Tremende]

When we get snow storms here in Ohio, USA, and I have to dig my way out of the driveway, I prefer a kilt over jeans. The kilt keeps me warmer and gives me more freedom of movement. The knees are exposed, but not cold. I don't think you need winter length and summer length kilts. Just get the right length for you.

Regards,
Rex.

[robthehiker]

When we get snow storms here in Ohio, USA, and I have to dig my way out of the driveway, I prefer a kilt over jeans. The kilt keeps me warmer and gives me more freedom of movement. The knees are exposed, but not cold. I don't think you need winter length and summer length kilts. Just get the right length for you.

Regards,
Rex.

If it's not too windy and not crazy cold I often shovel wearing shorts. The neighbours think I'm weird but I'm ok with that.

[Carolina Kiltman]

If it's not too windy and not crazy cold I often shovel wearing shorts. The neighbours think I'm weird but I'm ok with that.

When I was a wee laddie in Ireland, we wore shorts and knee hose (both wool) in the winter whenever we were engaged in sports (usually football/soccer). I think the thing is that when moving the knee joint gets both a copious blood supply, and the very motion generates heat. I too prefer a kilt to trousers in the winter (and summer too). Of course here in Eastern NC, the winters are generally quite mild. (The rest of my arthritic self appreciates that!)

[ardchoille]

I know the right length for a kilt is one of those topics that will never really go away. I had cause to think about it today, because I donned a kilt for the first time in months in the coldest weather I've yet experienced kilted.

It was 12 deg C. I know, call me a wuss, or whatever. I know some of you happily endure sub-zero temperatures in kilts.

My first thought was to wonder what the hell I was doing. But I wanted to be kilted. The socks keep my shins warm, but nothing covers my knees. :-/ Perhaps longer kilts is something that is going to happen eventually. Another 6 inches would have been nice this morning, sitting down to breakfast.

Then I got up to do some chores and discovered something interesting. If I'm moving around, it doesn't matter so much that my knees are out in the open. Hmm. Maybe my lifestyle just isn't active enough!

Wade.

To get technical, there isn't any muscle covering your knees, so there is less of a need to have them covered even in colder weather. Have you ever seen penguins wear shoes? Bone, tendon, and ligaments can fare better in the cold than muscle can.