is there a difference between "normal" kilts

[KidKidneys]

and the ones worn for highland games and "athletic" endeavors? I was looking at a site that was showing how to properly measure yourself for a kilt and it said the top measurement around your waist should be done at the navel.

I have no experience with how it feels to wear one, but I know I would never wear athletic shorts up at my navel because it would be very uncomfortable. so are there different ways to measure and/or wear them depending on the purpose?

[McMurdo]

Yes there are, generally speaking a traditional kilt is measured at your navel or True Waist, a contemporary kilt generally is measured at your waist (where you wear your jeans). Of course every kilt maker has their own way of measuring, the very best thing to do is to get your kilt maker to measure you. If you can not do that, many kilt makers have measuring directions on their websites.

[JolyStNicholas]

Yes there are, generally speaking a traditional kilt is measured at your navel or True Waist, a contemporary kilt generally is measured at your waist (where you wear your jeans). Of course every kilt maker has their own way of measuring, the very best thing to do is to get your kilt maker to measure you. If you can not do that, many kilt makers have measuring directions on their websites.

Couldn't have said it better meself.

Another answer handled in true XMarks fashion! Well done laddie!

[The Guy in the Kilt at UC]

I usually wear my kilts at the navel. But do I see a fair number of photos of guys wearing them much higher, up on the ribs. Why is this?

[McMurdo]

I usually wear my kilts at the navel. But do I see a fair number of photos of guys wearing them much higher, up on the ribs. Why is this?

That is at my navel, and just about the best fitting kilt own.

[Dan R Porter]

I usually wear my kilts at the navel. But do I see a fair number of photos of guys wearing them much higher, up on the ribs. Why is this?

He is obsessed with his own knees.

[KFCarter]

Welcome to the forum, KidKidneys. There is a lot of variance to the "rise" between traditional and contemporary kilts as mentioned by McMurdo. If you're curious about the specifics of the best kilt for athletic endeavors, you might post a question on the "athletics" sub-forum here: http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/a...161/index.html

And if you'd like, you could also post a "hello" on the Kilt Newbie forum so the folks can welcome you:

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/k...108/index.html

:ootd:

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

Some men are long waisted, some are short waisted. The important measurement in a kilt is the length from the natural waist to the top of the knee. Most kilt makers will add about two inches to this measurement to allow space for the ubiquitous dirk belt, and to make sure that the dress shirt doesn't show at the sides when wearing the also ubiquitous Prince Charlie coatee. Now, if you are short waisted the kilt will naturally ride higher up the body. If we all had "cookie cutter" torsos, then kilts wouldn't appear to reach all the way up the rib cage.

[Barb T]

I usually wear my kilts at the navel. But do I see a fair number of photos of guys wearing them much higher, up on the ribs. Why is this?

A traditional kilt is made to be worn so that the center of the apron edge buckle is at the "true waist" (somewhere in the vicinity of the navel, or slightly above). Because a trad kilt has at least a 2" rise above the center of the apron edge buckle, the top edge of the kilt is designed to ride a couple inches _above_ the waist (rib cage level on most people).

A traditional kilt is a garment that was originally made to be worn with a short jacket. If the kilt didn't have a rise above the waist, there would be a gaposis between the bottom of the jacket and the top of the kilt every time someone bent over or raised his arms. And the shirt would pooch out between the bottom of the jacket and the top of the kilt. You can see this easily in pics of guys who wear their kilts too low and then put on a Prince Charlie jacket. The shirt shows below the bottom of the jacket.

Kiltmakers still make traditional kilts this way, and they are meant to be buckled snugly at the waist, with the rise above that. So, if you order a traditional kilt, it won't fit right if you wear the top of the kilt at your waist, and the kilt will be a couple inches too long.