Kilt length

[denmcdough]

I'm rather new to the kilt thing...got my first one a month ago from SWK....Irish National. Not bad for the price. My question is: what do most folks prefer in length? I've read many sites that give top of knee, mid knee, and even one site said to the bottom of the knee - all are acceptable. Give me your thoughts! Personally, I like mine mid knee, and even a tad below. ith:

[billmcc]

I prefer mid-knee.

[Tobus]

"Correct" is top of the knee, but no longer than mid-knee. Wearing at the bottom of the knee is what the modern trend is going toward, but it's not traditional.

My own personal preference is the exact same. Top of the knee to mid-knee at the lowest. Longer than that, and it starts to look like a woman's skirt.

[wildrover]

Even mid-knee starts to look a little skirty to me. It really depends on what else you're wearing...if you're wearing a thrashed t-shirt, scrunched down socks, combat boots, and a bunch of metal on your arms and hands, then yeah...it might look good low.

However...my inclination every time I see a band member or someone obviously intending to dress up in their kilt, and their hem is riding low, I want to say "hey buddy, pull up your skirt!"

Show some knee, and you'll be fine. A kilt is not surf shorts.

(And bear in mind the guy saying the above has to pull his kilt up regularly since he's lost weight since measuring...I should move the strap!)

-Sean

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

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.

[thescot]

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.

Hear hear.

I dont really think the modern trend is to wear it longer; it appears that some younger fellow wear theirs longer, but that's not necessarily a universal trend. The fact is, a long kilt doesn't look too good and it's not very comfortable in the long run. (Try doing some serious walking and/or hiking with that wool rubbing the backs of your legs for a couple of hours.)

I woould strongly recommend the top of the knee cap. No one will think it odd, but lower will bring about a few thoughts if not comments.

Few things look worse than a kilt worn long, especially below the knee. Although very long "shorts" (which end up not being "short") or the pants waist below the butt come awfully close.

[Squeaky McMurdo]

Here's some anecdotal (and humorous) wisdom for kilt length:

Above the knee, you're a Boy
At the knee, you're a Man
Below the knee, you're a Liar!


--Chelsea McMurdo--

[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.

[denmcdough]

Thanks, so far, for all the great information concerning kilt length. I realize that everyone has their own personal preference but, in reality, who sets the standard? Is this carved in stone? And will the kilt police grab you if you happen to wear your kilt "not up to everyone else's standard?" Hmm, just wondering. Funny how society dictates to us. If we listened to society, though, then why wear a kilt! Again, just some food for thought! Cheers! McD

[Chas]

I always find it amusing when people think that they are 'hip' and 'modern' and 'now' and 'with-it'. But all they are doing is following a trend set in motion by a little old man in Milan 18 months before.

Designer labels and follow the herd - no thanks. That's the reason to wear a kilt.

Regards

Chas