New Guy, New Kilt. Help???

**truckie561** · 22nd July 11, 03:29 PM

Just scored this kilt and sporran off of ebay for $50 with shipping, which I thought was pretty good. So far, I think it's the only kilt that is close to being the correct length for my vertically challenged frame. I got three other nice kilts that are in need of some hemming. The kilt I'm wearing in the photos below is different from the others I have in that it doesn't have a strap on the inner apron that would buckle to my left hip...is that normal for some kilts??? Also, it has the white linning along the top edge of the kilt which can be seen in the photos...why would it be white and not a color that would blend better??? The pictures aren't great, but they're the best I have for now. Anyway, these are the first pics I'm posting of myself in a kilt.....so be gentle and let me know what you think. Any info on the kilt and sporran from the experts out there would be appreciated. Thanks.

**Cowher** · 22nd July 11, 09:04 PM

For $50 I think ya got a good deal and it looks good too. As far as the lining and buckle/strap I would like to see more detailed pictures of the kilt not on you. How does the inner apron attach if there is no strap?

**English Bloke** · 22nd July 11, 10:25 PM

$50? Blimey! Bargain!

**truckie561** · 23rd July 11, 04:36 AM

Originally Posted by Cowher

For $50 I think ya got a good deal and it looks good too. As far as the lining and buckle/strap I would like to see more detailed pictures of the kilt not on you. How does the inner apron attach if there is no strap?

That's just it. The inner apron doesn't attach to anything. I would think the inner apron would eventually sag or work it's way out after walking around in it for a while, but I know absolutely nothing about them....besides that they're awesome.
Here's more pics, if there is something missing or a better view I can provide, let me know. Thanks
This post already seems to becoming very picture heavy. Would it be better to just post links to the pics versus posting the actual pics??

**Spartan Tartan** · 23rd July 11, 06:09 AM

Keep the pictures IN the thread!!!

I can't say about the white lining that shows. It appears to be the top and not just the inner lining. I'm not sure how to change that, others here may.

There are 2 buckles on the right hip, right? You could probably find a kiltmaker (or yourself, if you feel capable) to move the lower buckle to the other side. I'm not sure how much work that would be, but it's worth asking a couple of the professionals here.

**M. A. C. Newsome** · 23rd July 11, 06:40 AM

That's an older regimental kilt for the Gordon Highlanders. I know I've been told by Bob Martin that at one point regimental kilts were issued with no straps and buckles, and soldiers would add their own if desired (though I have no idea of the dating of that practice). So it could just be that the particular soldier in this case just didn't care to have one on the left hip. It's not strictly needed. If the kilt is worn snugly enough the inner apron won't go anywhere. Especially if a belt is worn. Of course if it bothers you a kiltmaker can always add one, or you can do yourself. You can also just add a button or even a small piece of (gasp!) velcro to the inside!

As to the waistband, the original in this kilt would have been green, as in this photo:

I suspect that it got worn out at some point and whomever owned the kilt either replaced it or covered it over with the white cloth. I would have chosen a darker color certainly.

**davidlpope** · 23rd July 11, 08:42 AM

Originally Posted by M. A. C. Newsome

As to the waistband, the original in this kilt would have been green, as in this photo:

I suspect that it got worn out at some point and whomever owned the kilt either replaced it or covered it over with the white cloth. I would have chosen a darker color certainly.

I've got a different theory, given the normal high rise of regimental kilts and the relative short length of this kilt, plus the fact that it is sized for someone 5'11"-6'. I'd bet a bottle of whisky that the kilt was cut down, from the top, for a shorter man and the white waistband was added at that time.

Either way, very nice find and it fits you very well. I would suggest rethinking the regimental badge on the sporran, though. I know they're readily available, but (in my mind at least) there is an inherent, implied claim that you served in the regiment by wearing the regiment's badge.

I do like the sporran, itself, though. Very Nice!

**longhuntr74** · 23rd July 11, 09:56 AM

You got a helluva deal! Congrats!!

Originally Posted by davidlpope

I've got a different theory, given the normal high rise of regimental kilts and the relative short length of this kilt, plus the fact that it is sized for someone 5'11"-6'. I'd bet a bottle of whisky that the kilt was cut down, from the top, for a shorter man and the white waistband was added at that time.

I'm in absolute agreement David!! Given the "shortness" of the kilt itself based on the new owner's description and the shortness of the inside lining (typical apron/inner apron linings should be 6-8" down from the top...this appears to be about 3"), I would wager a bunch of money that this kilt has been cut shorter from the top...which then explains why it has the awful white waistband vs. the original green one. I'd actually love to get my hands on this kilt and do some trim work on it to "improve" it...but given my extremely busy schedule, I will refrain from offering.

**truckie561** · 23rd July 11, 04:22 PM

Originally Posted by davidlpope

I've got a different theory, given the normal high rise of regimental kilts and the relative short length of this kilt, plus the fact that it is sized for someone 5'11"-6'. I'd bet a bottle of whisky that the kilt was cut down, from the top, for a shorter man and the white waistband was added at that time.

Either way, very nice find and it fits you very well. I would suggest rethinking the regimental badge on the sporran, though. I know they're readily available, but (in my mind at least) there is an inherent, implied claim that you served in the regiment by wearing the regiment's badge.

I do like the sporran, itself, though. Very Nice!

Makes sense. I never thought to do a side by side comparison of this kilt with my others. I just thought I got lucky on the length, since every standard length kilt is too long for me.
I like the sporran too, I just wasn't certain if the badge on the front of it was military in nature. Now that I know that it is, would I be better off keeping it original and selling it, trying to recoup the cost of future kilt alterations and avoiding looking like a poser, or should I keep it and replace the badge with something fire department related?