Dear Forum Members,

I have a query that needs clearing up on kilt history (apologies if this has been answered before).

I’ve heard contradictory reports regarding the benefits of wearing the kilt in the WW1 trenches. The first theory seems to be that the kilt was a positive thing by keeping core temperature up around the waist as well as being less prone to trapping water next to the ankles and causing trenchfoot. On the other hand I’ve also heard that it could be the cause of amputations as icicles formed which in turn caused frostbite to set in below the knee.

Can anyone help provide some evidence and/or resolution to this?

Cheers

Philip