Cardinal Sin???

[Tobus]

I can certainly understand the practicality of wearing a belt under a waistcoat if you're going to take off the waistcoat/jacket later on in the day and want to show the belt. There's absolutely nothing "wrong" with that, and it just makes good sense. That's thinking ahead!

From the photos I'm seeing, this probably could have been executed more seamlessly (i.e. with the belts being fully hidden under the waistcoats) if the kilts were worn a little higher up, so that the bottom selvedge is at the top of the knee. I'm assuming you are the one in the center of the photo, wearing the dress sporran and fly plaid? Yours is closest to being at the 'proper' height, and it does seem that the waistplate would have been entirely hidden if you had hiked up your kilt just a smidge to show your knees. The others flanking you would likely have benefited from the same raising of their kilts so that their knees were exposed and the belts hidden under the waistcoats.

Based on the second photo, it seems like the tops of the kilts are being worn at the natural waist, which is good. But it is possible to wear them higher, especially when hidden by a waistcoat, to get the bottom edge at the top of the knees, with the double benefit of hiding the belt under the waistcoat. Then, when the waistcoat comes off, lower the kilt to the natural waist if that's where you want it.

It's water under the bridge now, of course, so don't fret it. I'm sure a good time was had by all. Minor details notwithstanding, you chaps look pretty well turned out. I love those reproduction/weathered colours!