I'm sure this has been discussed here ad infinitum, but have always found the fit of a traditional kilt just below the ribcage to be extremely uncomfortable.

My best kilt is a 2018 Burnett and Struth Sinclair hunting tartan that I'm thinking of having shortened a couple of inches so it sits around the navel and ends at the top of the knee. The shortening won't destroy a selvedge hem since the makers already hemmed it. I understand the loss of horizontal pattern elements will be less than ideal, but I see no other way forward.