Kilt Height

**Jock Scot** · 3rd April 14, 05:22 AM

Over the last 70 years of wearing the kilt, every kilt that I have worn had/has two straps, some were family handmedowns, some were made for me, all were made by kiltmakers of repute.

**cainam** · 3rd April 14, 09:19 AM

Originally Posted by Jock Scot

Over the last 70 years of wearing the kilt, every kilt that I have worn had/has two straps, some were family handmedowns, some were made for me, all were made by kiltmakers of repute.

Excuse my ignorance, I'm new to the world of kilts. It's just that most of kilts I have seen in store have had the 3 straps but admittedly it's not all that many, I just assumed that was the norm. Anyway I have opted for 2 straps and I am going to have the kilt made to sit from the trouser line. I'm sure it's not for everyone but I think it's the right decision off me.

**creagdhubh** · 3rd April 14, 09:32 AM

Originally Posted by cainam

Excuse my ignorance, I'm new to the world of kilts. It's just that most of kilts I have seen in store have had the 3 straps but admittedly it's not all that many, I just assumed that was the norm. Anyway I have opted for 2 straps and I am going to have the kilt made to sit from the trouser line. I'm sure it's not for everyone but I think it's the right decision off me.

And rightly so! You gotta do what works best for you and ultimately, what you prefer. There are no rules.

Cheers,

**Jock Scot** · 3rd April 14, 09:38 AM

Originally Posted by cainam

Excuse my ignorance, I'm new to the world of kilts. It's just that most of kilts I have seen in store have had the 3 straps but admittedly it's not all that many, I just assumed that was the norm. Anyway I have opted for 2 straps and I am going to have the kilt made to sit from the trouser line. I'm sure it's not for everyone but I think it's the right decision off me.

If that is what you want, then have it. It is that simple. Just something for you to think about and you may have already, if you are wanting to wear the kilt in any sort of smart, or formal event sometime in the future, then a kilt made to fit the modern day trouser line will be the very devil to get the Jackets and waistcoats(vests) to fit properly. The dreaded gap showing the shirt betwixt kilt top and waistcoat bottom(some styles of jacket too) is almost impossible to avoid and I have to say, it really does look dreadful.

**cainam** · 3rd April 14, 09:56 AM

I have considered it and I thought I could get round it by wearing a longer waistcoat. I suppose this might be a problem when wearing a sporran? I'm still a bit undecided though and I could still change my mind as it will be a couple of days before the kiltmaker receives the cloth.

**creagdhubh** · 3rd April 14, 10:01 AM

Originally Posted by Jock Scot

If that is what you want, then have it. It is that simple. Just something for you to think about and you may have already, if you are wanting to wear the kilt in any sort of smart, or formal event sometime in the future, then a kilt made to fit the modern day trouser line will be the very devil to get the Jackets and waistcoats(vests) to fit properly. The dreaded gap showing the shirt betwixt kilt top and waistcoat bottom(some styles of jacket too) is almost impossible to avoid and I have to say, it really does look dreadful.

Excellent point, Jock. Definitely something very important to consider.

**Son of the Rock** · 3rd April 14, 11:46 AM

It really depends on how formal the events you wish to wear it at will be. If they are black tie and you want to wear a Prince Charlie, then a natural waistline kilt is a must as a Prince Charlie is normally worn with a high 3 button waistcoat. Otherwise, go with what you want. Even if it's not a traditional kilt you want, it's still something you want to wear the way you would like to wear it, which is the most important thing. Though, it's always good to have at least one full-length tank in the wardrobe.

**auld argonian** · 4th April 14, 06:04 AM

Actually, I've always found the rise in the kilt makes the wearing more comfortable. Can't imagine wearing one that sits at my trouser-waist…just sounds like it'd be uncomfortable and my tummy would be hanging out over the top. Maybe you've got those six pack abs and that wouldn't be a problem for you but I'd guess that most of us wouldn't be in that boat.

Have you considered renting a kilt for a day or two to see if you'd find the normal configuration comfortable or not? I think that before your kilt maker starts cutting the cloth you ought to make a determination on this…might save a bit of regret in the future.

Best

AA

**cainam** · 4th April 14, 06:29 AM

Thanks AA for the advice but I have worn hire kilts a couple of times and they were actually pretty comfortable. It's just it feels better wearing the kilt at the trouser line though that's probably because it's something I'm used to doing. Maybe I would come to prefer wearing a kilt with a traditional rise and I can certainly see that there are advantages to doing so. I'm actually pretty close to changing my mind.