Quote Originally Posted by Kylahullu View Post
Why? (Yes, the tradition or fashion but still...)

This is a question I have been thinking a bit. If it is cold it is cold, period! No weather above the freezing point is cold. And if you are freezing it is not the fault of the weather but the clothing you wear.

In every discussion of the great kilt there has sooner or later been someone saying it is/was a versatile garment; when the weather is cold it can be worn longer and in warm weather it could be shorter. So, why not taking this idea to this "small kilt" we use today? If someone has a kilt for cold weather why not have it a bit longer?

By my "preliminary tests" two inches longer drop makes a difference in -10C (14F). That puts the hemline just below the knee cup and gives them some protection from the elements. Will continue testing.

I got this idea when I got a cheap heavy woollen "too long" kilt from ebay. I was thinking of shortening it by hemming it, but postponed the job to see if it worked better as is as a winter kilt.
Good morning Kylahullu,
Why? may appear a pertinent question, and I May oversimplify things, but to me a long kilt Really blurs the line between a kilt and a skirt, and I for one don't want anyone to mistake me for an old spinster!
Re. Cold, I can sympathise, as where we live in Western Canada (Alberta) we can get cold, as in -20 to -40- odd (C).
I still don't wear a kilt longer though, your knees get used to it, and if it's Too cold, wear trousers. Simple as that.
I know my opinion is not everyone's opinion, but as we are all entitled to one, mine is that a long kilt looks B. awful!

If we look at the normal & modern fashion for the kilt, it will be noted that the length is to the top or at most mid knee.

If we look at it historically, a long cloak, plaid, or "matchcoat" (essentially a wool blanket) would be worn in cold weather, and the latter is very effective and can go mid calf Over a kilt and look perfectly correct.

I still feel leave the kilt as it should be, and wear appropriate apparel over it, or wear your normal trousers till it warms up! :-)

Very best wishes,
Richard.