Military kilt length question

**The Wizard of BC** · 23rd January 18, 05:01 PM

One easy and common trick used by "Old School" kiltmakers has led to the myth that the hem of a kilt should just brush the floor when kneeling.

What is actually happening is that the kilt maker will have the customer kneel. They will measure from the anatomical waist which is easy and convienient to find. (right below the ribs at the side.), down to the floor.

Then they make the total length of the kilt this length.

But here is the cool part. They add the rise above the top strap of the kilt when it is made. In essence they lower the top strap the amount of rise they want.

When the customer straps the kilt on the top straps cinch into the anatomical waist - the rise goes up above the waist - which brings the hem of the kilt off the floor to the top of the knee cap.

So, to find the length you need for a military style kilt kneel and find the length from the bottom of the ribs down to the floor.
Then ask the seller to measure the Drop of the kilt. (Hem up to the center of the top strap.)

Forget the total length and the Rise.

**tokareva** · 23rd January 18, 05:07 PM

Thank you Steve,I believe you have confirmed my suspicion that I need a 26" kilt in order to end up with my normal 23" length.

P.S. Great illustration with the three kilts! I think I finally understand now!

**tokareva** · 24th January 18, 02:50 PM

OK... so just in case anybody is wondering (which I seriously doubt) I ordered the 26" long Black Watch kilt today. Hopefully it will end up being around 23" and not be too long or too short. They do have some in 25" length so I could get one shorter but not longer.

BWkilt.jpg

**Moses** · 24th January 18, 04:31 PM

Originally Posted by tokareva

OK... so just in case anybody is wondering (which I seriously doubt) I ordered the 26" long Black Watch kilt today. Hopefully it will end up being around 23" and not be too long or too short. They do have some in 25" length so I could get one shorter but not longer.

BWkilt.jpg

please keep us posted - I am interested in how you like it

**macmanjim** · 25th January 18, 12:43 PM

Originally Posted by tokareva

OK... so just in case anybody is wondering (which I seriously doubt) I ordered the 26" long Black Watch kilt today. Hopefully it will end up being around 23" and not be too long or too short. They do have some in 25" length so I could get one shorter but not longer.

BWkilt.jpg

I've seen some there with 26" and 27", depending on the waist. Some people buy the MoD kilts off eBay, but I'd imagine the sizing is for skinny folk.

**tokareva** · 29th January 18, 01:46 PM

OK, here it is ,26 " looks too long to me. The kilt is top of the kilt is higher than my ribs.,and hits at the bottom of the knee cap.P1030503_kindlephoto-853776.jpgI'm going to order one in 25", should be perfect. I have to use thee last holes to fasten this one though,should I risk going up an entire waist size from 36 to 38? It might be safer to stick with 36 and move the buckles a little if needed. The only real complaint is the rough edge of the bottom aprons.P1030508_kindlephoto-759332.jpg P1030504_kindlephoto-674864.jpg P1030509_kindlephoto-1614519.jpg
Edit: Looking at the pics ,the kilt does appear to be a little on the tight side.Maybe it would actually be safer to order the next size up and then move the buckles to make it tighter if needed,at least there would be plenty of material. I just don't want it to look baggy or
be sagging, opinions please.Thank you

**OC Richard** · 3rd February 18, 08:56 AM

Now going back to "the old days" one rarely sees photos of soldiers not wearing jackets.

When one does it shows kilts with very high waists:

I get the impression that solders' kilts were made from the entire width of fabric regardless of the wearer's height.

Keep in mind that the kilts back then usually didn't have straps and buckles, but were pinned in place.