Stillwater Heavyweight Length - Need Help (again)

**sean_cummings** · 8th May 07, 06:37 PM

Thanks guys, I will call Rocky tomorrow and order the belt and sporran I thinking of getting. I guess I can mark this up to being a new guy.

**ccga3359** · 8th May 07, 06:39 PM

Originally Posted by sean_cummings

Thanks guys, I will call Rocky tomorrow and order the belt and sporran I thinking of getting. I guess I can mark this up to being a new guy.

We were all new once Brother. 'Tis better to learn from those of us who've made mistakes than to make your own so always ask if unsure. Welcome to the kilted world.

**sean_cummings** · 8th May 07, 07:16 PM

one final pic. I forgot to upload this one. I am pointing at my Navel. So just to be clear you guys are saying drop the top about 1.5" and see how it lays out with the sporran and belt (which I did take out to put on with the kilt and I forgot too).

**ccga3359** · 8th May 07, 07:22 PM

Originally Posted by sean_cummings

one final pic. I forgot to upload this one. I am pointing at my Navel. So just to be clear you guys are saying drop the top about 1.5" and see how it lays out with the sporran and belt (which I did take out to put on with the kilt and I forgot too).

in a pinch you could lower it an inch or so and still be very repectable. Just don't hang your sporran too low (about 2-3" below belt). Ya gotta love that shadow tartan, eh? My first was the SWK Black Shadow tartan, welcome to Clan Destine

.

**Rampant Lion** · 8th May 07, 07:27 PM

I agree with everyone else. If you wear it so that the bottom of the kilt hits you just above mid-knee you're golden.

**PiobBear** · 9th May 07, 06:59 AM

Please let me know what you guys think about the length and where the top is resting.

TOP: I think it looks great; just how a kilt should look. If you want something low-cut and hip-huggerish, wear blue jeans.

LENGTH: A couple of inches lower would be OK; but anywhere on the kneecap is fine (the target is the upper 1/2 of the knee). When I walk I can feel it on the back of my knee when it's where I want it.

**mddock58** · 9th May 07, 07:04 AM

I'd suggest, as others have, of dropping it down just an inch or so. That would be fine!

Looks great!

**thescot** · 9th May 07, 07:20 AM

PiobBear hit the nail on the head.

I must admit that the first time I donned a kilt and wore it at the proper waist level, it was a bit odd. But with a little experience, you'll find it comfortable and good looking. For one thing, trying to wear it too low starts earting up your waist.

Spilt the difference, and order a custom kilt next time. I'd much rather see a kilt a bit high than too low!

**way2fractious** · 9th May 07, 10:15 AM

Can you stand another 2 cents?

It seems a simple thing to raise or lower a kilt a couple inches, but no one has commented yet on the bottom of the fell, or the point at the hip line where the pleat tapers stop. No matter if the kilt is off-the-rack or custom made, if the bottom of the fell is an inch or two above or below the widest part of your hips, the pleats do not hang straight and do funny things.

Get someone to take your "kilt measurements" as described on many websites and compare them to the actual measurements of this kilt. See if waistband to bottom of fell is right for you; if not, consider taking inches off the top of the kilt and relocating the waistband. See if bottom of fell to selvedge is right for you; if not, consider hemming.

Hemming: It's almost always done with the 10-12 oz lightweight tartans for kilts for young, and growing, competitive dancers. A single-turn hem is easily done with 13-14 oz tartans, with nothing noticeable. I have done a single-turn hem on a 16 oz box pleat kilt because of a bad selvedge, with no noticeable effect on hang or swing. But remember, with box pleats there are never more than three layers of material stacked (six, with a hem.) Regimental weights of 18 oz, and up, are just too bulky or stiff to take a hem of any kind. They, therefore, have other options for shortening the kilt.

If all of this is "Too much" for this kilt, at least you are now well-armed with information when you research your next kilt, and the next, and the one after that...

w2f

**auld argonian** · 9th May 07, 10:30 AM

Fit is an interesting concept/problem, isn't it. On a basic level all a kilt is is a cylinder of cloth that has two overlapping flat panels in the front and pleats across the back but the number of variations in body shape and proportions make proper fit a bit of a challenge. That the Stillwaters can please so many people with just a variation in waist size and one standard length is actually pretty amazing when you think of it.

Best

AA