SWK Thrifty Review and Picts

**Monkey@Arms** · 25th June 07, 03:23 PM

Originally Posted by Don Patrick

Interesting. I learn something new everyday. Glad I ran into this string. It must be something similiar to the necktie/day and bow tie/evening custom. Is the magic switch over hour 1700 or 1800. What is the distinction of 'Oatmeal'?

Don, I agree with McMurdo, that the brown daywear rule is generally a thing of the past, at least here in the USA. In fact one doesn't find near as many brown sporrans for sale as opposed to black. Here's a blog entry by Matt Newsome on the subject of brown v. black.

In regards to Oatmeal hose, some forumites believe that that particular color works well with most tartans, making it a sort of universal hose color.

Just remember despite our badges, there is no Kilt Police . . . or is there?

Best regards,

Jake

**NewKilt** · 25th June 07, 03:59 PM

Marshal, congratulations to you and your son on your first kilts. That's a fine looking young man you have there, and he looks very proud and confident. The ThriftyKilt is very nice looking.

On the length issue, and as you have mentioned you have some religious compliances to follow, you might try setting the waist band so that the kilt hits at mid-knee (don't know if this is permissible for you). I'm a man of size myself, and a man of age such that my navel isn't where it used to be. Strange that.

That said, I don't go by the location of my navel. I set my waistband so that my kilts (all 24" length) hit at just the top of my knee.

Again, congrats to you and your son.

Darrell

**Knocko** · 25th June 07, 05:26 PM

Originally Posted by Monkey@Arms

Traditional kilts, which the SWKs are modeled after, are usually worn higher, about an inch or so above the navel.

I get a little confused when reading some of these posts, and I see on sites that sell kilts, that the kilt waist is directly at the navel. And that's where I have been measuring from. I'm a short guy, and 1-2 inches above my navel would be covering my rib cage. As a point of order, my drop is only 21.5 inches. I'm 5'7", too. I'm not sure if height makes a difference in this, but I see different answers from everyone, and then I see the kilt sizing info on several sites frequented by members of this forum; those sites always say - measure your waist at your navel and your drop is measured from that point, as well.

Can someone please clarify if there actually is a 'right' way to do it, if it is open to 'interpretation', or should I go by what I'm ordering?

I apologize if this is considered a thread-jack...if so please let me know, but if possible, a little

would be greatly appreciated...

**Bob C** · 25th June 07, 08:03 PM

I agree that time of day matters not, when choosing the color of your leathers, and that you should never mix them. Wear what looks good with the kilt.

We need to dispel the "oatmeal hose go with anything" myth, however. They do NOT suit cool colors, such as blue and black. Stone-color hose are better for that.

Oatmeal looks great with "warm" colors, such as browns, greens, etc.

I would not wear oatmeal hose with black leathers or a kilt that is best complimented by black leathers.

**michael steinrok** · 25th June 07, 09:18 PM

I think I will get e thrifty kilt to match the one that the gf picked up. Glad to see the back of the kilt was what Jerry promised

**Monkey@Arms** · 25th June 07, 11:24 PM

Originally Posted by Knocko

I get a little confused when reading some of these posts, and I see on sites that sell kilts, that the kilt waist is directly at the navel. And that's where I have been measuring from. I'm a short guy, and 1-2 inches above my navel would be covering my rib cage. As a point of order, my drop is only 21.5 inches. I'm 5'7", too. I'm not sure if height makes a difference in this, but I see different answers from everyone, and then I see the kilt sizing info on several sites frequented by members of this forum; those sites always say - measure your waist at your navel and your drop is measured from that point, as well.

Can someone please clarify if there actually is a 'right' way to do it, if it is open to 'interpretation', or should I go by what I'm ordering?

I apologize if this is considered a thread-jack...if so please let me know, but if possible, a little

would be greatly appreciated...

Every manufacturer measures a little differently, it seems. Yes, height does matter. (I'm 5'7" too, and have a similar drop.) I've read that military kilts do actually go up to your bottom rib. Others say a traditionally styled kilt should sit an inch or two above the hips.

I'm no expert on these matters, but Steve at Freedom Kilts has some very detailed measuring instructions for different styles of wear. You might want to check them out here

Best regards,

Jake

**Knocko** · 26th June 07, 05:16 AM

Originally Posted by Monkey@Arms

Every manufacturer measures a little differently, it seems. Yes, height does matter. (I'm 5'7" too, and have a similar drop.) I've read that military kilts do actually go up to your bottom rib. Others say a traditionally styled kilt should sit an inch or two above the hips.

I'm no expert on these matters, but Steve at Freedom Kilts has some very detailed measuring instructions for different styles of wear. You might want to check them out here

Best regards,

Jake

Thank you for the information and link, good Sir. This helps tremendously. So, it's nice to know that it is slightly 'open to interpretation'.

billmcc · 26th June 07, 07:31 AM

Originally Posted by Knocko

So, it's nice to know that it is slightly 'open to interpretation'.

How a casual kilt is worn is personal preference.

However, if a Prince Charlie or some other short, formal jacket will be worn with a traditional kilt, the top of the kilt needs to be about 2 inches above the navel. If not, the jacket will appear to be too short.

**michael steinrok** · 26th June 07, 08:22 AM

I ordered it last night. # 15 will be on the way shortly

**kiltedsawyer** · 26th June 07, 08:29 AM

There is certainly room for personal preference, and styles change with time. Still, if one is going to wear the kilt, the traditional kilt, I think, that there should be some respect for it's origin, and the image of the kilted society. Black leather vs brown seems of little consequence today, however abiding by some standards regarding day-wear vs. formal wear adds a certain gentility that should be preserved. The kilt is not a costume, but a traditional garment and it is that tradition we seek to preserve. Just my thoughts.
Respectfully,
David Tate