The Black Watch duty uniform

[Monkey@Arms]

I was looking at the Osprey Men at Arms Series “The Black Watch” and I see that all the kilts pictured are above the kneecap or right at the top of the knee. Now is this because their kilt is a military uniform and would I be period correct if I were to wear my kilt that high? I know not to wear my kilt below the knee, but just how high can you go before you would be accused of wearing a mini-skirt.

According to Thompson, and others, the length should be the top of the knee, to no more than an inch higher. And I suppose where this is in the traditional threads, how one wears anything other than a traditional is irrelevant. I am surprised sometimes with all of the former military personal on this board, there seems to be a culture of "I like it like this", rather than "the correct way to wear it is". When wearing a proper traditional kilt, there are rules on how it is to be worn, no different than your Drill Sgt. ensuring that your dress uniform is on correctly. I Think it's safe to say that when most of the people here see the kids nowadays with their pants down around their ****, we think they give all kids a bad name. Well it's the same with someone who "chooses" to wear the kilt incorrectly. Others see this and guilt by association... unless of course they have already seen someone wear it correctly. This was not meant to offend, just a strong stance on proper dress.

Frank

There appears to be two issues here. The original poster R785 asked a question about period military uniforms, and many of the answers given were about current norms.

As we know, there are many opinions as to current styles, but none answer the original question as to whether there was a regulation military length at the time depicted in the referenced picture. (That may because the OP neglected to reference the period he is inquiring about, or ask for supporting evidence.)

The second issue raised by HL is whether this a single "correct way" to wear the "traditional kilt." That is actually an entirely different question than the question raised by the OP. Further, HL's post blurs the distinctions between military uniform dress, and civilians. Certainly the Drill Sergeant is within his authority in enforcing uniform regulations. Outside the military setting (or pipe bands) it's in fact all a matter of opinion and fashion - and fashions do in fact change over time.

Best regards,

Jake

PS. We who are sworn members of the Kilt Police frown on those without badge from impersonating an officer.

[Highland Logan]

Fashion does change over time, we all know that. That change has not made white socks with black shoes right, nor has it changed the length of the kilt any higher or lower in the life time of anyone posting on this board. I have the book referred to in the original post, and they are all drawn as stated at the top of the knee. The conversation then turned, and was somewhat about, the proper length of the kilt, this is when I chimed in. And as for the kilt police.... maybe you need to re-read the post.

Frank

[macwilkin]

All right, gents...in the words of my good friend Peter K., ex-Chief Stoker, Royal Australian Navy:

"We can agree to disagree without being disagreeable."

In other words, play nice.

Todd

[Beertigger]

I almost weighed in here, but....

Nah, not worth the trouble.

Wandering off, hiking my pants up to my armpits, in the traditional manner....