Kilted Knee Protection When Driving

**Riverkilt** · 14th May 10, 06:37 AM

Don't know that sunburn of the knees is much of an issue when driving kilted in Scotland. But as kilting has expanded to desert areas its an issue for sure.

Living in high desert and often having to drive long distances I choose to drive kilted for comfort. That often leaves my bare knees exposed to the desert sun.

Of course I can slather on sun block - and often do - taking care to avoid getting any on the kilt. Even with sun block my knees can get HOT from the rays of the sun coming through the windows of my ride.

Last year I had a big "cowboy neckerchief" in the car and just spread it out over my knees - like having a napkin in my lap. The cowboy neckerchief is lightweight, but its enough to block the sun from my knees without heating them up.

The neckerchief makes a good napkin too if I'm fool enough to gobble some chow while driving kilted - protects the kilt from me.

I'm sure there are many other types of cloth that could be used. Anyone else out there using cloth to protect their knees from the sun when driving?

**Bugbear** · 14th May 10, 10:42 AM

I don't drive.

I used to carry a large, thin cloth, kind of like what you are talking about, in my sporrans to spread out on a bench seat to protect the kilt, just in case.

Actually, I think that cloth is still in my bunny sporran; and yes, it did take up a little room in my sporran, but it was worth it the one or two times I used it.

**ggibby** · 14th May 10, 12:39 PM

My understanding is that windshield glass blocks UV at a value of about SPF 7.

Never even thought about getting a sunburn through the glass,
and I've driven some pretty sunny places (Four Corners area)

Hrm...

**bchunter** · 14th May 10, 01:16 PM

I usually keep a couple of bandanas like you do, or a lightweight towel to drape across my knees to keep the sun off. It really does help to keep cooler, too.

**bigdad1** · 14th May 10, 02:21 PM

Originally Posted by ggibby

My understanding is that windshield glass blocks UV at a value of about SPF 7.

Never even thought about getting a sunburn through the glass,
and I've driven some pretty sunny places (Four Corners area)

Hrm...

I just read an article published about people who drive all day such as outside salesmen being very susceptible to skin cancer due to the sun through the windshield and the drivers window. I drive all day in sunny San Diego and my left arm is always tanned. I would imagine that the more tender skin of the knees and inner thighs would be likely to get burned. Spreading something over that area, especially where you are Ron, would seem to be a wise precaution.

**piperdbh** · 14th May 10, 09:48 PM

The bandana trick, along with having some of the air conditioning directed out the floor vents, should keep you unburned and cool at the same time. If that doesn't work, try growing some hair on your knees.

**Scotcop** · 14th May 10, 09:54 PM

OK....banning comment coming....

Scroll down if you really want to read it...hehehe

If you are man enough to a wear a kilt, and dont have a man's legs, then you should be man enough grin and bear it.........

**Whidbey78** · 15th May 10, 12:17 AM

That's what I do...grin and bear it. Once I get that first burn of the season I just tan. And tan and tan...

Knee pads would get some funny looks...especially if you get pulled over.

Extra long kilt hose that could roll up far enough could help. Just roll them down before getting out. Kind of a pain in the neck though.

I dunno...never gave it much thought.

**madman79764** · 15th May 10, 05:37 AM

Living in West Texas the summer heat is always in the upper 90's to over 100. And I also do not drive I do however ride a bicycle kilted and in close to year and a half of being kilted full time I don't even think about putting anything over my knees to keep them out of the sun or other weather that we get here. The only thing that I do is keep some vasiline mens hand lotion on hand and use that on my knees so they don't turn into a piece of saddle leather or to use my wifes words a piece of 40 grit sandpaper.

**MacMillans son** · 15th May 10, 06:57 AM

Hey Riverkilt,
If it is an ongoing problem vs. a couple of times in the beginning of the year, perhaps (with the casuals not a K.L kilt) you could have an additional flap of material added to the underside of the apron that would fold out when in the car and back up again when you get out. A small velcro dot to hold it up if needed ? If you get a patent on it I want a cut! :-)