Kilt pin location

**Standard** · 12th February 11, 08:35 PM

I usually have the bottom edge of my kilt pin at about 6" up from the bottom edge of the kilt, and about 2" to 3" in from the apron edge. As Rivekilt said I tend to place my kilt pin, especially sword shaped, or horse-blanket pin styles in a manner that to my eye looks good on the section of the sett where they lay. To me wearing it too high doesn't seem to feel right, but I know Robert does this with great success.

**Montgomery-the-Scot** · 14th February 11, 06:41 PM

So. . . .the kilt pin doesn't hold the apron together? Or did I understand that one statement wrong?

**davidlpope** · 14th February 11, 06:48 PM

Originally Posted by Montgomery-the-Scot

So. . . .the kilt pin doesn't hold the apron together? Or did I understand that one statement wrong?

No. The kilt pin only goes through the outer apron. It's meant as a decoration.

David

**OC Richard** · 15th February 11, 05:49 AM

What's perhaps interesting is that early military kilts didn't have buckles, and were held at the waist by pins.

The only regiment that wore kilt pins was the Gordon Highlanders, and they wore blanket-pin style pins (as you can see in the photo I posted).

Which makes me wonder if the Gordon Highlanders kilt pins evolved from the pins originally holding the kilt on, simply a matter of one of the pins migrating further down the kilt a bit, where it's visible, and where it became decorative.

I don't believe the story that Queen Victoria ordered all the kilted regiments to wear kilt pins when she saw the wind blowing a soldier's kilt up. For one thing, only the Gordons wore them. For another thing, if the wind blows up that edge of the upper apron the lower apron is underneath. If the wind blows hard enough to lift both aprons, it's going to do so whether or not a kilt pin is there, the military blanket pins having insignificant weight when pinned to a heavy 22oz military kilt. (I know from personal experience, having worn MOD kilts and 16oz civilian kilts in all sorts of wind both with and without kilt pins.)

**RussellSm** · 15th February 11, 06:30 AM

The kilt pin is a relatively new additon. My advice would be not to use one except for special occasions (not at games). I have been in a pipe band for more than thirty years and the pin was nothing but a pain. I have lost several and it was always getting caught on something. When this happened I ended up with a tear. So, I finally just 86 it.

Just my opinion

**Spartan Tartan** · 15th February 11, 06:47 AM

I appreciate all the feedback and responses. Interestingly enough, I never really want to wear one--just started feeling like maybe I should. To be honest, I paid a hefty price for my kilt and I'd just assume not damage it by pinning something through it that might snag and possibly even tear my kilt.

I can understand occasional wear for decoration, but I think it is safe to say you can expect to see me without a kilt pin.

Thanks again!!

**Joshua** · 15th February 11, 08:21 AM

With our latest bouts of windy weather, my "undercarriage" has been saved from exposure more than once via a kilt pin.

That being said, I wear mine so if my hands were by my side, the top of the pin would make contact with the tip of my finger. It just looks right to me. It also gives me a handle when the wind is up.

I am considering getting a round kilt pin in the very near future.

**creagdhubh** · 15th February 11, 03:01 PM

Originally Posted by OC Richard

What's perhaps interesting is that early military kilts didn't have buckles, and were held at the waist by pins.

The only regiment that wore kilt pins was the Gordon Highlanders, and they wore blanket-pin style pins (as you can see in the photo I posted).

Which makes me wonder if the Gordon Highlanders kilt pins evolved from the pins originally holding the kilt on, simply a matter of one of the pins migrating further down the kilt a bit, where it's visible, and where it became decorative.

I don't believe the story that Queen Victoria ordered all the kilted regiments to wear kilt pins when she saw the wind blowing a soldier's kilt up. For one thing, only the Gordons wore them. For another thing, if the wind blows up that edge of the upper apron the lower apron is underneath. If the wind blows hard enough to lift both aprons, it's going to do so whether or not a kilt pin is there, the military blanket pins having insignificant weight when pinned to a heavy 22oz military kilt. (I know from personal experience, having worn MOD kilts and 16oz civilian kilts in all sorts of wind both with and without kilt pins.)

Well said Richard.

**Jock Scot** · 16th February 11, 01:17 AM

You may be interested to see where I wear my Grandfather's Gordon Highlanders kilt pin---he wore it right through WW1---I know he used to despair of me wearing my kilt pin(not that one, whilst he was alive) so low, but I think it was just the "youthful rebellion" thing at the time and it has stuck.

For those that may be interested, also starring in the picture with the silver kilt pin are my grandfather's silver collar stays(stiffeners),his silver cuff links and his marching compass and my father's pocket watch and chain, all of which I use regularly.