Length of kilt - hunting tartan

[TheBrus]

I'm considering a kilt in a hunting tartan. I've read that traditionally hunting tartan kilts are worn at the top of the knee cap, not at the center of the knee cap. Can anyone verify if this is true? Would this be appropriate for a full-grown man? I've also heard that only young boys wear their kilts at the top of the knee cap. Like my grandfather who didn't wear long pants until he was 11?

[Paul Henry]

There is a debate as to exactly where the kilt should fall, generally no lower than the centre of the knee cap, but many wear it just to the top of the knee. One of the reasons that a working kilt in the countryside might be worn a little higher is just to ensure it doesn't hit the back of the knee, which would get very annoying, especially if the kilt got wet because of long grass.

[CMcG]

This is kind of a strange question for the Modern Kilt Wear sub-forum... the answer might be "there are no rules, do what you like." I see a lot of people who wear their kilt with scrunched down socks and boots/shoes have the kilt mid-knee or lower.

But you seem to be asking about tradition? Traditionally, the kilt is worn anywhere from an inch above the knee to the middle of the knee cap. A general guide is to make sure that your knees are visible! This applies regardless of whether the tartan is hunting, modern, weathered, etc. and is independent of the age of the wearer.

[TheBrus]

Sorry, CMcG. The description of the forum gives dates. I was asking about what's considered "right and proper" now... so I chose modern.

[chrisupyonder]

Sorry, CMcG. The description of the forum gives dates. I was asking about what's considered "right and proper" now... so I chose modern.

So do we need another sub-forum... see prev threads on this.

Traditional kilts from 1980 to present or does modern already include this.

I have kept out of previous arguments on this as I feel I have not been a member long enough.

I would say for a traditional kilt as made now then as above, just above to mid knee. The variant of a particular tartan does not matter. A modern kilt, then it depends on the design and what the wearer wants and feels looks best.

Chris.

[TheBrus]

Thanks, Chris. My introduction to Highland attire was given to me by the RSCDS, the disciples of the inimitable Miss Milligan. Any Scottish country dancer should know what I mean. Perhaps this is an outdated perspective.

[lukeyrobertson]

I think it's a matter of comfort, modesty, and all about the knee. My 8 yarder falls about mid-knee. It is my longest kilt and I think (being extremely subjective here) it has a slightly more formal look. I have a casual and box pleat on order that are tailored to be 1/2" higher to the top of the knee or there abouts. It seems to me that more "contemporary" stylings tend to be a little longer than mid knee (I would find that uncomfortable and not within traditional standards). When you're measuring, I would go with the length that you feel most "at home" with. Modern/contemporary length tends to fall longer, I think. Long-standing practice is mid-knee and shorter. Now, because I have a public job and am often sitting on stage/platform, I like a little more to work with, if you know what I mean!

[M. A. C. Newsome]

What tartan you choose to wear has absolutely no bearing on the length of the kilt. So toss that myth right out the window!

Any length from the middle of the kneecap (at the lowest) to an inch above the top of the kneecap (at the shortest) is considered appropriate. Where you wish to wear your kilt within that range just boils down to personal preference. For myself, I tend to aim for right at the top of the knee or just above. (I think that a kilt that is a bit too short looks much better than a kilt that is a bit too long).

The idea that only boys wear their kilts above the knee is one that I can only assume comes from an old joke.
-If your kilt is above the knee, you are a boy.
-If your kilt is at the knee, you are a man.
-If your kilt is below the knee, you are a liar.

If you don't get it, just think about what is concealed by the kilt and then do the math. ;-)

In reality, I find that boys' kilts actually tend to be on the longer side, because parents buy them purposefully long so that their sons can grow into them more, extending the wearable life of the kilt.

[bigdad1]

Leave it to Matt to give a clear and cogent answer and to push the b.s. aside. Thanks Matt.

[lukeyrobertson]

Thanks, Matt.