problems with the top half

[auld argonian]

Actually, it probably feels like it's up to your ribcage but it doesn't really look that way to someone who's looking at you. I worried about buying Stillwaters because of the standard length that they come in: 24 inches. I tried measuring what lenght I should be wearing and it always came up shorter than 24...I'm going about 5'10" and 175 lb right now and have developed that "middle age tummy" which isn't bad compared to most of my mates but which looks and feels too big to me (damned if I'm going to go spend time and money at a gym...). Anyway...it feels like I'm wearing the Stillwaters at the bottom of my ribcage but they are actually sitting very nicely on my natural waist. I usually try to get away with a black t-shirt or throw on a sweater...if you can find commando sweaters on line or t your local Army/Navy they look great.

I did post a pic recently and you might be able to see what I mean by it sitting on my waist.

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/s...ad.php?t=18377

I doubt that you look like a kilted lampshade...you're probably just being too self critical. Have faith and try a couple of things...you'll get your look together and get comfortable with it. Just remember to wear it proudly and with panache (the noun panache, not our Panache) and you'll be okay.

As I noted early on, there seem to be several approaches to wearing the kilt: there's the Stylish, the Highland Athlete look, the Goth/Biker Kilted look, the I'm Way Too Overdressed look...it's all a matter of personal style.

Best

AA

[Moose McLennan]

Actually, it probably feels like it's up to your ribcage but it doesn't really look that way to someone who's looking at you. AA

The top of the kilt actually touches my second rib! It's up there alright

The amount of warm material around my midriff actually makes me want to avoid a belt, although maybe it will be needed to visually shorten the line.

BTW Bubba, great pic. Isn't the Cameron of Erracht a beautiful tartan?

M.

[auld argonian]

The belt does help to break up the straight line...as would a sporran and strap.

I guess with it being a military issue kilt it IS supposed to be way up there...those with a better background in the military uniforms know better than me...it would, as part of a uniform be worn with a tunic that would come down to the waist?

Best

AA

[bubba]

BTW Bubba, great pic. Isn't the Cameron of Erracht a beautiful tartan?

M.

Yeah, I love that tartan. The point I was going for is I felt like you do about it at first, and I found wearing the vest open straightens the body line nicely and makes it look a bit more put together. I'm not that hung up on it now, but it did bother me a bit at first. There are different style sport vests as well as leather so you might look around and pick one up that suits you. Best of all, they work as well with a T-shirt as with a button up shirt, long sleeve or short.

[davedove]

It might not be as bad as you think.

This is the best piece of wisdom so far on this thread. All of us have at one time or another been concerned about our appearance in the kilt. The truth is that most people (with the notable exception of the folks here at Xmarks) will only be noticing the kilt and not your other clothes.

Just try to be neat and walk with pride.

[Riverkilt]

Hey Moose,

You're in that transition stage...takes some sorting out of what works and what doesn't. The good part is there are some nice surprises...like who ever dreamed jean jackets and WWII replica military jackets went well with tartan kilts, or that Hawaiian shirts and Pendleton vests COULD work with solid kilts.

For me the secret was looking at all the pictures I could find of other guys wearing kilts. The pictures forum here, all the galleries on the kiltmaker's websites, all the personal galleries you can find.

If you wanna spend the ink you can also print out the pics of ideas you like as a reminder.

Not only will you find some ideas that will work for various types of garments, you'll also find color combinations that work that you'd not have thought of on your own.

Certainly there's the historic, traditional way to dress with the tartan kilt.
But there are also fun ways to dress casually, and for work in tartan and solid kilts. A lot of the fun of kilting is in finding and experimenting with looks.

Enjoy the process.

Ron

[Riverkilt]

Here's an example Moose,

Hope the pic comes out, its from another thread.



I don't know that any of us would have come up with this look on our own, but it works...heavy cable knit sweater, fishing vest to replace the sporran, with tartan kilt, no belt.

Point is, you can explore and find a LOT of different looks to go with your kilts.

Ron

[Tartan Hiker]

Lots of good advice here so far, but let me reiterate the suggestion of the wide belt. It makes a world of difference in the look regardless of the height of the wearer.

[Moose McLennan]

Sorry for just the back view, but my camera ran out of juice!

The back of the kilt is much nicer anyway, and I have a horseshoe shaped handbag of Mrs M's as a "travel sporran" on the front. An error of judgement methinks. You can use the bookcases for scale if you want I'm not a big bloke.

You have so much good advice, thanks all again!

Cheers
M.

[HeathBar]

The outfit looks OK to me(from the back at least). The only problem I see is that the kilt is "tilted". Its riding higher on your right hip.
Also...
From that angle, you look like a giant!