Top of the Kilt (USAK Semi-Traditional, SWK Standard)

[Barb T]

I know that I want my finished length of my personal kilts to be 23 1/2 inches long. From the very top edge to the very bottom edge.

But whether a 23 1/2" overall length actually _fits_ properly or not depends on how much of a rise the kiltmaker added when he/she made the kilt. You cannot assume that each kiltmaker will add the same amount of rise. A properly made kilt with a 2.5" rise will touch the knee at _exactly_ the same point that a properly made kilt with a 2" or even a 1" rise does. That's because a properly made kilt should be smallest in circumference at the _waist_, not at the top. Once a kilt is buckled on, it will ride at your waist, with the rise above and the rest of the kilt below.

I've made two kilts for Turpin, one with a 2" rise and one with a 2.5" rise (at his request). One has an overall length 1/2" longer than the other, but they both touch his knee at exactly the same point.

So, I concur with Rocky. You absolutely _must_ know how your kiltmaker uses measurements. When I make a kilt, I don't want to know how long your favorite kilt is overall. I want to know what the distance is between the center of the waist buckle and the bottom of your favorite kilt. That way, I know that I can make a kilt that will fit the way your favorite one does in terms of length, even if it's not the same overall in length.

Barb

[Macman]

Using the USAK method, my length measures 23 inches. If I bought a Stillwater Standard, could I wear it an inch higher at my waist to get the bottom to be at the center of my knee and still have it look OK?

Based on my experience, yes. My USAK is 23 inches, and the SWK Standard fits just fine as well. It just has a longer rise. One of my traditional kilts is 25 inches long, and it sits even higher up.

[Bugbear]

That is very good to know. Thank you for explaining it in that way.