Kilt Police – Chime in Please

**Kiltedfirepiper** · 25th May 07, 12:31 AM

ok ..I think you look great!

from what I've been told inthe past is this....

the bottom of tie should reach the top of the belt

the sporran should be ONE handwith between the bottom of the belt, and thetop of the sporran.

flashes should be about 1-2 fingers width betwen the tibia ( the really straight bone in the front of your leg) and the inner flashing....another way to look at it is the inner flashing edge should line up with the apron edge( and just make the other one matches)

no belt with a vest

and only pipers wear stark white hose

this one doesnt really matter but i figured I'd include it

NO POPCORN TOPS!!!! ....this is just my personal thought

and again you look great!

the best part about ANY law/rule is its open to interpretation

( if it wasnt ..lawyers would be out of a job!!)

so if anyone says anything you can tell them " this is how I interpret that rule!!! "

edit: ...lookin gat your pic again ...the only thing I would change is to drop the top of your hose about 2"
this does 2 things...
1 it seperates the kilt and hose better

2 it makes your calfs look a little bigger ( I dont know why but women like big calfs)

**Gary Krueger** · 13th July 07, 05:00 PM

If the flashes are too far from the front...they look like the pull tabs of a couple of zippers...we usually do the two fingers from the tibia thing.

Now if asked to explain the sporran this always gets a smile:

It is a portable pocket. The Scots are an economical people.... they figure if they're likely to get their pockets picked they might as well enjoy the experience.

**Hamish** · 14th July 07, 10:41 AM

Sean, I am coming in rather late on this thread and almost everything that can be said to help you has already been said. I would simply make a few points here - bearing in mind that there are NO RULES, only good taste:

Your tie is the correct length. Its point should not cover your buckle, but it does not look too good tucked into the kilt waistband either. I would avoid black (unless you are going for a bow-tie) with the black Argyll. The suggestion of a green tie to match the kilt is perfect and, yes, please tighten and straighten the knot!

The overall effect is generally enhanced if your shirt and hose are of the same colour - oatmeal is good. Stark white hose is best avoided, although it cannot always, and popcorn tops are for pipers and pipe-bands only!

Flashes? Personally I do not care for them to be worn forward and I invariably place them as precisely as I can on the side of my calf. Forward or behind the half-way point and I think they look misplaced. If I am wearing a Sgian Dubh, I will place it exactly above the flashes on my right leg (being right-handed).

The secret is to keep everything simple and uncluttered and, in that respect, I believe you are 'there'. Oh, apart from one important point:

I suspect the white basting stitches are still keeping your pleats in place - please, whatever you do, carefully remove them before anyone sees you!!

Then go out and enjoy yourself.

**Archangel** · 14th July 07, 11:17 AM

Originally Posted by Hamish

The secret is to keep everything simple and uncluttered and, in that respect, I believe you are 'there'. Oh, apart from one important point:

I suspect the white basting stitches are still keeping your pleats in place - please, whatever you do, carefully remove them before anyone sees you!!

Then go out and enjoy yourself.

Over 30 posts on this thread and you come in late and spot that, amazing. That's why we defer to you on kilted matters. How do you like that responsibility?

**Nervous Jock** · 14th July 07, 04:38 PM

Originally Posted by Hamish

Your tie is the correct length. Its point should not cover your buckle, but it does not look too good tucked into the kilt waistband either.

Flashes? Personally I do not care for them to be worn forward and I invariably place them as precisely as I can on the side of my calf. Forward or behind the half-way point and I think they look misplaced. If I am wearing a Sgian Dubh, I will place it exactly above the flashes on my right leg (being right-handed).

Then go out and enjoy yourself.

Agreed tucking your tie in is a crime

Wearing the flashes at the front is a military thing. round the side is much more the norm

**sean_cummings** · 16th July 07, 11:13 AM

Thanks for the advise everyone. It wound up being close to 100 degrees that day. So per the brides request I went very casual. That worked out though, because I had to step in as photographer. Theirs got sick and was unable to come. Below is what I wore for the day. And also a link to the some of the wedding photos.

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/s...ad.php?t=28830

**Rampant Lion** · 16th July 07, 12:03 PM

Definitely a good looking casual outfit. You're got the hang of it now.

**Archangel** · 16th July 07, 01:00 PM

Well, that came together quite well.

**ChattanCat** · 16th July 07, 05:21 PM

How 'bout straighting the tie, otherwise looks good.

**Ian.MacAllan** · 15th October 07, 02:08 PM

Sean,

You were really very well turned out, but I would still like to make two suggestions.

First, using a Windsor knot instead of a four-in-hand will prevent all the necktie problems other posters have mentioned. The Windsor is a beautifully symmetrical knot which will: 1. fill the space between the collar points without needing to be very snug, 2. encourage the formation at the knot of a dimple which will make the wide part of the tie drape well, and 3. essentially guarantee that the narrow end of the tie will be shorter than the wide end while the length of the wide end remains correct.

Second, shorten the coat sleeves by about 3/4 inch. Take the coat to a good tailor and accept his advice on how much to shorten them. If you wear that coat to a sit-down meal with the sleeves their present length I think you will find it difficult to keep your cuffs out of your food.

Best wishes.

.