Kilt Height

[Nathan]

I agree with Rocky, most kilts I see in Scotland anyway have the 3 straps. Only time I have seen the 2 are on hire kilts and budget kilts quite often only have the 2. I have been told on many occasion by shop assistants that the 3rd strap ensures a better fit. Anyway my mind is made up regards the straps and I am going for 2. As for the kilt length I am going to discuss it today with the kiltmaker, however, I am edging towards having a traditional rise. For those interested it is going to be made up in the Campbell of Argyll weathered Lochcarron 16oz.

Thanks,
Simon

I don't think you'll regret your decision on straps and I think you're edging in the right direction regarding rise. I should warn you that there is a tartan called "Campbell of Argyll" that the Duke of Argyll and the Clan Campbell don't recognize as official.

http://ccsna.org/jsep50a.htm

http://www.tartansauthority.com/tart...of-argyll-clan

The recognized Campbell tartan by the Duke of Argyll:

cp_ar.jpg

The "Campbell of Argyll" tartan that is sold by most commercial weavers and not recognized by the Campbell.

images.jpeg

Anyway, the choice is yours my friend. I just thought I'd flag that to you in case "official" mattered to you and in case you hadn't been aware of the controversy around this tartan.

Best of luck!

[Jock Scot]

Over the last 70 years of wearing the kilt, every kilt that I have worn had/has two straps, some were family handmedowns, some were made for me, all were made by kiltmakers of repute.

[creagdhubh]

I have been told on many occasion by shop assistants that the 3rd strap ensures a better fit.

That's a load of rubbish. I have owned 8-yard, traditionally made kilts in heavyweight tartan with both three and two straps and for me, the overall fit between the two is exactly the same. The only difference being is with my kilts with only two straps. I now never have to worry about the superfluous bugger pulling on the front of my kilt apron (and before anyone asks, yes, I always kept it buckled loosely), thus, pulling the sett askew.

[cainam]

Over the last 70 years of wearing the kilt, every kilt that I have worn had/has two straps, some were family handmedowns, some were made for me, all were made by kiltmakers of repute.

Excuse my ignorance, I'm new to the world of kilts. It's just that most of kilts I have seen in store have had the 3 straps but admittedly it's not all that many, I just assumed that was the norm. Anyway I have opted for 2 straps and I am going to have the kilt made to sit from the trouser line. I'm sure it's not for everyone but I think it's the right decision off me.

[creagdhubh]

Excuse my ignorance, I'm new to the world of kilts. It's just that most of kilts I have seen in store have had the 3 straps but admittedly it's not all that many, I just assumed that was the norm. Anyway I have opted for 2 straps and I am going to have the kilt made to sit from the trouser line. I'm sure it's not for everyone but I think it's the right decision off me.

And rightly so! You gotta do what works best for you and ultimately, what you prefer. There are no rules.

Cheers,

[Jock Scot]

Excuse my ignorance, I'm new to the world of kilts. It's just that most of kilts I have seen in store have had the 3 straps but admittedly it's not all that many, I just assumed that was the norm. Anyway I have opted for 2 straps and I am going to have the kilt made to sit from the trouser line. I'm sure it's not for everyone but I think it's the right decision off me.

If that is what you want, then have it. It is that simple. Just something for you to think about and you may have already, if you are wanting to wear the kilt in any sort of smart, or formal event sometime in the future, then a kilt made to fit the modern day trouser line will be the very devil to get the Jackets and waistcoats(vests) to fit properly. The dreaded gap showing the shirt betwixt kilt top and waistcoat bottom(some styles of jacket too) is almost impossible to avoid and I have to say, it really does look dreadful.

[cainam]

I have considered it and I thought I could get round it by wearing a longer waistcoat. I suppose this might be a problem when wearing a sporran? I'm still a bit undecided though and I could still change my mind as it will be a couple of days before the kiltmaker receives the cloth.

[creagdhubh]

If that is what you want, then have it. It is that simple. Just something for you to think about and you may have already, if you are wanting to wear the kilt in any sort of smart, or formal event sometime in the future, then a kilt made to fit the modern day trouser line will be the very devil to get the Jackets and waistcoats(vests) to fit properly. The dreaded gap showing the shirt betwixt kilt top and waistcoat bottom(some styles of jacket too) is almost impossible to avoid and I have to say, it really does look dreadful.

Excellent point, Jock. Definitely something very important to consider.

[Son of the Rock]

It really depends on how formal the events you wish to wear it at will be. If they are black tie and you want to wear a Prince Charlie, then a natural waistline kilt is a must as a Prince Charlie is normally worn with a high 3 button waistcoat. Otherwise, go with what you want. Even if it's not a traditional kilt you want, it's still something you want to wear the way you would like to wear it, which is the most important thing. Though, it's always good to have at least one full-length tank in the wardrobe.

[auld argonian]

Actually, I've always found the rise in the kilt makes the wearing more comfortable. Can't imagine wearing one that sits at my trouser-waist…just sounds like it'd be uncomfortable and my tummy would be hanging out over the top. Maybe you've got those six pack abs and that wouldn't be a problem for you but I'd guess that most of us wouldn't be in that boat.

Have you considered renting a kilt for a day or two to see if you'd find the normal configuration comfortable or not? I think that before your kilt maker starts cutting the cloth you ought to make a determination on this…might save a bit of regret in the future.

Best

AA