Some questions before I decide

[TallGuy12]

I've been thinking about getting a kilt for some time now. Multiple reasons really...comfort, curiosity, the attraction women have to them, etc. I am not absolutely sure of my roots, but I know they go back to England, Wales and possibly Scotland. This I am working on finding out so I can figure out what kind of tartan I should get. Please forgive the questions if they sound a little silly. I want to find out more before I decide to buy a kilt.

Now then, I am extremely tall. I stand 6'9" (206cm), weigh around 290 lbs (131kg). My legs are most of my height.

Am I too tall to be kilted? IOW, would it look very silly? Does one have to have hose? I have never really been able to find socks that would ever come to mid calf, let alone where hose needs to with a kilt. Would one have to dress the part all the time or just wear it how ever, when ever? I have always been a shorts and tee shirt guy. Is the drop measured from the hip bone or the navel? I have seen different styles and am not completely sure what the differences are.

I was thinking of getting the comfy kilt from Sport Kilts just to see if I like it or one from SWK. I'd rather know it's something I like before I go getting a nice one for a lot of money.

I did search but only found a few threads regarding really tall folks. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[cavscout]

First of all welcome to the neighborhood from just up I-85 a bit.

Tall guys actually look really sharp in a kilt. As a 5'10" dude I have to balance things more carefully to not appear too squatty

To be brief, A stillwater has a 24" length which would be better than the 22" standard sportkilt length for your height. But at 6'9" even 24" might be a little short for you but fear not, stillwater and sportkilt can do custom lengths for an additional fee and lead time.

Welcome again.

[lethearen]

The great thing about custom fitted garments is that they can be made to fit anyone IMHO, a kilt will look better on a taller man than a shorter one, anyway. More leg to balance out the look.

You can probably find hose that will fit your measurements; goodness knows my kilt hose are practically thigh-highs before I fold them over. And if you can't, I'm sure someone out there could knit a pair up just for you.

That's beside the point anyway. Wear it how you want. Boots, sneakers, sandals, socks, hose... whatever. Wearing the kilt makes you an individual... just take that all the way and do what you think looks and feels right. There is no wrong answer

At least, that's the impression I've gotten in my short time on this board with its helpful members

[Colonel MacNeal]

One advantage to being that tall and wearing a kilt, is that people will not ask you what you're wearing under the kilt - they can easily see for themselves.

[wyldathart]

Welcome to the forum, as for kilt waist there are a couple. One is where your jeans or pants usually ride. The other is higher, usually right above your navel. Mine is almost two inches above my navel. If your not sure then wrap your hands around your waist right around your navel. Have your thumbs rest near your spine, sorta like your resting your hands on your hips. Feel around and you should feel a narrow place where your hands can rest. That is where your other waist is. That narrow spot is where you would measure for your kilt waist. Some guys like it low and some high.
A good custom kilt maker can help you decide that like Matt Newsome at the Tartan Museum.

[TallGuy12]

Tall guys actually look really sharp in a kilt. As a 5'10" dude I have to balance things more carefully to not appear too squatty

To be brief, A stillwater has a 24" length which would be better than the 22" standard sportkilt length for your height.

Welcome again.

Thanks man. I hadn't thought from the balance point of view. I had looked at the Stillwater and thought about taking the plunge before posting here. The 22" probably would be too short to be worn properly.

You can probably find hose that will fit your measurements; And if you can't, I'm sure someone out there could knit a pair up just for you.

That's beside the point anyway. Wear it how you want. Boots, sneakers, sandals, socks, hose... whatever. Wearing the kilt makes you an individual... just take that all the way and do what you think looks and feels right. There is no wrong answer.

I get the same impression reading the threads here. I stumbled upon this site last night while looking for kilt FAQ's. I couldn't stop reading for several hours.

One reason I asked about the hose is in looking, I just see sizes for 10-13 shoe sizes. I'm barely above that at 14. And the fact that I could only ever find long socks in one brand and they are scarce now that basketball players don't wear them like Michael Cooper anymore.

One advantage to being that tall and wearing a kilt, is that people will not ask you what you're wearing under the kilt - they can easily see for themselves.

Yeah, no doubt. If she's a pretty little lass, she would be able to see rather easily.

I believe the usual 24" drop of the off-the-rack variety will be far too short.

Yeah, you'd want to have the drop (length of the kilt) measured from your belly button-ish down to the middle of your knee cap.

A quick, probably inaccurate measurement puts it between 25-27". So you are probably right about that.

Thanks for all the info, guys. I appreciate it. Now a question about tartan. Does it matter or do you choose what you like? I've seen folks say that if you're not law enforcement or military stay away from those tartans. Beyond that, I don't think I've read anything definitive regarding tartan choices. I could have but it was late last night when i was doing a lot of searching and browsing.

[Freelancer]

Thanks for all the info, guys. I appreciate it. Now a question about tartan. Does it matter or do you choose what you like? I've seen folks say that if you're not law enforcement or military stay away from those tartans. Beyond that, I don't think I've read anything definitive regarding tartan choices. I could have but it was late last night when i was doing a lot of searching and browsing.

Bottom line: Anyone can wear pretty much any tartan they choose without being hauled off to tartan prison. However, there is an established protocol that it is bad form to wear a clan tartan that is not your own. Personally I choose to follow that protocol. There are many district tartans and universal tartans that are available. Choose one that may have meaning for yourself and go with it. I wear the American National, and German heritage tartans and also Lamont Ancient which is tartan of my pipe band.

Welcome to the group!

[lethearen]

One reason I asked about the hose is in looking, I just see sizes for 10-13 shoe sizes. I'm barely above that at 14.

Check out Scotland Kilt Copmany. They have some styles that go up to US14.

As for tartan, I prefer wearing tartans that mean something to me. But you're your own person. Wear what you like. Not like anyone you meet is going to know the difference unless you point it out. But like someone else said, it wouldn't hurt to at least know the name of the tartan and a little clan history ;)

Whatever you wear, wear it proudly.

[TallGuy12]

I have made Kilts for men up to 6'11" and on at least two occasions the total length of the Kilt from top of the waistband to the bottom of the Hem was so long that I was required to buy extra fabric.

If you would like, and have Skype on your computer, I will offer to talk you through the measuring process so that you will know exactly how long a Kilt will need to be for you. With this information you will be able to better assess your options.

My contact information can be found in my signature block below. And Please know that I offer this as a free service and you should feel no obligation nor will I try to sell you one of my Kilts. All Kiltmakers should be willing to do this but I understand that awkward feeling of asking someone to take your measurements when you will be taking your business elsewhere.

You joined this Clan so this is your first benefit.

Cool. I appreciate that. I will soon get Skype on a computer and take that offer. Shopping for clothing is a daunting activity in itself, let alone for something I have not yet owned.

Tall, you got a good man to take care of you now. His advice is solid as are his kilts. Good luck.

I most certainly will.

Check out Scotland Kilt Copmany. They have some styles that go up to US14.

As for tartan, I prefer wearing tartans that mean something to me. But you're your own person. Wear what you like. Not like anyone you meet is going to know the difference unless you point it out. But like someone else said, it wouldn't hurt to at least know the name of the tartan and a little clan history ;)

I'll take a look at that site. I hadn't come across it yet. I am looking to see if I could find family roots to choose a tartan. My maternal side of the family is from the UK and Wales. But if I cannot find roots, I will probably choose one I like, learn about it and wear it.

I also have to say, thanks y'all for making me feel welcome here and for all the answers to my questions. I'm glad that Google pointed me this way when I was searching "kilt faq."

[ForresterModern]

If you are certain about the welsh connection there are several nice wales based tartans that can be made into a nice cilt (welsh for kilt).