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