highland warrior's kilt

[M. A. C. Newsome]

All of the men in the Black Watch photo shown above seem to me to be wearing the kilt at the proper length. None seem too short. I'd much rather see a kilt that's a bit too short (I said a bit!), than too long.

When I'm outfitting someone I tell them that "acceptable" kilt length (judged by modern day Highland fashion standards) is anywhere from the middle of your kneecap at the lowest to one inch above the top of your kneecap at the highest. My personal preference is for no lower than the top of your knee. I think the kilt looks best when the whole knee is shown.

Yes, Highlanders in the past wore their kilts even shorter than this! However, a lot of men today are wearing their kilts much too long. I see a lot of gentleman around the Highland Games wearing their kilts at the bottom of the kneecap, or below the knee entirely.

It could possibly be that they were measured too long. (Some people remain convinced that "proper kilt length" is determined by measuring from your waist to the floor while kneeling, but this usually results in a kilt at least 2" too long). Or it could be that their kilts originally fit and "middle age spread" has forced them to wear their kilts on a lower and somewhat narrower part of their torso, causing the kilt to appear longer. I don't know.

But in any case, let's not be afraid to let our knees show! As I always tell people when measuring them -- if you aren't going to show off your knees, what's the point of wearing a kilt!

Just for fun, here's me showing some knee:


You have to peek under my Inverness Cape for this one!