Hemlines.....

**Blu (Ontario)** · 25th January 04, 07:20 AM

There seems to be many different opinions as to the prefered (some would say correct) length for the hemline / selvedge for a kilt. This length typically ranges anywhere from above the knee to below the knee...(X-dress folks notwithstanding). Personally, I prefer from mid-knee to possibly an inch above mid-knee. From what I'm seeing at highland games and on the internet though, kilt lengths are getting longer...esp. with the modern styles. A bit of fashion evolution in progress? What's your preference and why?

**highlandtide** · 25th January 04, 11:05 AM

i am a fan of mid-knee. i think that some people do not know that you aren't supposed to wear your kilt on your hips but actually wear it above your waist. this might be what is making some kilts seem longer. just my humble opinion though.

**Blu (Ontario)** · 25th January 04, 12:21 PM

I would tend to agree with that. Frankly, I quite like the firm support provided by the higher waist. Those folks with a "Miller muscle" gut would likely disagree. However, I think my views on kilt length are subjective and based on what I've been told is correct. It's a technical detail that doesn't matter to women quite the same way.

**Canuck** · 25th January 04, 04:25 PM

Originally Posted by Blu (Ontario)

There seems to be many different opinions as to the prefered (some would say correct) length for the hemline / selvedge for a kilt. This length typically ranges anywhere from above the knee to below the knee...(X-dress folks notwithstanding). Personally, I prefer from mid-knee to possibly an inch above mid-knee. From what I'm seeing at highland games and on the internet though, kilt lengths are getting longer...esp. with the modern styles. A bit of fashion evolution in progress? What's your preference and why?

When I first started making my own kilts the instructions for measuring. Waist to knee subtract 1" and add 2" to the waist for the waistband.
For the kilts I build I just use the waist to knee measure. The kilt waist sits where your pants hang and the hemline breaks the centre of the knee or just above depending on the person wearing it.
I prefer the middle of the knee. The hose also should be worn an 1" or so below the knee. But I'm not the kilt police... I wear my kilts with the hem centre of the knee and the hose just under the knee cap.

**Jimmy Carbomb** · 26th January 04, 12:28 PM

Originally Posted by Blu (Ontario)

What's your preference and why?

Blu

When a Scotsman is kneeling to pray, the kilt should not touch the floor. When measuring for the proper length, the easiest way to maintain this OLD tradition is to kneel on the floor, and drop a measuring tape from the top of the pants beltine to the floor, off the side of the body. 8)

Beyond that, it's really a matter of preference for the modern kilt-wearer. I've noticed the inch-below-the-knee look as being prevailant lately.

**Blu (Ontario)** · 26th January 04, 08:15 PM

When enough people in a given group decide to do a certain thing, a trend is born. Whether longer kilt hemlines are a trend or a blip or a natural evolution of what men are comfortable with, I just don't know. I suggest that many men are self concious about their legs and have a tendancy keep as much leg covered as possible. Also, the liberated feeling the kilt affords might prompt some to go with longer hemlines and higher socks in an attempt to keep well covered. For some men I think it just takes time for them to get comfortable with it. I would hope that 10 to 20 years from now, this discussion should have about as much meaning as the color of denim does today.

Blu

Chris@southerncelt.com · 26th January 04, 10:35 PM

I too prefer the mid-knee look. The classic kilt tailoring method is actually set to make the kilt fall at mid-knee.

**Jimmy Carbomb** · 27th January 04, 12:04 PM

Originally Posted by Blu (Ontario)

Also, the liberated feeling the kilt affords might prompt some to go with longer hemlines and higher socks in an attempt to keep well covered.Blu

I'm sure it's the same just up North from here... but I've been wearing the wool "Piper Kilt Hose" for about the last two weeks due to the COLD!!!!!

Darned if it doesn't actually work! 8)

**robert_law** · 27th January 04, 06:01 PM

The correct way is to wear the kilt with it at the middle of the knee

Robert (in scotland)

**dmbellboy** · 27th January 04, 07:14 PM

Hello All:

In regard to the hemline issue...I wear my traditional kilts right about mid knee. When I kneel down, the hem does not touch the floor. I also wear the trads at the navel (or bellybutton for some). On my "American Modern Kilts", I wear the hem just below my knee. I also wear the AMK's on my hips. I have found as I go through my work day (electrician), the kilt does not ride up or need to be adjusted in any way. I am on my knees, on ladders, in awkward positions all day long. The AMK's work for me, not against me.

Just my thoughts...
David...