Some questions before I decide

**TallGuy12** · 8th April 09, 02:16 PM

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** · 8th April 09, 02:24 PM

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** · 8th April 09, 02:29 PM

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** · 8th April 09, 02:35 PM

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.

**muirkirkca** · 8th April 09, 03:08 PM

Sites that sell custom made kilts usually have instructions on how to measure for a kilt and are pretty accurate. At your height and weight you will need some customization regardless of the supplier. I am 6'2'' and take a 25 in. so you will need a longer one.

**wyldathart** · 8th April 09, 03:21 PM

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** · 8th April 09, 03:51 PM

Originally Posted by cavscout

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.

Originally Posted by lethearen

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.

Originally Posted by 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.

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

Originally Posted by scottography

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.

**ali8780** · 8th April 09, 04:12 PM

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

Is it only easy for the pretty ones? ;)

Just teasing you. Welcome and good luck!

**Freelancer** · 8th April 09, 04:48 PM

Originally Posted by TallGuy12

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!

**Big Mikey** · 8th April 09, 05:22 PM

Just one fat old mans two cents worth regarding tartans. If you really like a tartan but have no connection to it, educate yourself as to its history, wear it with pride and be prepared with answers if someone asks if it is your family tartan. ie: "It's not my family tartan but I like it." Remember, there are no kilt police. And you lot that have badges.....

HANDS OFF THE KEYBOARD!!!!