Military Kilts

[Nick the DSM]

It is HEAVY! 8 yards of 18oz wool. I'm a short guy of about 5' 6" on a good day and this thing is long on me. Just for it to touch the middle of my knee, its hiked up to my upper abdomen (looking to get an adjustment soon). It has definetly kept me warm in the couple of winter days I have worn it.

[OC Richard]

One of the reasons the military kilts were high in the waist was that military doublets were high in the waist.

We've had a generation of kiltwearers come along who are used to the low hip-hugging waist of blue jeans, and who want to wear their kilts and kilt belts that low.

This photo shows very clearly how high the waist was meant to be, on this fine military doublet of a lovely cut:



Try wearing a modern civilian kilt, which has been made to the American customer's specs to have a low waist, and you'd have a big gap between the kilt and the jacket.

Here's a modern military doublet, and an old Scots Guards doublet, clearly showing that the waistbelt was to be worn at the elbow:





And here's a new Indian-made doublet, which I presume has been tailored to customer's specs, with a waist where the waist of blue jeans would be:

[guitarmatt]

Richard, thanks for the input. I wear my kilt at my natural waist, which happens to be right at the bend of my elbow, as you noted. My kilt is 24 inches long, which would put a 27 inch kilt right up at my sternum. That'd be no problem if I only ever intended to wear my kilt with a waistcoat or sweater, but because I've recently lost a bi of weight I only have one sweater that kits me and no waistcoats at all. I'm planning on knitting some up between pairs of socks.

Another waist related question for you all, this time about circumference. The largest readily available waist size I can find in MOD kilts is 80 cm. My actual waist measurement, where my kilt sits, is about 87. Would I be able to get by with a size 80 by using the biggest holes and maybe even moving a buckle? I'm not looking for speculation here, but wondering if some of yo guys with military kilts could throw a tape measure around your waist and share with me the number that comes up compared to the number on the tag, and what hole you're buckled to. Thanks so much.

[guitarmatt]

This photo shows very clearly how high the waist was meant to be, on this fine military doublet of a lovely cut:



Try wearing a modern civilian kilt, which has been made to the American customer's specs to have a low waist, and you'd have a big gap between the kilt and the jacket.

Here's a modern military doublet, and an old Scots Guards doublet, clearly showing that the waistbelt was to be worn at the elbow:

Looking at this set of pics again I see that even with my kilt, which sits with a traditional high civilian rise, might even be a bit short for the doublet. I left the last pic out of the quote because honestly I don't want to look at it again. Lengthening the jacket in that manner just totally ruins the proportions.

[McNulty]

I've got a WPG MacKenzie that I call "The Beast". It is a great kilt, heavy weight(it is just shy of 5lbs.) 22oz, and a very tight weave blocking the wind. I can wear it about 9 months a year and only NOT wear it when the temps get above 70F. However, I've strapped on "The Beast" in the late afternoon here in the Rockies in August. The temps may start off in the 80-90's but drop down to the 50-60's at night at altitude.
The rise on "The Beast" is about 3" above my navel at 23" in length. I can pull the kilt up when getting warm, and conversely, let it drop down to cover my knees when it gets colder. I've watched the sales for MOD retired kilts and most of the waist sizes are horribly small.
Instead of trying to alter a kilt to go bigger, I'd either 1.) Save up my money and have one made up special for you; or 2.) Buy one from WPG as many of us here have done and can attest to their quality. They are not Sunday go to meeting kilts but they are well made, sustantial, and are great for serious knocking around out in the woods.
McNulty

[creagdhubh]

Matt...I don't have a military kilt...but as far as the vendor's question goes and keeping in line with Downunder's post...check out Bugpiper's stuff on ebay. He normally has quality MoD kilts from several regiments...BW, Gordon, RHF, etc...I've been drooling over his Royal Stewart kilts for some time now.

Quite right, old chap. Bugpiper on eBay has quality, real, MOD items-check there!!!

[creagdhubh]

One of the reasons the military kilts were high in the waist was that military doublets were high in the waist.

We've had a generation of kiltwearers come along who are used to the low hip-hugging waist of blue jeans, and who want to wear their kilts and kilt belts that low.

This photo shows very clearly how high the waist was meant to be, on this fine military doublet of a lovely cut:



Try wearing a modern civilian kilt, which has been made to the American customer's specs to have a low waist, and you'd have a big gap between the kilt and the jacket.

Here's a modern military doublet, and an old Scots Guards doublet, clearly showing that the waistbelt was to be worn at the elbow:





And here's a new Indian-made doublet, which I presume has been tailored to customer's specs, with a waist where the waist of blue jeans would be:

The Indian-made doublet is revolting. You can really see the difference.

[guitarmatt]

I've been drooling over bugpiper's eBay listings for the last few days. It almost makes me want to get into reenacting to have an excuse to buy all that great Gordon Highlanders stuff, esp that horsehair sporran.

[Nick the DSM]

I've watched the sales for MOD retired kilts and most of the waist sizes are horribly small.

McNulty

perfect for me!!

[creagdhubh]

I've been drooling over bugpiper's eBay listings for the last few days. It almost makes me want to get into reenacting to have an excuse to buy all that great Gordon Highlanders stuff, esp that horsehair sporran.

I know how you feel! Personally, I am akin to the Argyll gear!!!