Kilt pin location

**Spartan Tartan** · 12th February 11, 10:29 AM

I believe I have seen a thread that may have addressed this question, but can not find it. I can't remember if it was a subconversation of a similar topic either...making it more difficult for me to locate. So, apologies in advance if this is a recently repeated question:

What is the "proper" location for a kilt pin? A simple question, but I have seen everything from just below the hip--very near the top...to the in and up about 2 inches from the bottom corner.

I'm sure the answer is "do what you want", but by asking I am hoping to get a better understanding. Meaning, are there regional differences, clan differences, did it change throughout time...etc. Are more linear pins for the bottom whereas rounded pins are for the top...

I enjoy seeing all the pictures and see the pins located differently. I guess I am just wondering if it is truly a personal preference or if there are in fact historical references that suggest one location over another.

I should say, I DO know not to pin the two aprons together

**Father Bill** · 12th February 11, 10:30 AM

What I've basically heard is three inches up, three inches in, don't pin 'em together, and better to do without one.

How's that!

**xman** · 12th February 11, 10:32 AM

q :

Originally Posted by spartan tartan

what is the "proper" location for a kilt pin?

a :

Originally Posted by spartan tartan

... "do what you want", ... It is truly a personal preference ...

**Zardoz** · 12th February 11, 10:36 AM

As has been said, It is truly a personal preference.
Just speaking for myself, I put it in the "usual" place, bottom right hand corner of the apron. Although I don't say "3 inches in, 4 up" or anything, I attempt to line the pin up with the the tartan pattern, so the final position varies.

**Father Bill** · 12th February 11, 10:40 AM

I like Zardoz's reply even better than my own. Certainly, I don't follow the 3 & 3 advice myself; I like it to look well with the sett.

**Jordan** · 12th February 11, 10:50 AM

With some kilts I try to line it up with the tartan on some other ones I have it in an open area so to speak. I do always have it in a bit and up a bit however.

I know Anciene Aliance is a big fan of having the pin up near the hip

Jordan

**Chas** · 12th February 11, 10:57 AM

If you have a 'light metal' kilt pin it can get lost on a light stripe. I try to put mine on a contrasting colour stripe. Why have it, if it can't be seen?

Regards

Chas

**Riverkilt** · 12th February 11, 10:59 AM

I've found that I also have to factor in the weight of the kilt pin. The heavier the kilt pin the more towards the center and higher so it doesn't "stretch" the material.

I also like to find a place where the tartan patterns intersect so the pin looks a bit like it belongs there, rather than being thrown at the kilt to land wherever.

Best system for me has been to look at the tartan and the pin and sort of move it around like a dowsing rod...eventually the kilt pin sort of finds the right place...you'll know it by the feel and the look.

Then double check after you don the kilt because the right place when the kilt's laying on the bed might not look right when you're wearing the kilt.

Play around. You'll find the spot.

**Spartan Tartan** · 12th February 11, 11:37 AM

Thanks all! I appreciate the feedback.

**OC Richard** · 12th February 11, 07:31 PM

My favourite place for a kilt pin is in a drawer somewhere!

Sooner or later a kilt pin seems to get caught on something and tear the kilt a bit. Look at a pile of 20-year-old band kilts from a band that wears kilt pins and you won't see many that aren't torn.

Anyhow in this matter as in so many others what the Army does is what looks "right" to my eye:

I like a pin more or less halfway between the bottom of the kilt and the edge of the jacket. They always look odd to me when pinned at the very bottom edge of the kilt.