Knee length- what is perfect?

**Dale Seago** · 13th August 13, 02:24 PM

I'm totally with creagdhubh here on length. And likewise, the top of my kilt is about an inch above my navel:

**mookien** · 30th July 13, 11:09 AM

Originally Posted by Tobus

This has been hashed out many, many, many times. But yeah, searching for it is difficult. I never have luck with the search function on this forum.

I'm strictly a top-of-the-kneecap guy. Considering that other people will be seeing you from eye level, it actually doesn't hurt to have it just a smidge higher, so that your kneecap can still be seen by people from eye level when they're a few feet from you (especially if they're taking photos).

But keep in mind that each kilt maker will have different ideas on what's "proper". Especially for non-traditional kilts like Utilikilt. Theirs is not intended to be traditional, so it's not in the same category as tartan kilts.

Tobus is incorrect. Actually, this has been hashed out many, many, many, many times.

Try this thread for some additional (opinionated) information ...

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...-length-79575/

**Father Bill** · 30th July 13, 11:10 AM

Top of the kneecap until it slides down to mid knee, then hitch it up again and smile.

**adempsey10** · 30th July 13, 01:26 PM

I like mine mid knee or slightly lower. Below the knee and I feel like I'm wearing a dress. Above and I feel like I'm wearing a girl's skirt.

I think most people on here are top of the knee type of folks. I have never been able to get used to the top of the knee. When I sit down the kilt rides up a few more inches, this exposure makes me feel uncomfortable.

That being said, I once had a discussion with a drunken piper at the Dominion Tavern in Ottawa who claimed that the kilt should be 4 finger widths from the TOP of the knee cap.... ...and I've also seen guys wearing them down to mid calf. I think they were new to kilt wearing and didnt know any better...

I would say, and maybe others can yay or nay me on this, but if you're roughly 3 finger widths from the middle of the knee cap, above or below, you're in the safe zone.

**Peter Lowe** · 30th July 13, 02:05 PM

I am not sure that there is a definitive answer to this. So I say that whatever you are comfortable with is good.

What is good for me? When kneeling the apron should not quite touch the floor.

**JohntheBiker** · 30th July 13, 02:42 PM

Originally Posted by Father Bill

Top of the kneecap until it slides down to mid knee, then hitch it up again and smile.

This just about nails it.

**mookien** · 30th July 13, 03:01 PM

Originally Posted by Father Bill

Top of the kneecap until it slides down to mid knee, then hitch it up again and smile.

That may very well be why some folks (like me) don't mind the kilt falling as much as an inch above the knee.

If you are engaged in some activity and not even thinking about your kilt, it can slip down an inch and you are "top of knee", and if Heaven forbid it should slip another inch, you are only about "mid knee". That gives you multiple chances to make mid-course corrections.

**Spartan Tartan** · 31st July 13, 01:36 AM

I am a top of the knee guy too. Personally, I do not like having my kilt hit the back of my calves as i walk. So for me, there is a real functional reason for where I have the bottom of the kilt.

**skruse** · 12th August 13, 10:05 AM

It is my understanding that if the kilt is to long (covers the knees), it indicates you are married. Kilt above the knees - unmarried. On top of the knee cap (just right) - keep 'em guessing. See:; Thompson, J. Charles (1989). So You're Going To Wear The Kilt (revised 3rd edition). Arlington VA: Heraldic Art.