Is this too long?

[Fit2BKilted]

My guess is that you're wearing the kilt an inch or so too low; but, I expect that the length is alright. AFAIK, there should be kilt material show above the top of your belt if it's positioned correctly---but don't take my word for it...

[McFarkus]

I agree that the camera angle makes it uncertain. I try to wear my kilt just at the top of my knee. It's true, as stated above, that the belt loops on a traditional kilt are for the sporran belt not the kilt belt. Opinions vary, some say, based on military tradition, the kilt should be an inch or two above the knee. Others say, no longer than mid-knee. I prefer to split the difference. (But remember, there are no kilt police - at our highland games a couple of weeks ago, there were some wearing the kilt at mid-calf!!!!)

BTW, I love the Xmarks tartan. Did you have it pleated to the sett or the stripe?

[Dr Mac]

With the camera angle, it would seem a bit too long, but that's my "take." I wear mine to the top of my knee. If you are wearing the top of the kilt across your naval, then it's a bit long; if not, then simply pulling it up a bit will solve the issue. Beautiful tartan, btw.

[fluter]

Nice looking kilt, Ron! Have we seen it before? How about a pleat shot? who's the maker?

If I am going to pull the kilt up, but leave the belt at the same level, then I am not going to use the belt loops?

You don't have to use the loops; some experts recommend not. If the kilt was made to your measure, it's probably optional. With off-the-rack kilts (Stillwater for instance) often the belt stays in place better in the loops. You may choose to use them, or just slip the sporran strap through them & put the belt over... or not use them at all.

The kilt is already hemmed. It is from the second wool run, with the wonky selvedge. How hard is it to hem an 8-yard kilt another inch or two?

Me, I would like it shorter.

Well then that's the important point! I was going to say that most of us go a bit higher, but wear it where you're comfortable. For photographic evidence, the best plan is to use a tripod about waist-high. this makes it much easier to see the kilt/knee interface.

Hemming is probably 2-3 hours easy work. Use a herringbone stitch, as Barb T shows here. About 1 stitch per inch should do it.

[Abax]

I have no idea what this "natural waist" people mention is. Nor so I know what a "hip" is, in the kilt-wearer's context.
. . .

If I am going to pull the kilt up, but leave the belt at the same level, then I am not going to use the belt loops? Also, it is pretty tight, I am not sure that I could make it sit higher without getting uncomfortable.

I'm no expert, but I'll relay the definitions (plus some opinions) I've settled on after asking and reading a bit.

In the context of wearing a kilt, you can find your natural waist by bending your trunk left and right - where you bend (or crease) is your natural waist. Mine is just below the bottom of my rib cage. My kilt would definitely be uncomfortable if I pulled it up over my ribs. Physiques will vary a bit, so your natural waist may be closer or farther from your ribs than mine . . . but your kilt will probably sit pretty close to your ribs.

Your hip is where your pelvic bones protrude on the left and right. It's also probably where your jeans sit. Your hips are definitely too low for a traditional kilt (but where a Utilikilt will sit, for instance).

My kilt belts seem to look and feel best on me when they are a little (about an inch or a hair more) below the top of my kilt. They naturally sit there because my waist is the narrowest part of my trunk. The belt won't slide very far up or down because I get bigger in each direction. My kilt belt is just tight enough to hold itself in place - it does nothing (and should not do anything) to hold the kilt up. A proper-fitting kilt will sit in the right place of its own accord. I like wearing sweaters with my kilts and wearing no kilt belt at all - that's as comfortable as wearing a really nice bath robe (thanks to the kilt makers who crafted my kilts).

Opinions about the purpose and utility of belt loops on a kilt differ. One kilt maker (trained in Scotland) told me to always use the belt loops on my kilt for the kilt belt. Another didn't even put any belt loops on my traditional box pleat kilt. Others will tell you the belt loops are for your sporran belt only and that putting your kilt belt through them will potentially distort and eventually damage your kilt. That's a big range, eh? I've settled on ignoring belt loops if the kilt I'm wearing has them - my kilt belt and sporran belt (sitting just below it) stay right where they belong without the loops. If yours don't stay put, check the fit first, then use the belt loops if you find them helpful.

Just like well-fit pants, I occasionally have to adjust my kilt by pulling it up - usually after I've been sitting for a while or I reach way over my head or some other activity that moves it around. Sitting also causes my kilt belt to rise a bit in the back, so I adjust it when I stand up. A recent post by the Wizard of BC listed a whole bunch of ill-fitting kilt problems all solved by pulling your kilt up - it's great advice!

As far as length, I think my first kilt was about an inch too long (my measurements and probably my modesty). I got used to wearing it, and the next kilt I ordered was an inch shorter. I wear the long one a little higher on my waist so that it -like my newer kilts - sits across mid-kneecap or a little higher. I'd echo another opinion expressed here: Wear the kilt where you find it comfortable. My guess is you'll gradually feel comfortable with wearing it higher than your picture shows.

Abax

[Macleod91]

IMHO i think it is perfect. I can't stand my kilt to be at the top of my knee or to high on my waist. So to me it looks fine

Best wishes

[Pleater]

Leaving aside the length, I think that if it was a little higher the aprons would lie more smoothly - the kilt looks to be forming slight folds, which would indicate that it was a little strained at that point.

From decades of fitting costumes, the cure is to lift the garment above the horizontal folds and ensure that the vertical shape is not distorted. That might result in several alterations, but a straight all round lifting is the one to try first and see what happens.

Anne the Pleater :ootd: