Correct Length

[Rigged]

I've recently ordered a tartan kilt from the Bear. I ordered it in the length I wear my UKs, which is just at the base of the knee.

Now I'm nervous since a kilt is "supposed" to rest at the center of the knee or slightly below the top of the knee.

I've checked the mirror with the UKs and tried them at those lengths and they just don't look right with my build.

Am I making a mistake with the length of the new kilt?

[bear]

In my opinion, you're asking a question about personal preference. There are purists that will tell you a kilt must be a certain length, or style, or tartan. I think some lengths/styles/tartans look better on some guys than they do on others.
That said, I think you'd look best in a mid-knee classic cut kilt. You'll find the swish factor is better at mid-knee, too.

[Hamish]

Hi 'Rigged',

I have to agree with Bear on this, in spite of my continually stating that there are no real rules. You have to wear what YOU are comfortable with but to my mind kilts longer than mid-knee just, in general, look wrong in that they create an 'unbalanced' appearance. They look as if they had been made for someone else, not the wearer. I also happen to believe that longer kilts look girly. On me, they feel most uncomfortable and, finally, Bear is SO right about the all-important swing factor.

[Graham]

I'm a 'mid-knee' man myself

It's amazing really how an inch here or there can make such a difference to the way we feel about our kilts.

In the bad ol days of trousers, the length would never be of concern to me!

Just shows how special kilts are.

[Blu (Ontario)]

Rigged, I know exactly what your going through. (In my case, I was concerned about my kilt being too short.) I wear my kilts mid-kneecap or striking the top of the kneecap. To me a kilt that completely conceals the knee looks a bit like 'granny's old skirt'. Yet it seems that there are a large number of modern kilt wearers that conceal the knee with their kilt. On the other hand, you should be aware that traditional tartan kilts are built with "rise". This is width added at the waistband above the level of the hipbone and can be as much as 3 inches. (Almost to the ribcage in some cases.) With that in mind, I would suggest that you simply hike the kilt up a bit when you put it on. And Bobs yer uncle. 8)

cheers,
blu

[Raphael]

It had a lot to do with your comfort level. If you are more comfotable with a longer kilt, do it. There is no rule that said you can't.

[Miah]

I ordered my USA Kilt abit long and I wear it all the stime it is almost to the bottom of my knee it is fine for me as when i wear shorts, i wear them long and baggy so it was not odd to me
My bear kilt on the otherhand I wear almost a little short. but I have to say it was a "In stock kilt" the kilt is amazing and I love it. It falls in the knee cap area but when I sit down I'm more carful as it does expose abit more.

[Mychael Sporrano]

Graham wrote,"It's amazing really how an inch here or there can make such a difference to the way we feel about our kilts."

So true. I have been told that a kilt looks best on me when it hits the top of my knee to a point just above mid knee. Any shorter makes me look girlie while much longer does decidedly induce that granny look Blu mentioned- at least on me. To each his own, but I saw a lot of kilts at the Highland Games a few weeks ago that were waaaay too long. I think that a lot of guys, especially those wearing casual kilts like UKs, feel better with their knees completely covered, but they should consider trying shorter lengths if they have a choice. Sometimes you have to go with what you have or what you can get.

One fellow who was wearing a very nice looking kilt at the Games in Ligonier was wearing it a good 4"-5" above the top of his knee. It reminded me of how I looked when I jokingly tried on a kid's kilt a few months ago while picking up a kilt at PK. Kiltmaker Jeff cringed and thanked me for burning that indelible image into his brain.

Mychael

[Rigged]

OK. Sherri and I re-measured and decided that mid-knee would work. Hopefully there's still time to change the order.

[Mike1]

I was recently at a Highland Games near my home. An older gentleman, who was rather "portly" was wearing what appeared to be a 4 yard kilt. The kilt was cutting him about 3-4 inches above his kneecap at the front, but as his backside was disproportionately large (am I P.C., or WHAT?!?), the kilt struck him about 6 inches above the knee in the rear. Pleats? There were no pleats!



As Mychael mentioned, it was laser-etched into my memory...

I guess I am a purist when it comes to length. Cut the kneecap or rest upon the kneecap. Too short and it takes on a skirt appearance (NOOOOO, not that!!!). Too long, and it becomes a granny dress.

That being said, I still think that the final decision rests with the lad that is wearing the kilt. If he likes it and he is comfortable wearing it, then who am I to judge?

Judge not, lest ye yourself be judged, Mike...

Peace,
Mike