Kilt length - advice requested

[Big and Bashful]

So socks pulled way up is something that looks good to most here?

Sure, warmth is important.

I guess when I wear my kilt, unless I’m going out formally, I’m not a big sock pulled all the way up kind of guy. But the knee length sicks reflects the kilt like feeling.

I wore a kilt the other day with socks but ankle length just out and about. Had three very positive male (surprisingly) encounters. Usually it’s women who comment but not that day.

I think one of my biggest detractors to wearing more is the “how to make it fit with my other clothing” routine.

Although I really appreciate jocks, actors and famous musicians wearing skirts to introduce the world to the idea, outside of what Brad Pitt wore, I can’t see donning any of them.

What I really need is some style that creates a look of how I typically dress but incorporates a skirt in a way that looks good, is functional and doesn’t scare people away. And from scaring them, I mean looking at me and posing the ignorant questions of is he transitioning or the egg on their face question of homosexuality as if somehow clothing is the factor that dictates the complicated nature of sexual orientation.

I’d really like a look of what I am. A cis hetero male who wear skirts because they’re comfortable.

I do like the traditional kilted look, with all the ancillary accoutrements. For formal occasions like weddings that is what I wear, well I did until I shrank! Back in normal life, around the house or when out walking or travelling, where once upon a time it was always jeans and T-shirt, now it is a skirt and T-shirt, either an ankle length skirt with shorter socks and shoes, or more often a knee length skirt with the same socks and shoes. In cold and/or wet weather I try to make longer socks work or fall back on the long skirts. As I did with jeans, I do tend to stick with black or darker shades of blue, that is just my choice and has been all my life, I have a couple of red tartan and terracotta skirts, never worn them in public. I did buy a couple of blue skirts covered in white polka dots, I find the pattern really distracts me so I don't use them either. You can probably tell that fashion and style are things I never even think about, I just try not to stand out, not easy when you are well over 6 foot and (until recently) fairly well built. I think in general my 'look' is just practical clothing, but unconventional. Nothing more, no attempt to look female, I just wear skirts, not women's skirts, they're my skirts. If you look at my old pics 'n' looks thread which is getting old and dusty you will see my leanings. I haven't added to that for a long time because it is a faff dropping the resolution enough to get them posted here, or it was.

[ScotL]

What I really need is some style that creates a look of how I typically dress but incorporates a skirt in a way that looks good, is functional and doesn’t scare people away. And from scaring them, I mean looking at me and posing the ignorant questions of is he transitioning or the egg on their face question of homosexuality as if somehow clothing is the factor that dictates the complicated nature of sexual orientation.

I’d really like a look of what I am. A cis hetero male who wear skirts because they’re comfortable.

It's going to come down to MOSTLY mindset on your part. I haven't changed my style that much over the past few years, least I don't think so, and I seldom have those thoughts anymore. "Style" will make you comfortable - but only to a point. Ultimately, what people think is what they think and we have no control over that. I still ruminate a little bit on those fears, but lately it's been more about "do I look silly?". I've come to accept I'm neither of those things, but it doesn't matter if people think I am - what does it matter either way? As for the answer to the "silly" question - "no" but I might look different from the usual guy out there.

Agreed. But what I’m saying is when I go out in shorts and a shirt. Or to work in pants and a nice shirt and tie, it’s easy. I don’t think about it. But I ruminate over what will look “ok” with a skirt/kilt. Cause there’s a style I’ve worn for my many years that I’m adding to and don’t really know how to make it look like my style

[ScotL]

I think one of my biggest detractors to wearing more is the “how to make it fit with my other clothing” routine.

Although I really appreciate jocks, actors and famous musicians wearing skirts to introduce the world to the idea, outside of what Brad Pitt wore, I can’t see donning any of them.

What I really need is some style that creates a look of how I typically dress but incorporates a skirt in a way that looks good, is functional and doesn’t scare people away. And from scaring them, I mean looking at me and posing the ignorant questions of is he transitioning or the egg on their face question of homosexuality as if somehow clothing is the factor that dictates the complicated nature of sexual orientation.

I’d really like a look of what I am. A cis hetero male who wear skirts because they’re comfortable.

I do like the traditional kilted look, with all the ancillary accoutrements. For formal occasions like weddings that is what I wear, well I did until I shrank! Back in normal life, around the house or when out walking or travelling, where once upon a time it was always jeans and T-shirt, now it is a skirt and T-shirt, either an ankle length skirt with shorter socks and shoes, or more often a knee length skirt with the same socks and shoes. In cold and/or wet weather I try to make longer socks work or fall back on the long skirts. As I did with jeans, I do tend to stick with black or darker shades of blue, that is just my choice and has been all my life, I have a couple of red tartan and terracotta skirts, never worn them in public. I did buy a couple of blue skirts covered in white polka dots, I find the pattern really distracts me so I don't use them either. You can probably tell that fashion and style are things I never even think about, I just try not to stand out, not easy when you are well over 6 foot and (until recently) fairly well built. I think in general my 'look' is just practical clothing, but unconventional. Nothing more, no attempt to look female, I just wear skirts, not women's skirts, they're my skirts. If you look at my old pics 'n' looks thread which is getting old and dusty you will see my leanings. I haven't added to that for a long time because it is a faff dropping the resolution enough to get them posted here, or it was.

Me too. The traditional kilted look is wonderful. For formal events. Just like a tuxedo. Amazing the way they make you look. But I don’t wear such formal things often and am looking to just find my style with a skirt. I do tend to be the guy who wears any and all colors and patterns. But with the skirt, I’m looking for that look that’s me

[Coder]

Agreed. But what I’m saying is when I go out in shorts and a shirt. Or to work in pants and a nice shirt and tie, it’s easy. I don’t think about it. But I ruminate over what will look “ok” with a skirt/kilt. Cause there’s a style I’ve worn for my many years that I’m adding to and don’t really know how to make it look like my style

Gotcha! A few things that help me.

I occasionally search Google images for inspiration.
I wear fitted shirts - not revealing but not baggy. This makes t-shirts feel more intentional, and repurposes a style I have worn for years.
I’ll do a French tuck if the shirt “should’ be tucked in or the waistband should be visible (ie, paper bag skirt, etc…). I do this as I’m not big into tucking my shirts.
I’ve been trying to work in layering because it lets you wear a tight top tucked in, but the outer garment hides the tightness of the top. Or maybe the pattern is “too much”. This helps if I like a pattern but I think it might be too “crazy”.

Essentially I’m just playing with a variety of styles I like the look of and make them my own. There are some fashion subs on Reddit that have a variety of looks (the orange cardigan I got was inspired by a post there) to get ideas from. Buy a bunch of stuff on Amazon (if you have prime) with the intent of returning it - try different cuts/styles/colors. Eliminating what you don’t like from the pool of options is just as good as adding things you like.

[Myopic Bookworm]

If you don't have much calf muscle, you might not be able to keep any socks up at knee hight, no matter the style.

If that's the problem, then I would recommend Scottish country dancing! I never had such good calves as when I was dancing three times a week (and cycling to and from the venue).

[ScotL]

Agreed. But what I’m saying is when I go out in shorts and a shirt. Or to work in pants and a nice shirt and tie, it’s easy. I don’t think about it. But I ruminate over what will look “ok” with a skirt/kilt. Cause there’s a style I’ve worn for my many years that I’m adding to and don’t really know how to make it look like my style

Gotcha! A few things that help me.

I occasionally search Google images for inspiration.
I wear fitted shirts - not revealing but not baggy. This makes t-shirts feel more intentional, and repurposes a style I have worn for years.
I’ll do a French tuck if the shirt “should’ be tucked in or the waistband should be visible (ie, paper bag skirt, etc…). I do this as I’m not big into tucking my shirts.
I’ve been trying to work in layering because it lets you wear a tight top tucked in, but the outer garment hides the tightness of the top. Or maybe the pattern is “too much”. This helps if I like a pattern but I think it might be too “crazy”.

Essentially I’m just playing with a variety of styles I like the look of and make them my own. There are some fashion subs on Reddit that have a variety of looks (the orange cardigan I got was inspired by a post there) to get ideas from. Buy a bunch of stuff on Amazon (if you have prime) with the intent of returning it - try different cuts/styles/colors. Eliminating what you don’t like from the pool of options is just as good as adding things you like.

I like your style. The non trashy T shirt with a skirt that isn’t the same color but otherwise fits together. Good addition of sweaters too. What I appreciate is how it all comes together but in a way that I’ve come to realize is just you. I suspect you could substitute pants for your skirt and you’d be the picture of yourself before starting to wear skirts.

[Kiltieman]

If you decide to change the hem of your kilts I suggest you get someone with reasonable skills to do it if either you or your wife don't feel confident enough to do it ..Wool kilts especially are not easy to alter ..

A properly made man's Highland kilt does not have a hem: the lower edge of the kilt is the selvedge of the woven material. (I was told in a Scottish charity shop that this often provided a quick way of telling the difference between a man's kilt and a woman's tartan skirt.)

Having said that, I do have a Scottish ex-hire kilt with a sewn hem.

Hi. Yes the kilthire places tend to just hem them or drop the hems to suit whatever length they need. The selvedge is def in my opinion the best finish as the kilt then hangs as it should. Regarding length my feeling is that the kilt length is what you feel comfortable with and in my case its to about 2 inches above the top of my kneecap. I find that the best length for me as I can sit down without the kilt riding up too far and its easier for me to sit and sweep the pleats under in the right direction to avoid creasing. Sometimes I actually will flick the kilt out or up at the back so that Im not sitting on the pleats at all. Care should be taken doing this as you may expose more than you planned! My Mrs is happy with the length I wear so thats my best measurement. She hates seeing other men wearing kilts to below their knees. I wear kilts on a regular daily basis now here in Scotland having been early retired 18years ago.
I also have a hemmed ex hire kilt with a sewn hem but my wife did a sterling job of carefully pressing it to ensure the hem lay properly.

[Pleats]

A few comments on kilt length, measuring, etc.

If you are purchasing a kilt read the kilt maker's instructions for measuring. They don't do it the same way.

When buying a used kilt you may have no idea who made it. When the kilt was made what did the maker consider the location of the top of the kilt? Most traditional tartan kilts are high waisted (true waist). It does not have to be. Primarily with utility kilts, it may have been made for "jean" waist or somewhere in between. The key is to look where the "fell" line is located when putting it on. The "fell" is where the pleats are sewn down. That point should be where the butt sticks out the most then starts to curve back into the leg. If you put on the kilt and it appears to be short with the fell above that point you may have kilt that was made for a lower waist location.

I see a lot of guys that get a kilt at a local Celtic fest and wear it a jean waist. They have no clue it belongs at a higher true waist. Now the kilt is below the knee and the fell line is below the butt. The kilt does not hang correctly with a low fell line.

A comment on measuring a kilt kneeling on the floor. This get back to how the kilt maker measures and what they consider the length of the kilt. For some the length is hem to the actual top of the kilt. For others the length is from the hem to the center of the buckle. Then there is a 2" rise to the top of the kilt. When the kilt is made the total length will be the measured length to the floor. The buckle center line will be 2" down from the top. When you put it on the center line of the buckle will be at true waist. The kilt will now be at the top of the knee.

How do you measure a kilt by yourself? You will need a camera with a remote shutter control, tripod with adjustable legs, and a measuring stick (yard stick). Tape the yard stick to the side of an open door. Locate it so the numbers fall between your knee and true waist when standing along side of the door. Set the tripod so the camera is looking straight at the center of kilt. Stand straight and snap the picture. Read the measurements where you want the hem and top of the kilt. The difference is the length. Do the same for fell line. For a kilt at true waist, and at the knee, this should work out to 1/3 of the full length.

By the way, the navel is not a good reference point for true waist. If you are a man "of substance", or as a the comedian Gabriel Iglesias calls it "being fluffy", you have a belly so your navel could be well below the waist.

Myself, I like my traditional tartan kits at the top of the knee. For utility or casual kilts they may be a little higher. Skirts will be above the knee. Higher than the kilts.

[KiltedBigWave]

The "kilt police" will say something about covering the kneecap, but I'd say just wear the length you want. Something around 17"-19" seems to be the comfortable sweet spot for me, but it's a bit shorter than traditional. It also depends on if you wear them high or at the "pants waist".

I have to agree with an 18 inch length for me, especially for my running kilts for Hash House Harrier events.

[Uncle Al]

This is the primary method I've used, back when I made my kilts.

How to measure your kilt size

C. Kilt Length
Kneel down with your chin up and knees 2-3" apart; measure from the navel to the floor. This should result in the finished kilt resting on the tops of the knees.

A person can not do this for his own kilt measurements. This method requires 2 people.
The 'customer'(you) and the 'tailor'(friend).

I've found, generally, that a 24" drop will work 99% of the time for anyone

(FYI - I started wearing kilts around 1995, a good long time ago)

Uncle Al

[r.m.anderson]

KILT BOOK 1
Measurement rule of thumb number 1
The kilt hem length of a 6 foot bloke when kneeling on the floor should measure 24 inches from navel to knee on the floor.

With that noted - THROW the darn Rule Book out with the recycled trash.
Wear the hem length at your pleasure or risk - "Have it your way" !

[KiltedBigWave]

I would think something like this has been posted in the past, I like it for a good rule of thumb for skirt lengths, but feel it could work for kilts. I tend to stick in the above the knee-to-knee length, maybe mini skirt occasionally.

[Kirbstone]

Yes, 24" max for me. That gets the hem down to the kneecap when standing (6'2"). I prefer a bit shorter, though. I submit a pic. of a Sportkilt at their standard length of 22.5" Benjy the dog certainly approved.

Alas he is no longer with us, having served out his allotted dozen years. His near-identical successor of the same name is now 5 years and counting/adorable.

I favour another length which applies to both skirts and kilts: The length to which your fingers reach when standing up, which for me is longish mini length, about 18-19". This shows some thigh of course and this time o' year some sort of hose/tights are in order.

Tom

[KiltedBigWave]

Yes, 24" max for me. That gets the hem down to the kneecap when standing (6'2"). I prefer a bit shorter, though. I submit a pic. of a Sportkilt at their standard length of 22.5" Benjy the dog certainly approved.

Alas he is no longer with us, having served out his allotted dozen years. His near-identical successor of the same name is now 5 years and counting/adorable.

I favour another length which applies to both skirts and kilts: The length to which your fingers reach when standing up, which for me is longish mini length, about 18-19". This shows some thigh of course and this time o' year some sort of hose/tights are in order.

Tom

I think we have pretty similar tastes.

As a 6′ 4″ tall male I try and rock my kilt every chance I get! I love both the Sport Kilt and the DNKE in the woman's kilt lengths of 18 and 19 inches. These lengths are my favorite for Hash House Harrier events, hiking, running and even stopping in the pub. I find them just right for me, they are light and comfortable to wear. The men’s standard length seems to long for my outdoor recreation.

More importantly, I am constantly getting compliments from everyone especially the women. I never got these compliments in shorts.

[Tazzmac]

G;day all .. On this subject mostly re length. In the midst of our Southern Hemisphere winter I spotted on EBAY a kilt on auction .. An unusual lightweight grey black and white tartan that really appealed to me with a 38 " waist I need, so I put up the minimum start bid . A few days later I realized that as the only bidder I won it . Cost me $15 and free postage . When it arrived I noticed it was left folding nap that wasn't mentioned in a minimal item description . I felt also that although it didn't state any gender kilt it was more a female one perhaps .. Didn't really matter .. I put it away and basically forgot about it til this week . A couple of days ago I got it out of the plastic bag it came in .
Apart from my Mountain Hardware canvas style hiking kilts I prefer my kilts with the more traditional right fastening nap so the kilt pin goes on that side . So , while I was waiting for rain to finish on Christmas Day I decided to re rig it .. I had an old kilt that doesn't fit so I raided the buckles and straps from it , The new kilt has only one set so I left them on and took a buckle and strap from the other one and fitted them so the nap goes to the right too ,
Tailor I'm certainly not but to my gobsmacking surprise it worked .,.I put it on and its perfect ..I added a kilt belt and pin and I love it . It's just a tad shorter at approx 22" but I absolutely love that . It just works for me .. Will wear it a lot I reckon ..

I'll say again ...Wear your kilt the style , length that suits you , stuff the kilt police and enjoy your kilts . I certainly will with this one ..