Why Do We Wear Kilts at Mid-Knee? Is it more correct to have a shorter kilt?

How long should a kilt be?
Looking at photos from even eighty years ago, it is not hard to find gents wearing the kilt above the knee. And the further back in history you go, the more common tis is, with kilts often a few inches above the knee. Why is this?
The standard mode of wearing the kilt to the middle of the knee has been around, in civilian dress, at least since the 19th century, but was not always as common. The main reason seems to have ben the consistency of the wool tartan used in kilt construction. As cloth became softer and smoother over time, the risk of abrasions to the backs of the knees lessened. However, it was still not uncommon for men doing vigorous outdoor activity such as military operations or game keeping, to still wear the kilt a wee bit higher.
Should shorter kilts make a comeback? Why do we feel mid-knee is the most attractive option?
Tartans in this video:
Rocky: Stewart Old Ancient
www.usakilts.c...
Ian: Angel's Share
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Started in 2003, USA Kilts is a team of kilt makers and artisans located in Spring City PA. In 2017, we made it our mission to build community and bring kilts and Celtic culture to the forefront with our YT show: Kilts & Culture.
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[@ngg9366]

According to my father, during the First World War soldiers of Highland regiments found the bottom of their kilts got frayed and the bottom hem was hard to get clean in the muddy trenches. They periodically cut off the bottom inch of the kilt. By the end of the war, some of them had become practically mini-skirts.

[@athollmoray]

I used to stress about this! If my kilt didn’t hit exactly at mid knee everyone was going to think I was cross dressing or judge me as looking girlish. Over time as I have gotten comfortable wearing a kilt… (I have beven two years now only wearing kilts.) And seeing historic pictures of how high they wore them…. If my kilt hits to the top of to about a half inch above.. I don’t care… so for me anywhere around mid to the top of the knee with a bit above is good.

[@davidguymon1673]

My utility kilt goes to the bottom of my knee and my tartans that now don't fit me now always went to the bottom of my knee. I've never had anyone complain about it, even at the Scottish festivals. The thing that sucks for me is I have a long torso and short legs thanks to my Danish side. My length has to be 23 or less. on traditional, and 21 or shorter in utility kits.

[@serronserron1320]

What about above the thigh?

[@jeffweingartner7979]

Exactly. I where a kilt everyday. I have well over a dozen. They all vary a little in length and waist. I think once you get comfortable with wearing any garment you become confident and at the knee, at the true waist all become details you stop sweating.

[@matthewriggins9533]

It was 36 degrees F today, so at the bottom of the knee. When its 100+ just above the top of the knee. Remember, its just a upscale blanket and can be adjusted as needed.

[@joshuahopkins8747]

I personally prefer about a half inch above the knee, usually at the top of the kneecap. This is just for style reasons rather than trying to keep a "traditional" look.

[@Cubestone]

I completely agree with the shorter hem for hiking and for other hot weather activity. That aside, I think that men get generally too hung up on convention and "what will others think?" Women do what they want. Men are expected to toe the line. Balderdash.

[@violadamore2-bu2ch]

That's a beautiful painting at the 0.42 mark. Gorgeous skin tone, draping and anatomy.

[@ashedinthewoods]

Well, I think I learned from you guys from a former video, „above the knee is a boy, to the knee is a man, below the knee is a liar“, and I liked the fun undertone that came with it; didn’t have despise in it for people doing their thing. Hope I got the cite correct 😅 - my current Kilts have a bit different lengths and range from top of the knee to middle of the knee (my 5yd real wool fitting pretty much to the sweet spot, while the cheaper ones in standard length being a bit on the longer end), but luckily I have some wiggle room wearing them a bit higher or a bit lower, depending on how I feel about it at the time. It somewhat feels „not that right for me“ though when the Kilt drops below middle of the knee cap, so I target a bit above. I would encourage people to ask less about what is correct but get a hang of it themselves, and wear it how they like. I mean this is all about personal opinion and feelings and not about rules, right. 😊

[@Tickyboxes]

I think the difference between top of knee and mid-knee is something like 3/8". I'll be sure to enter 25 3/8" as the drop on my next order! Seriously, though, I figured this variance just came naturally with the garment settling a bit while being worn - it's a little higher if I've just put it on or adjusted upwards, if I've been walking a bit, it has moved slightly lower. Delighted to see my friend Wanz making a cameo in the video. Is there a bounty if one can get him to order?

[@RalphWaller-wu5wh]

I got my favourite kilt from a thrift shop and it falls above the knee but l'm happy with that and nobody has ever commented addversly so it does not really matter that much !

[@mgarbuthnott]

You should aim to show a guid bit of knee when you wear the kilt. You can also achieve this wearing the kilt at the top of the knee then having your kilt hose an inch or so below the knee.

[@weebluegaffer9298]

Longer kilt standardized during the Victorian era through the army. You kneel upright and the hem should just touch the ground. I am a fan of wear what you want, how you want. This confidence may be because I am a Scot in Scotland. I believe you have mentioned this in another video. USA tend to follow rules, locals don't need to.

[@lorenheard2561]

I got in trouble for wearing a kilt to run in at P.E. in school instead of shorts or sweats. Told the teacher that it was easier to run in!!🤣😂 Those damn killjoys!!I

[@serronserron1320]

More like kiltjoys, or not.

[@giacomolamanuzzi2231]

When you put on a great kilt, I find the fabric naturally tends to sit at around the top of the knee. I find I have to make an effort to adjust the aprons to actually make it split the knee.

[@redscale82]

I wearing the kilt on top/just over the knee. The main reason is that I bought it if the rack because of my economy back then and I am a tall guy.

[@patraic5241]

Celtic people's do seem to appreciate a well muscled shapely leg. So that is a factor too. The level of physical activity being performed matters too. I've read that during battle or hunting kilts would sometimes be hiked up to mid thigh for greater freedom of movement.

[@JR-bj3uf]

I just got back from Scotland. Our tour guide wore his a little long and said mine was just a tad short at mid knee. I have noticed that kilts worn at sporting events tended to be a little long.

[@montezumadreadnought]

My utility kilts I wear just below the knee because I work in them and do a lot of bending and twisting so I like having a little extra coverage. My traditional kilts I wear at mid knee.

[@Jernewein]

It seem we don't get much of a choice with utility being at the knee or just below because it's a pre-made thing. Plus it's a pain for shorter guys

[@montezumadreadnought]

I have shorter legs so I have them custom done on the length. UT Kilts have the option for custom length

[@la_old_salt2241]

​@montezumadreadnought That's the way I go also. I was very surprised to find UT Kilts even had a size that works for me off the peg, though not regularly. I'm a 40 to 42 waist, 19 1/2 to 20 inches overall length, and 5'2" tall. But I also have a made to measure from them. Once I'm past my weight loss journey, I'm getting Rocky to make several traditional Kilts for me.

[@kermit4161]

My current 5.11 kilt that I can wear hits right at the bottom of the knee. Didn't have a choice on length. My belly won't let me wear it higher on my 'true' waist - so I wear it closer to where I wear my jeans...

[@la_old_salt2241]

Consider the utility style kilts made by UT Kilts. They will make them to measure, both waist and over all length. Then don't forget to give USA Kilts some love too!

[@kiltedbill7594]

YOU GUYS ARE HAVING WAY TOO MUCH FUN TODAY!

[@kingofcups1063]

I have knee caps that stick out like door knobs, so for me it's only the middle to bottom of the knee!

[@Techno_Nomadic]

I adjust the length and materials of my kilts depending on the task and the environment. To me, kilts are function and comfort. Cold weather, the wool comes out, hot weather, light microfiber. Welding or construction, canvas. If the hem of my kilt is going to get wet, I hike it up. If I'm bending over a lot, I lower it to cover the dangle. If I'm crawling on my hands and knees, I tuck the hem of the apron in my belt and if I'm on a ladder I keep a pouch of rocks to drop on people. I haven't worn pants outside of a work uniform since 2011 and not at all since 2017.

[@WhiskeySpiritGuide]

Generally, I'm a mid-knee kinda guy. Usually top of the knee in a great kilt, and that usually winds up middle of the knee by the end of the day, what with regular adjustment post shenanigans.

[@tombrewsaugh1399]

I'm a short guy ( 5'-4") and due somewhat to expenses have purchased off the shelf kilts which all come below my knees. My other issues with these kilts is I am not as thin as I once was and it is difficult to get the waist right so they stay up properly. I am very much hoping this summer to take the 3 hour drive to your store for a properly fitted kilt.

[@la_old_salt2241]

Look at UT Kilts also. I'm 5'2".

[@kiltedpatriotatheart]

Just above the knee, at least for me, is the most comfortable. It feels right, you know?

[@jackschlaeger5024]

Top of the knee. I dislike the "scratch" at the back of my knee.

[@briaincampbellmacart6024]

Where's Eric?

[@timemeddlertardis5343]

A lot of it is just what one is used to seeing. Some guys are wearing short as long as capris, If I was going to wear shorts again they'd be a lot shorter than knee length.

[@cherylburnett179]

Regimental use was 1" above the ground when kneeling.

[@TheKiltedAdventurer]

You guys cracked me up today! Thanks for the chuckle.

[@straycat1674]

Something I’ve been wondering, how common was the wear of the kilt in the US from like 1900 through I’ll see the year I was born, 1974. If not that popular, when did it start becoming more popular thing to do, wearing the kilt in the US.?

[@MultiOhioman]

For me, more than an inch or two is short. I also like my belted plaid. Mine are 59” wide, going below the knee does not work. The we Kilt will be what ever the standard is. I look forward to getting a USA kilt in the future.

[@violadamore2-bu2ch]

I have no trouble with the length of the kilt. However, it looks better on MY body to have the kilt HOSE pulled up to just below the my knees which is a bit higher that what I see in photos.

[@USAKiltsOfficial]

Overall, do what is best for you!

[@gonefishingtoday]

One should wear kilt as long as their happy. I am not "American", so I am free to wear it as long as I like.which is around and inch below the knee. I don't wear it hiking do sling behind the knee never a problem. Here in Ireland the hills and mountains can get very windy a lot of the time. I wear kilt to drama concerts etc. I down like the way short kilts rest over my knees. So a bit longer is very comfortable. We do have kilt police here. One one every street. They will and do call you out. But I have never got called on length of kilt. I have got questioned many times on the commando issue. But I draw the line when they go to lift it. Women think they have a God given right to find out for them selves. Lucky they are few and far between.

[@Muttonchop_USA]

I wear my black utility kilt about an inch below my knees, stopping right at the top of my kilt hose. I like the look. I wear them with hiking boots, chains, a gay pride rainbow wristband and a leather vest in the summer, and a bulky, scarlet turtleneck sweater in the fall. I'm an older gent with a pension and a mortgage-free home. I don't have to care what anyone thinks. And BTW, since I travel around NYC via mass transit, a utility kilt has a perfect pocket for a quick-reach pepper spray cannister.

[@whitesonrice6417]

I just wear it at my navel and dont worry about where it falls

[@charlescorzine7447]

I wear my kilts normally to the knee but I don't stress if it is at the top of the knee. Never below the knee though 😆 I have to keep an eye on one kilt which I really need to get resized as it's a bit too big now an d tends to slide downward.

[@straycat1674]

I think personally if I were a situation where I had to worry about that sawing affect, I would rather and tend to wear it a little longer not shorter.

[@BCSchmerker]

+USAKiltsOfficial *As a first-time shopper in need of more appropriate duds for a Central Valley (CA, USA) summer - when ambient temperatures occasionally reach 40°C - I've some fairly lanky dimensions: 5'-11¼" (1.810m) height with a 29" (0.737m) waist where, I estimate, the kilt should top off.* Is a 39" (0.991m) hip in the statistical ballpark for cismales? My current 5.11⊞TACTICAL® cargo trousers in 30" (0.762m) waist and 32" (09.813m) length will not pull down, therefore are usable as a rough reference.

[@RalphWaller-wu5wh]

Measure a kilt from your actual waist i.e. the narrowest part not from trousers or jeans which are usually lower.

[@isaacroussel4388]

For me it's hard to get it just exactly right so some of mine are just above the knee some are over the knee I just really have a hard time with it. So it's not a matter of choice it's just a matter of dealing with my body and how it fits

[@thepenguinhouse]

This seems to be mostly an American thing, in most of the colonies men tend to wear pretty short shorts/kilts

[@RobRogers-Piper]

I learned (55 years ago) mid-knee. A bit higher seems fine--I seem to notice a lot of Drum Majors go slightly higher (in the SE at least), and of course, older pictures/military. Movement and agility matter! What I don't understand is the bottom-of and below the knee that I see a lot--looks like sloshing around in a dress, definitely impedes movement and looks ridiculous. Somebody's got to say it. ;-)

[@la_old_salt2241]

I concur.

[@williamstamper5395]

I like my Kilt in the traditional manner, it's better that way!, thanks for the video.

[@PaulHo]

I'm trying to get a kilt with ranger panties vibes and the pleat in the front. 💅🏾

[@kiltedvet420]

at 6'1" and 230, my utility kilt falls just at the bottom of kneecap area. seems to naturally settle there cause the belly is a certain way. i try to yank the kilt up though if im paying attention.

[@PizzaBoiUSMC]

Aside from my great kilts, I tend to treat my kilts much in the same way as the military regulations for ties: between (1) inch above or below the [knee], with dead center being preferable, lol 😅

[@noniesundstrom119]

Sometimes I think as the tummy grows, the front starts to rise. I’ve noticed on older gents who have had the same kilt for years

[@Shadowofthestag]

I was always told that if you go on your knees the kilt should hover just above the floor. cos if you kneel you don't want to kneel on the kilt. no lower, no higher

[@pb3615]

how often are you going down on your knees? seem a bit suss to me

[@RalphWaller-wu5wh]

Sound practical advice !

[@douglasw.plummer8138]

Probably a tad bit closer to the top of the knee than to the middle of the knee

[@signespencer6887]

Mid-knee is more attractive- there are fewer visual breaks in the limb, as the knee - and ankle, wrist and elbow- always makes a break anyway.

[@dukehorndrake5525]

Whats your opinion on leather kilts?

[@OldNavajoTricks]

Definitely a niche thing like double denim imo, you can either pull it off or you can't haha.

[@la_old_salt2241]

No swish.

[@dukehorndrake5525]

@@la_old_salt2241 what?

[@OldNavajoTricks]

Where I wear it depends on how it goes on that day, could be slightly above or below the knee, it's where it is and that's that lol.

[@woltews]

its the Lewis gun from peki blinders that makes the look , you are dead is you have a problem with a Lewis gun

[@donovanmedieval]

I thought they were originally they were worn below the knee, and then were shortened during the industrial revolution so as not to get caught on machinery.

[@nerfherder4284]

Better above than below ✌🏻

[@The_Superior_One]

Agreed. ✌🏽✌🏽✌🏽

[@minime4026]

Farming or battle sort if out at sea longer if to the knees was dinner ie wedding and so on but it to you as long as ya happy 👍

[@hricci6094]

At the top of the knee cap.

[@jeffreybrewster4345]

I like my kilt to hit the top of my knee.

[@Drogbeorn]

Lemmy wore short shorts until he passed

[@michaelparys2269]

The militsry standard in Canada and British army is middle of knee period

[@drgunnwilliams8239]

Bullshit when measured for mine it was two fingers above the knee. On parade it could ride down below that.

[@bj.roberts6410]

I was always concerned about that even the man vers woman's not any more... if it fits the outfit I wear it. 90% don't care even kilters. Most know the expense and want to keep kilts alive. And as long as you look good to represent descent

[@timothycampbell495]

To my esthetic the most masculine look is dead center of the kneecap.

[@chimerat8012]

In my opinion men looker better in a kilt 1/2 to 1 inch below the knee because most men are broad and a short kilt makes them look squat.

[@la_old_salt2241]

Some of us simply ARE squat. I'm 5'2".

[@craigmccall7450]

The sye said it all.

[@Sam-lm8gi]

I definitely think you should see the whole knee. When you start covering up the knee, it starts to look like a dress, or the kilt equivalent of baggy JNCO jeans. Not a good look. It seems like there's a general attitude among modern American men that if you show too much leg (with either a kilt or with shorts), then it's somehow gay or effeminate, and I'm not sure where that comes from, because it's certainly not historical.

[@jonlilley2832]

When I started wearing a kilt, I was told to kneel on the floor and adjust the kilt so the hem was just touching the floor. That places the hem of my kilt just below the kneecap and I'm just fine with that. Any higher and I feel exposed! Any lower, tho and it looks like a frock.

[@andyleighton6969]

"Late 1970s basketball players or you know they were wearing short shorts yeah that would never fly today Americans, especially Americans, would never wear shorts up that high they'd all be called daisy dukes" The Selous Scouts would like a word about manliness......

[@gozer87]

I was thinking that myself.

[@TheJTMcDaniel]

Then there was Magnum PI.

[@shawnstine3244]

Kilts were invented in the late 1600's by an English lord who like wearing skirts

[@RalphWaller-wu5wh]

It dates back at least as far as the romans !

[@shawnstine3244]

The Roman's wore calf length pants under a leather skirt that was a form of protection for the groin as part of their uniform. A Toga for citizens, and a tunic for slaves and non-citizens was standard wear. Those are not kilts.

[@MrJaseg1971]

I have both. Be a man. Great topic.

[@Celtic_Blade]

I agree with the saying, ‘above the knee yer a boy. At the knee yer a man, below the knee yer just lying to yourself.’ However I also agree with the saying, “Kilt. That’s what happened to the last man who called it a skirt.” Seriously, who has the balls to come up to a dude in a kilt and give him shit? He’s either tough or crazy. Personally my kilts range from at the top of the knee to mid knee cap, unless It’s drifted down from wearing or a too loose belt and then it gets adjusted.

[@KortovElphame]

Below the knee looks better! Sorry above knee? That looks feminine. Looks like a mini skirt. If your kilt is cutting your knees...get new fabric!