The Top Apron and the Final Pleats, Do you think it fits?

**iustus** · 26th January 10, 07:53 PM

Recently I have received a Kilt by a reputable Highland outfitter. I will eventually do a more complete review which I am coordinating with some "bridal-wedding" review I am working on...

So the kilt is self-colored black 16oz 8rds. Custom sewn to my measurements.

I will save my own comments till later but I am interested in the community's opinion on the sewn fit of this kilt.

Please look closely at the relationship of the Top Apron and the Final Pleats meeting its edge.

I am wearing it at it's tightest position on the straps in the pictures with the White wall.

I am Wearing it on the last position on the Red wall pictures.

So with further ado some photos.

Fyi: Have not been out in this Kilt yet, though I do seem to be wearing matching Hose Tops and Sweater... they are helpful in the cold rain we are getting at the moment even with pants on.

This kilt was built to my measurements and I have some misgivings about the pleats and front apron connection.

What say you all?

justin

**D.A. Guertin** · 26th January 10, 07:56 PM

Photos aren't coming up.

**Hothir Ethelnor** · 26th January 10, 08:05 PM

Is the kilt too big for you?

The overapron appears to overlap the last two pleats or so. Either the kilt is a bit too big or the overapron was made too wide (which still means the kilt is too big.)

If I try and buckle one of my kilts on at the last hole it would slide off... and I would have trouble trying to squeeze into the tightest hole.

Find out which hole fits you best and use that as a starting point for a fix

It looks like the "easiest" fix would be to shorten (widthwise) the overapron but if it's a well made kilt with lining, canvas and all, it will be quite a chore to do yourself.

**JamieKerr** · 26th January 10, 08:15 PM

It looks to me like it was made too big...

**D.A. Guertin** · 26th January 10, 08:26 PM

Ah, there they are! Yes, agreed on all counts; the front apron is too wide. That being said, it actually is quite passable. I prefer my aprons to end at the front of the hips, but that's just me. If it was actually made-to-measure, and I'd doshed out quite a bit, I'd certainly expect the situation to be remedied.

**fluter** · 26th January 10, 10:04 PM

By all means discuss your concern with your kiltmaker or retailer.

I'd guess it was made so the apron gives full coverage for any setting of the straps. That certainly seems like a defensible position, but it seems to give about 2 inches more apron than what you were expecting. Maybe I'd have chosen a middle path of an inch or so, to optimize the middle setting.

It looks fine from here. More importantly, how does it feel? Hopefully it won't bug you somehow when you're walking or sitting?

**NorCalPiper** · 26th January 10, 11:40 PM

The apron measurements aren't right on your kilt.

**iustus** · 26th January 10, 11:41 PM

I have to say, there is a problem with the motion of the kilt. I am used to the swish of pleats when the Front Apron does not overlap or atleast minimally overlaps the final pleats (ie when it is drawn to it's tightest). The fit on this kilt has a bit of a "kilt malfunction" with the final pleats and the front apron.

I am in conversation with the retailer and kilt maker. I'll do the full review when its all said and done.

peace,
justin

**RockyR** · 27th January 10, 05:18 AM

IDEALLY (IMHO), a kilt should be made to the middle hole on the strap and when in that 'position', the fringe on the front apron should line up with the revered pleat of the underapron. This way, if you lose an inch (or 1.5), you're only covering 1 pleat. If you gain an inch (or 1.5") in the waist, you only see 1" of under apron showing.

Some kiltmakers like to make a kilt to the tightest setting to allow for 3" of growth and have the aprons match up at the LOOSEST setting so the kilt will look good if you gain 3". That method of thinking is good forsight to a degree b/c some people WILL gain weight and in THAT case, the kilt would look perfect.

I try to make the kilt the way I described in the first paragraph above b/c people want to have the kilt fit perfectly NOW, not IF they gain weight... What if they NEVER gain weight? What if they LOSE weight?

Just my $.02 and some thoughts to ponder. Again, it's not 'horrible'. The kilt looks like it fits you well in the hips and the length. If the first 2 pleats being covered is the only complaint, I'd say try and NOT let it bother you and enjoy your kilt. It looks great.

**Geoff Withnell** · 27th January 10, 08:30 AM

Originally Posted by RockyR

IDEALLY (IMHO), a kilt should be made to the middle hole on the strap and when in that 'position', the fringe on the front apron should line up with the revered pleat of the underapron. This way, if you lose an inch (or 1.5), you're only covering 1 pleat. If you gain an inch (or 1.5") in the waist, you only see 1" of under apron showing.

Some kiltmakers like to make a kilt to the tightest setting to allow for 3" of growth and have the aprons match up at the LOOSEST setting so the kilt will look good if you gain 3". That method of thinking is good forsight to a degree b/c some people WILL gain weight and in THAT case, the kilt would look perfect.

I try to make the kilt the way I described in the first paragraph above b/c people want to have the kilt fit perfectly NOW, not IF they gain weight... What if they NEVER gain weight? What if they LOSE weight?

Just my $.02 and some thoughts to ponder. Again, it's not 'horrible'. The kilt looks like it fits you well in the hips and the length. If the first 2 pleats being covered is the only complaint, I'd say try and NOT let it bother you and enjoy your kilt. It looks great.

Just as a side comment, I had Rocky make me a kilt, and asked him to size it with the measurement being at the largest adjustment, as I am losing weight. I have lost several inches, and the kilt still fits, looks and feels great. As has been said over and over again, discuss measurement and fit with your kilt maker!

Geoff Withnell