Ordering a Traditional Kilt

**Colin** · 6th December 05, 04:36 PM

Ok so I am just about set to order my first traditional kilt. I am still deciding on tartan and vendor, Watson Ancient is the front runner

So my question to you guys is in the sizing. I have meaured myself according to the specs on a few sites and have recorded it. Now the buckles on the kilt will allow for any future growth, but what about any decrease in girth? Would I be wise to subtract 2" from the waist and seat so that the kilt fits mid strap right now and still allows for weight loss and gain? I assume the strap allows for 4 inches of movement. For example, my waist measurememt is 46 and seat is 49. If I were to order the kilt at 44 and 47 the kilt would still fit, but would add room to tighten when I get back into walking each day.

I have already heard that the length mesurement is mostly without the rise.

Any thoughts, I have never ordered a kilt that sits up high or has buckles and straps. The velcro always allowed for manouvering.

**Southern Breeze** · 6th December 05, 04:45 PM

I always order mine with room to take up or let out any weight gain.

**Colin** · 6th December 05, 04:47 PM

Originally Posted by Southern Breeze

I always order mine with room to take up or let out any weight gain.

Does 2 inches sound pretty fair than?

**Southern Breeze** · 6th December 05, 04:55 PM

2 inches is the amount I always use. So far it's turned out good.

**Blu (Ontario)** · 6th December 05, 05:12 PM

Pretty exciting stuff there, Colin!

My understanding is that the kiltmaker will use the measurement you provide to set the buckle to secure in the middle hole of the strap... at least this is the way all of my trads were built. If concerned about it, you might inquire and see if they can provide longer straps.

Personally, I love the way a traditional kilt fits. I suspect you will too. I also predict that after trying it, it won't be your last.

Congrats!

**flyv65** · 6th December 05, 05:18 PM

Yes, I try to allow for increase and decrease in girth, but different kiltmakers use different standards: some set the center of the buckles to your measurements, and some set the tightest to your measurements since most people only go up in dimensions (I think Alexis Malcolm does this; Kathy Lare centers the buckles, IIRC). In any case, I'd definitely call whoever you decide to use and discuss your sizing; they'll be more than happy to work with you, or you shouldn't work with them. One more point: if you go with 2 inches less on the waist, I don't know that I'd go 2 inches smaller in the hips. If you put on weight, the buckles will allow for an increase in waist, but you can't let out the hips that easily, and your kilt may feel a bit "snug" when seated. Hopefully, one of our resident experts will chime in soon.

Bryan...you're going to LOVE your traditional, Colin-the tartan looks great... :smile:

**KiltedCodeWarrior** · 6th December 05, 07:15 PM

Great question Colin! I never thought about it, but it definitely makes sense, especially if you know that your weight is at one end of the fluctuation or the other. And verifying where the buckles are buckled when adjusted for the measurements you provide would be valuable to know. That could make all the difference in the kilt size versatility.

I will keep this in mind when ordering my first trad kilt.

**kiltedjaz** · 11th December 05, 06:10 PM

Originally Posted by Colin

Ok so I am just about set to order my first traditional kilt. I am still deciding on tartan and vendor, Watson Ancient is the front runner

So my question to you guys is in the sizing. I have meaured myself according to the specs on a few sites and have recorded it.....

Do NOT measure yourself. Get somebody else to do the measuring for you. If you attempt to measure yourself you are very likely to make errors and the kilt will not lie correctly. Your mother, wife, sister or another kiltwearer should be able to do the measuring for you.....better still get a professional Kiltmaker to do it...

**Colin** · 12th December 05, 09:46 AM

Originally Posted by kiltedjaz

Do NOT measure yourself. Get somebody else to do the measuring for you. If you attempt to measure yourself you are very likely to make errors and the kilt will not lie correctly. Your mother, wife, sister or another kiltwearer should be able to do the measuring for you.....better still get a professional Kiltmaker to do it...

Just to clarify, my wife did the measuring. Very good point though kiltedjaz.

**Colin** · 13th December 05, 03:42 PM

Thanks for all your input guys and gals. My first traditional kilt has just been ordered. Now to wait for arrival. Thank goodness that Christmas and New Years and two children with the chicken pox are here keep me mind busy.

Oh, and I managed to find a local kiltmaker that re did the measurements so I know everything is good now.