options for resizing a kilt that is too small

[RobertParker]

Okay, my very favorite kilt is getting a bit tight, but there's a good bit to the story. I will explain what's going on and would like some advice or options.

It's a 13 oz. 8-yard knife pleated in Robertson Modern Hunting. I got it as a graduation gift from my parents when I finished my Master's degree. I don't recall exactly what my measurements were when I got measured, but it was in the summer of 2004, about 3 weeks before I got married.

I'm currently 6'0" and about 155 lbs. Waist is a comfortable 34-35, but I can squeeze into about 33. Hips are 39".

Now here's the deal. I waited about 6 months for the kilt. I was measured at a Highland Games by what appeared to be a very knowledgeable and professional older gentleman from Scotland. I was told I would receive it in about 9-12 weeks. Fine. After 14 weeks I called, and called, and called. About every 2 weeks I'd give a call. Most of the time I had to leave a message. Twice I actually got a hold of the guy, who assured me it would be soon. Eventually, he asked if there was a specific upcoming event I would like to wear it to, and since there was a Christmas party in mid-December that year, I said yes. It arrived the first week of December, almost 6 months to the day after it was ordered.

It was significantly too small from the get-go. In order to wear it on the tightest buckle-notch. I ended up having my mom move the inner-apron strap and corresponding buckles 1". This made it wearable with decent comfort and what I assumed was decent room for growth. I mentioned the thing about waiting simply to illustrate why I didn't want to send it back (I might never have seen it again!). I suppose it's possible that I gained an inch or so after getting married, but I always had trouble gaining weight (I know, "shut up" ), and I don't think that I would have put on that much that I immediately need the thing to be altered.

The other thing about the kilt, there is no reverse pleat on the right side of the under-apron to begin the pleats. I don't know if this matters or not, but it just seemed odd (this is not my first kilt, but the only one that was supposedly tailored for me). It was just one more thing that made it seem like a rush job. The size being the other indicator.

Finally, my question. I'm now back to wear I started. I'm using the middle notches on the straps, and it's not terribly comfortable unless I'm standing up. With the strap and buckles already moved to within 1/2" of the edge of the apron, I can't just move it again. I know I could lose weight, but I don't exactly feel like that's the whole answer (I'm pretty small already).

What are my options for making my kilt a bit bigger? Longer straps? Does the absence of the reverse pleat matter much? What is considered "too narrow" for the aprons? Any and all insight from you pros and gifted amateurs would be appreciated.

[BassClefB]

I have a kilt that was just a hair too small for me to fit comfortably and I picked up some extender straps from USAKilts that worked just fine. The excess material and extra buckles were a bit cumbersome at first, but I can deal with it. I was worried I was going to have to sell or just not wear the kilt, but the extenders did the trick.

[AFS1970]

I too bought the extender straps, although I got them somewhere else. The only thing that I have noticed that I don't like with them is that now the two belt loops in the back are no longer centered. Tartan Day was the first time I have worn it with the fly plaid and that required a bit of adjustment with the loops.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

Either replace the existing straps with something a bit longer, or buy some extension straps. And don't worry about, either way.