How does it fit?

**KiltedCodeWarrior** · 20th May 14, 02:37 PM

The fit doesn't look too bad to my eye, maybe a bit large in the hips, but you don't appear to have much difference between your hips and waist, so that would be expected on an off the rack kilt.

However, I am not sure if I am looking at this wrong, but it appears to have the two buckles on the left hip, and single on the right, and the overapron opens on the left side? Is that the case? If so, then it is reverse of the normal way of making a kilt. Usually the overapron opens on the right, and the double buckles are there, and the single one on the left.

**corbmonster** · 20th May 14, 02:54 PM

Originally Posted by KiltedCodeWarrior

The fit doesn't look too bad to my eye, maybe a bit large in the hips, but you don't appear to have much difference between your hips and waist, so that would be expected on an off the rack kilt.

However, I am not sure if I am looking at this wrong, but it appears to have the two buckles on the left hip, and single on the right, and the overapron opens on the left side? Is that the case? If so, then it is reverse of the normal way of making a kilt. Usually the overapron opens on the right, and the double buckles are there, and the single one on the left.

Using this as a guide A1=37", A2=38", and B=40" So you are right, not a huge difference there. I guess if I lose a few more pounds the fit may get worse.

There is one buckle on the left, and 2 on the right. It looks opposite because I'm taking the pics with a mirror.

**Skyelander** · 20th May 14, 03:15 PM

It looks to me that the top buckle could be tighter around the waist, and the second buckle looser that it is in the photo. The second buckle seems to pull in the the kilt in that area, even on the hips. Perhaps loosening that one would give the back side a more relaxed look and a bit of a swing...

**The Wizard of BC** · 20th May 14, 03:27 PM

Just a few notes about fitting a kilt.

The kneeling thing is an old kiltmaker trick.
When we make a kilt we want the top buckles to cinch tightly into the natural waist or just below the ribs at the side. At kidney level in the back. This is just above what some people call "the love handles".

But - Traditional kilts are made with a 2" rise above the top buckles.

So the kiltmaker would have the customer kneel and would measure from the floor up to the natural waist because it is easy to find.
They would then make the kilt that length. However when they put the buckles on they are sewn 2" lower than the top of the kilt so the kilt would then ride up to where the buckles are. This would then raise the hem 2" off the floor.

My suggestion would be to reproduce this. Kneel and raise the waist and buckles till the hem is 2" off the floor. Then cinch in the two top buckles. Snug them up pretty well. The kilt should not feel like it wants to drop down.

Finally leave the bottom buckle real loose. Barely fastened. This will prevent the pulling that can happen in the front apron.

**corbmonster** · 20th May 14, 04:07 PM

Wish there were like minded kilt wearers near me. I know I've seen some not too far here on xmts, but they are all at least a couple hrs away. After re-adjusting, tightening the top, and loosening the bottom it looks nice. I did notice something weird about the hem. Over the left leg area, it looked like it was sticking out. The hem in that area was folded over on itself and sew down. It's concave. Weird. i took a pic of it. and after readjusting to your suggestions. Since the top strap is almost as tight as it can go, should I look to see it they have any in an inch or two smaller waist? http://imgur.com/a/OdzB2#TKzETJo

**Tobus** · 20th May 14, 04:21 PM

That fold-under at the first pleat is normal...

**corbmonster** · 20th May 14, 04:22 PM

Originally Posted by Tobus

That fold-under at the first pleat is normal...

thanks, I wouldn't have thought so.

**auld argonian** · 21st May 14, 09:20 AM

Another suggestion is to not thread the belt through the "belt loops"….the observation has been made many times that the kilt belt shouldn't be necessary to hold the kilt up…it should fit well with out the belt holding it up. I usually skip the loops and find that the kilt hangs better that way….just run the kilt around my waist and let it settle into it's own place.

Best

AA

**o3afret** · 23rd May 14, 08:06 PM

Hi all and for all the great questions and answers about how to wear the kilt, fit, etc. I found it very useful for me. I wear "tactical" kilts daily and have just received my first 8 yard clan kilt. I have what would be an odd question but the leather straps on the kilt on not flat, in packing, they've been folded up, etc. How can I get the leather to be flat again like it should? I have some ideas but thought I'd ask for some expert opinions first!

Thanks.

Jim