Maybe it was just a popular day for the kilt hire industry! As a result they did not have precisely the right waist size for everyone, so getting the height and length right would be a challenge for some even if given the correct advice. I probably should not be writing here as I have never worn a hire kilt, but I do know that those I have bought off the peg, I always have to alter to get the fit right for me and therein lies the problem. Everyone is different, the hire industry has to standardise and is not too worried whether you are comfortable or not, all they need to do is meet the requirement for the hirer to have a kilt for the occasion and to be able to wear it without it falling off for a few hours. Those of us who wear them regularly will have tailored them to their requirements.
To put it in perspective, I was recently in attendance with my daughter choosing a wedding dress for her wedding next year. She actually chose one which had been made for someone else, but the wedding was called off so she got it for a reduced price, including alterations to suit her. I still thought it was extortionate as I could have bought two made to measure wool kilts for the same price and had some money left over. The moral of the story is that if you want to do it properly, it is expensive and you have to plan ahead and be prepared to pay more than most men would deem reasonable although if you buy the kilt you can of course wear it more than once. I don't suppose many brides purchase a wedding dress with that expectation.
(Unfortunately the shop also had a male mannequin wearing a kilt, black argyle, waistcoat with kilt belt and the inevitable white hose. Apparently that was haw it was supplied.)
I hope I am not typical, but the only suit I have that I can still wear was as a result of a previous girlfriend walking me into a good tailor's shop and insisting on me buying a very expensive (by my standards) suit there. That was over 30 years ago. I have had a number of off the peg ones since and all have now gone to charity shops. I can however still wear a 50 year old kilt.
What it comes down to is that I am sympathetic to the hire industry, at least those who give the correct advice, if any. It cannot be easy to meet everyone precise requirements, especially if the notice is short, and they have to do it for a price men are prepared to pay. If it was the women who were in charge of the male attire, maybe the standards would improve.
If you are going to do it, do it in a kilt!
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