Need advice

**ImOnlyOneManJim** · 24th January 18, 04:02 PM

Complete newbie. Long story short I've never had a kilt before. Always wanted one to celebrate my heritage but never got one. So I'm 44 yo. I started lifting weights in October last year because I'm a t2 diabetic and it's something I wanted to do. Moved to NC for work and now have a house with room for weights. I've noticed there's TONS of Highland games here and would like to get started, so I'm thinking of ordering a kilt. Here's the thing, I'm 6'8" weigh 275lbs. So I'm thinking of ordering a PV kilt from USA kilts and was wondering if I should order where I wear my jeans, which is below my belly or go by USA kilts advise about men with bellies look better when ordering one measured around their belly. Any advice on that and are PV kilts any good?

**Tarheel** · 24th January 18, 04:44 PM

Well met and welcome new friend.

I suggest you contact USA kilts and ask them where to measure for their products. They will give you the options for the varied kilts they offer. Another thing to consider is how much change is expected in your figure during your physical endeavor. Talk this over with the folks at USA kilts also as they may suggest one type of kilt over another (that will fit you body shift).

Glad to have you with us.

**Terry Searl** · 24th January 18, 05:18 PM

Originally Posted by ImOnlyOneManJim

Complete newbie. Long story short I've never had a kilt before. Always wanted one to celebrate my heritage but never got one. So I'm 44 yo. I started lifting weights in October last year because I'm a t2 diabetic and it's something I wanted to do. Moved to NC for work and now have a house with room for weights. I've noticed there's TONS of Highland games here and would like to get started, so I'm thinking of ordering a kilt. Here's the thing, I'm 6'8" weigh 275lbs. So I'm thinking of ordering a PV kilt from USA kilts and was wondering if I should order where I wear my jeans, which is below my belly or go by USA kilts advise about men with bellies look better when ordering one measured around their belly. Any advice on that and are PV kilts any good?

I am a fellow with a fair size tummy (5ft 9½, 235lbs) and I had my first kilt, made for mid rise and of P/V material My second kilt is made for full rise and of 16oz wool material. Both of them are very comfortable to wear, the wool kilt is especially so but I am more careful with it in regards to keeping it clean, I always wear and apron when eating with it on.The P/V kilt is more friendly in that regard and is machine washable ......that and the cost were the reasons I got the P/V kilt for a first kilt. I would never wear a kilt below my tummy. In my opinion it just doesn't look good.....The slope of the kilt isn't flattering at all.......in my opinion

**ImOnlyOneManJim** · 24th January 18, 06:09 PM

Terry, so you're saying it looks better to measure around the biggest part of your belly, i.e. On me that'd be my belly button. As for losing the weight, I'm trying but staying the same. Lol. USA kilts says on their website that it looks better. I'm interested in the classic PV they have and chose them because they can customize it. I'd be afraid to buy one of the one size fits all due to length. Another question, I did some y DNA testing and finally found the real last name of my father is Turner. Long story short, grandmother never was sure. Our last name that he was given is not Turner. Would I be able to wear Lamont tartan? If not, what generic (so to speak) tartans could I wear? If this is best for another topic let me know and I will place it there.

**Steve Ashton** · 24th January 18, 06:44 PM

Actually we always suggest that you measure the way the manufacture describes. Different kiltmakers have different ways that they are used to.

Most do not reference the belly in front and concentrate on where the straps fit in the back. This cinching in the back is what holds the kilt up. Perhaps this photo can explain better than words.

The top strap is Full Rise where all Traditional style kilts are worn.

The center strap is at what is called mid rise.

The lower strap is low rise where blue jeans are worn.

Wearing a kilt below the belly has a tendency to accentuate the belly.

Wearing a kilt higher and the aprons fall straight down from the belly. Visually you lose 10 pounds by wearing the kilt higher.

**ImOnlyOneManJim** · 24th January 18, 08:03 PM

Originally Posted by Steve Ashton

Actually we always suggest that you measure the way the manufacture describes. Different kiltmakers have different ways that they are used to.

Most do not reference the belly in front and concentrate on where the straps fit in the back. This cinching in the back is what holds the kilt up. Perhaps this photo can explain better than words.

The top strap is Full Rise where all Traditional style kilts are worn.

The center strap is at what is called mid rise.

The lower strap is low rise where blue jeans are worn.

Wearing a kilt below the belly has a tendency to accentuate the belly.

Wearing a kilt higher and the aprons fall straight down from the belly. Visually you lose 10 pounds by wearing the kilt higher.

Outstanding. Explains so much. Thank you Steve.

**LKM** · 25th January 18, 06:21 AM

USA Kilts is a great place to get a kilt from and the PV they use is good quality. If the PV is from Marton Mills, used by both USA Kilts and Freedom Kilts as I understand it, then it will be worth wearing for many years. USA Kilts can work with the needs of a tall man while most mass produced kilts will have it looking like you are wearing a mini-kilt. I'm 6'5" and I can assure you that a mass produced kilt will be to short with a drop of about 22" or 24". I need a 25.5" or 26" drop and you might be going up to a 28" drop with your height. The semi-traditional from USA Kilts can be dressed up for a more formal occasion and can look perfectly normal around people wearing wool kilts.

**kingandrew** · 26th January 18, 05:20 AM

Welcome to the Rabble!

I have lost quite a bit of weight lately (about 35 pounds since August), so I may be needing to get a new kilt. But both of the kilts I have (one 46" waist, the other 40") were made to go around my natural waist. And when I was heavier, they looked much better than something hanging below my belly would have. The kilt is naturally flattering to large men--both hefty and tall. I'm 6'3", so not at your altitude, but still taller than most folks I meet. And I can attest that kilts make the big man look powerful and attractive, something that is not always true of other clothing options.

Andrew