Kilt sizing confusion

[Steve Ashton]

OH, and the old "Measure the length of the kilt while kneeling" is an old kiltmakers trick. And only applies to kilts made in the older style of military or "Traditional" kilts.

This comes from the way that military and "Traditional" kilts are made. The top strap on this style of kilt is 2 inches below the top band of the kilt.
This portion above the top straps is called the "Rise".

The smallest part of the kilt is at the level of the top straps.
The rise of a "Traditional" kilt tapers outward to fit over the bottom of the ribs.





This style of kilt has a "Drop" length measured from the center of the top strap down to the bottom edge. (Called the Selvedge)
The total length of the kilt is Drop + Rise.

So the trick is that the maker would have the person kneel. They would measure from the bottom of the ribs, down to the floor.

But when they made the kilt - the straps are placed 2 inches below the top of the kilt - which would raise the entire garment up by 2 inches.

This would bring the bottom of the kilt right to the top of the knee cap.