Need the community's help!

[Jimmy Carbomb]

How tapered do you prefer your apron if at all?

You'll find that the average taper depends alot on the width of the tartan pattern, and the overall waist size of the customer. You can be safe around the 1.5 to 2 inch range on a casual.

Are silver rivets on the belt loops too showy? What about other colors? Matching or at least tone-related colors? (copper for tan, gold for red, etc)

That a little much. It's fine if the overall appearance is a little "punk" or something along the lines of UtiliKilts. More is less with kilts.

Would a d-ring be handy for keys or wallet chains for those who don't want a sporran? Or perhaps a set for clip-on sporrans?

How many companies already do that? It's done to death. I would suggest that you find something original in an industry that's sorely lacking it.

What width do you think is good for the waistband ?

That's for your original design too. Bear uses his for his unique sewing techniques. Traditionals have none. Find YOUR style for your design.

Should the belt loops be less or more than one inch wide?
Speaking of belts, do you always wear one with your kilt?

Again... do your design. I've done both in numerous kilts, and they work differently for different customers. Bear's fringed loops are a nice touch.

Do you like anything decorative or functional (like eyelets for kilt pins) on the apron, or could you live without ?

Not everyone uses kilt pins... HOWEVER... this is a GREAT example of an original touch. Well done.

Also, would you prefer an attached (w/snaps to the other side) or free (hanging over the other side) front apron?

Um... you would be better to keep it one piece (definition of kilt), unless this is part of an original design. If it's part of an original kilt design... PLEASE do it.

Do logos seem distracting or cool to you on the outside of a casual kilt?

Keep it minimal. Beltline embroidery is good. This is done by companies usually, not someone that's just looking to make the next kilt.

Do you prefer straight pleats falling down from one plane, or a little tuck-in at the top?

That's not possible to determine without the source of the taper.

What's the average range of sizes you'd like to see, and any special issues for those sizes?

Check-out the StillwaterKilts.com site and you'll see what Jerry thinks. Again, that's a strange question for a "next kilt".

Do you need pockets?

On a tartan formal... no. On a tartan casual... no. On a solid... maybe. I like sporrans. The next kilt is yours though... not mine.

~There's MUCH more to consider while you're "making your next kilt". Been there... done that. The schooling that I went through was just part one in finding-out the little intricacies of kilt making. Know the tartans. Know the culture. Know the community. Good luck.