Ordering a Traditional Kilt

[GlassMan]

I agree that it is absolutely essential to talk to the kilt maker if you can be measured by them directly.

[M. A. C. Newsome]

The leather straps that are used on most standard kilts allow for 4" of adjustment. In my experience, most kilt makers make the kilt so that it fits correctly on the first hole in the strap. Besides the fact that more men are concerned with weight gain than with weight loss, there is another reason why they do this.

Speaking as someone who also does kilt alterations, if I have to take a kilt in by a couple of inches, this is easily accomplished by simply changing the placement of the straps and buckles. However, if I have to let a kilt out by a couple of inches, I typically have to completely rework both the inner and outer aprons. If there is not enough cloth in the hem of the aprons, I will need to go in and remove a pleat, so I can work from the other side of the apron. And letting a kilt out also usually involves replacing the lining, and replacing the waist band. In other words, it's a heck of a lot easier to take the kilt in a little bit than to let it out.

So I think that's why most kilt makers want to allow as much room for expansion as possible when they initially make the kilt.

That being said, if you seriously think you will be loosing a couple of inches from your waist in the coming months, go ahead and plan for it. Tell the kilt makers that you want your kilt sized to fit in the center hole of your straps. But give them your actual measurements. Don't try and guess yourself what measurements you'd "like" your kilt made to. Just give them your real measurements and tell them "I'd like this to fit at the middle hole of the straps, because I plan on losing some weight," and they should be able to accomodate.

Aye,
Matt

[Woodsheal]

Also, clarify which length measurement they want: total length of the kilt from the top of the waistband, or a measurement that they will add a rise to....

[Cawdorian]

I agree with Matt, tell the kiltmaker to make the kilt so it fits correctly at the center hole, My traditional was made to allow the kilt to fit correctly at the last hole in the strap adjacent to the kilt fabric. I lost a few more pounds and had some difficulties with the original size. I may need to have the waist of my kilt taken in a couple of inches.

When the kilt was ordered, I thought the correct size would fall at center strap. (my assumption) I was wrong, it's a good idea to talk to the kiltmaker about the size before finalizing your order.

[Colin]

Thanks Everyone, I have sent off an email to one of the vendors I am considering to get his input.

What does everyone thing of the tartan? Is it too yellow? Wood (my last name) has a tartan, but it is hard to come by so I am going for Watson Ancient (Wood is a sept).

[Cawdorian]

The things you can learn on this site, I didn't know Wood was a sept of Watson, now I can add another tartan to my list. 8)

Thanks Colin

[Colin]

The things you can learn on this site, I didn't know Wood was a sept of Watson, now I can add another tartan to my list. 8)

Thanks Colin

and don't forget that Watson is a sept of Buchanan. This adds about 12 more tartans for you.

http://kiltstore.net/sr_swhdr_eighty...%27Buchanan%27

http://kiltstore.net/sr_swhdr_eightyardkilt.html

[Barb T]

Unless you are absolutely certain that you will be losing weight before your kilt arrives (and that you will never gain it back again!), I wouldn't give measurements that are less than you are currently.

If a kilt is too small, it is _really_ obvious, because it's not just a question of where the kilt buckles along the straps. If the kilt is too small, some of the underapron shows along the fringe edge of the apron, and it looks dreadful. On the other hand, if a kilt is too big and you move the buckles over a little so that the kilt can be buckled tightly, the apron will overlap the pleats a little, but, unless someone looks _really_ closely, no one will ever notice.

One of our band members has lost 70 pounds, and she's still wearing the same kilt. I've now moved the buckles and underapron strap over _5"_, and it's still not noticeable. Granted, the apron is proportionately a bit big, and the center back stripe isn't centered anymore, but you really have to look to notice. In the case of a few of our band members who have "gone the other direction", shall we say, even 1" too small shows 1" of underapron, and it is really glaring.

Barb

[Colin]

Unless you are absolutely certain that you will be losing weight before your kilt arrives (and that you will never gain it back again!), I wouldn't give measurements that are less than you are currently.

If a kilt is too small, it is _really_ obvious, because it's not just a question of where the kilt buckles along the straps. If the kilt is too small, some of the underapron shows along the fringe edge of the apron, and it looks dreadful. On the other hand, if a kilt is too big and you move the buckles over a little so that the kilt can be buckled tightly, the apron will overlap the pleats a little, but, unless someone looks _really_ closely, no one will ever notice.

One of our band members has lost 70 pounds, and she's still wearing the same kilt. I've now moved the buckles and underapron strap over _5"_, and it's still not noticeable. Granted, the apron is proportionately a bit big, and the center back stripe isn't centered anymore, but you really have to look to notice. In the case of a few of our band members who have "gone the other direction", shall we say, even 1" too small shows 1" of underapron, and it is really glaring.

Barb

I have been walking the 4 kms to and from work every couple of days, and have actually already lost 2 inches off my waist. When I actually quit smoking again in the new year, I am getting a dog so I have an excuse to hike the beautiful area around me. So, I know for certain that the 2 inches on the waistline will disappear in the spring. As I said before, I am at christmas weight right now. Too many goodies and a schedule too busy to get out and exercise regularly.

[Colin]

I just got an email back from David at Scottishkilts and he says their waist measurement is too the middle hole of the strap.

He also says the length is including the rise, so I assume I should add 2" to the 23 lenth I have measured from navel to top of the knee?