Larger men and kilts

[Barb T]

I agree with Matt. And I have to say that a large man in kilt worn at the proper height (i.e., top above the navel) looks slimmer than he does in pants and slimmer than he would if he wore the kilt below the belly. Wearing a kilt below the belly tends to accentuate the belly, rather than camouflage it.

[Pleater]

If you can wear your kilt high and perhaps a bit longer than the top of the knee the longer fell - the sewn part at the back, will make the upper part of the kilt more stable and less likely to skew, slide or otherwise misbehave.

The longer length will also give the illusion of more perfect proportions - it is just the way that our perception works.

Just as larger ladies look more elegant in long gowns with high waistlines, a man of substance looks more dignified with more kilt coverage and a wide belt with shiny buckle.

Anne the Pleater :ootd:

[Riverkilt]

For sure have your kilt sewn up to your size. Things like bellies and butts make a big difference that you won't get off the rack.

If you have a belly, like me, I'd forgo the belts - the buckles are murder when they jam the belly. Kilts straps work fine to hold up the kilt.

[BCTrucker]

I'm 6'5" and 245, I also have a somewhat pronounce mid-rif, I have several different kilts, from a Utilikilt, to a 5yd custom casual kilt, and 8yd custom tailored tartan kilts, they all have different fits, and sit differently the two first mentioned fit similar to a pair of trousers, and the custom tailored kilt is fitted to sit as the kilt was originally intended to fit, up above the navel all my kilts are extremely comfortable and give a definate slimming appearance, the only issue I personally have is the way the sporran sits below the belly seemingly scrunching up the front of the kilt under the belly button, haven't quite figured out how to rectify this issue. I wear belts occassionally depending on the kilt, and have no issues with them.
Although I do agree that a higher rise kilt, above the navel fits better and gives the feeling of better "coverage" and a pronounced slimming effect, depending on what your intention is for wearing the kilt, IE: formal, casual, around the house, I would concentrate more on the proper, traditional fit of the kilt, as I believe the kilt was originally intended as a simple garment intended for all size of man and easily is the finest formal garment for 'larger' frames.

[Hachiman]

Hi folks!

My question is similar to the original poster's, however my size / shape is different. At #211 and only 5'7", I'm not exactly a "gentleman of size". However, my physical shape is more of a concern to me. You see, my pronounced waistline means I resemble an inverted cone (think 'funnel'), which in turn means that any clothing at navel height or lower will get an assist from gravity and my body-shape.

I've been contemplating one of the military-rise Black Watch kilts that are currently on What Price Glory's website (here) .... I'd love to hear the opinion of the Rabble....would this work better with my body-shape?

cheers

Hachiman

[ForresterModern]

Suspenders (braces to our UK brethren).

[rondo]

Suspenders (braces to our UK brethren).

What he said...With a jacket or waistcoat no one will even know they are there...Or, if you want, it can give you another item to match/contrast with your kilt.
Rondo

[Andy Proffitt]

My advice, get up early one morning, drive from KTown over the mountain (passing through fair Gatlinburg) and go over to Franklin NC to the Scottish Tartan Museum. Its only about a 2.5 hour drive, you get to see the mountains on the way, and have Matt Newsome measure and make your kilt. He's one of the best and he is basically in your backyard. I have never had a problem with kilts, leather, etc when measured by a professional, something I can't always say when I was measured by myself/wife.

[ktaylo12]

One more question: when I measure my waist or have someone else measure should I request at least 2" inches more for my hips because my waist is larger than my hips? I would think I would want the kilt to come out from the waist and not come in to my seat and hips. Thanks again for everyones feedback.

[Big Mikey]

If your waist is larger than your hips, the hip measurement could be the same when the kilt is made. That way the kilt will hang straight and not be pulled in.