Measurements

[Jako Dar]

Well, I ordered my first kilt from Celtic Croft - great people and customer service. I had one problem though - IT WAS TOO BIG!!

The problem wasn't theirs - it was mine. I didn't get good measurements. For those who haven't ordered a kilt yet please be aware of this.

Yesterday I made steps to prevent this in the future. I called a few tuxedo shops until I found one that has experience measuring for kilts. I went there after work and got 7 measurements that will work for me what ever kilt i decide to get:

• Waist at traditional pants (for lower waist kilts).
• Length from lower waist to mid-knee.
• Waist at the naval (for mid level).
• Length from naval waist to mid-knee.
• Waist above the naval (for higher level).
• Length from upper waist to mid knee.
• Hips.

These measurements were a little different than I expected, but I have them written down and save. I am ready for the next kilt order. I am going to contact Celtic Croft tomorrow on my day off to see if they can make an exchange since it was a stock item.

If there are any other issues to be warry of please post up here - I could use the help.

Thanks all!!

[ccga3359]

Each kiltmaker has there own preference when taking measurements (especially Freedom kilts for their "beer gut cut"). It's advisable to follow their instruction when ordering their kilts and not measurements from another kilt maker's site. We're fortunate in southern Ontario with two kilt makers that can take measurement in person (be it at the local kilt night bar).

[Redshank]

Jako

Best you go back and see your tailor, you will need 1 more measurement at least, that is your seat measurement, the widest part of your butt

Chris

[Jako Dar]

Really??? OK, that's new to me. Thanks!

[BoldHighlander]

Each kiltmaker has there own preference when taking measurements (especially Freedom kilts for their "beer gut cut"). It's advisable to follow their instruction when ordering their kilts and not measurements from another kilt maker's site. We're fortunate in southern Ontario with two kilt makers that can take measurement in person (be it at the local kilt night bar).

Grant is correct. For instance some kilt makers will have you kneel on the ground for the measurement for length, & some will have you stand (both with your back straight & a "helper" doing the measuring). Always follow the measuring guidelines of your chosen kilt maker

[Phil]

This is quite a handy guide for measuring but I do think it is best to be measured by the person making your kilt. That way it is their fault if it is wrong.

[Nanook]

The problem with all of the above is that there is more than one concept of "waist circumference". A military kilt, for instance, is measured in the "regimental manner" and that's right up just under the rib cage (it matters where the rib cage is and NOT where one's naval is). Other kilt patterns build around what's called the "natural waist" which is the place on the torso where one is thinnest. Other's measure at just over the top of the hips (liac crest) which is often (but not always) around the naval ("belly button"). These three measurements (the top of the torso, the "middle" and the bottom) are all quite different. It also complicated by the observation that what constitutes a "correct fit" is not universal. A military kilt is intended to fit tight, nearly in the manner of a (snug) corset. A traditional kilt is intended too to fit snug--- it should not be able to move about. A casual kilt (NOTE: not all casual kilts are "casual". The "Lochcarron casual", for example, is a traditionally fitting garment and NOT casual) is generally intended to fit a bit loose, like the current style of trousers, and almost hang on the hips. That "current style of trousers", of course, don't fit in the sense of "fit" as established in tailoring (are really too large) but its what many have come to want in the name of "comfort". On the other hand the obese (a condition currently effecting over 1/4 of the American population and not significantly less in Scotland) are less than ideally suited to a military tailored fit. With almost 2/3s of all Scottish (and American) men overweight (and a minority of men with increased levels of fitness) the concept of clothing fit and aesthetic has become less well defined and "remote tailoring" less possible than ever.

[Jako Dar]

Good points all around. Thank you so far for some really great discussion. Looks like I will need to contact my kilt maker and have a discussion . . .

[Chef]

Looks like I will need to contact my kilt maker and have a discussion . . .

Now you have the idea.

[kmaclea]

So, I have a kilt that was made to my measurements and fits well.

On the inside label it says:

Individually Tailored
Waist 36", Hip 42"
Length 21.5" + 2"

Now, I have looked for instance at Vintage Kilts, and seen kilts available such as this one:

10 Anc. Cameron 36 x 23.5

Now, the 36 is obviously the same.

Two questions:
1. Is 21.5" + 2" the same as the 23.5" they are measuring, or would it be 21.5" that I'm looking for?

2. In that vein, they don't note the Hip measurement. Is this typical? Can one measure the hip measurement of a kilt already made so you can compare it? Or you just have to take your chances on a used kilt like this?

Any help appreciated!

Kyle=