Should I or not?

[HarborSpringsPiper]

I have a beautiful hand-sewn kilt that Ada Langley made for me about 12 years ago. At the time, it had probably been a good 9 or 10 years since I had last had or worn a kilt and for some reason I had her make it with the drop to mid-knee cap. We talked over the phone, so I didn't have the opportunity to have her measure me. We did discuss length and I think she had commented that I did not want to go below that length. After I received it I realized that I really preferred wearing it to the top of the knee cap, a difference of 1.5". This really hasn't been a problem as I just wear the the kilt under my ribs, essentially with a military rise at 3.5", which actually was the way I had worn previous band kilts. When I had Matt Newsome make my other kilt, I of course went with the shorter drop and a higher rise and that one fits like it is supposed to with the strap at my natural waist.

While the "tank" actually stays in place most of the time, occasionally I have to hike it up a little due to gravity. The fit at the fell is the same without any perceptible difference regardless of where it is hanging. I started to think, why don't I have the straps and buckles moved down that 1.5"? I emailed Ada and she is certainly willing to do that. Now I'm starting to have second thoughts and wondering if it is really worth fixing something that isn't really broken.

I know I ultimately have to decide this myself but thought I would see what others thought at XMTS. Has anybody had this type of alteration done? One of the things I started thinking is that at some point I will probably be handing this kilt down to my son who's a couple of inches taller than me. I guess he could ultimately have another alteration done at some point if he wanted to, as we're not talking about cutting any material out here. I also am on a plan to shave off some pounds again and doubt I'll move below the couple of inches I have left on the strap but if I did, that would become a necessity for alteration and guess I could do it all at once then if I still wanted to.

I'm probably just obsessing at this point but appreciate the opportunity to bounce this off you.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

Have it fixed. You'll be happier in the long run not having to worry about hiking up your kilt every so often.

[Standard]

If the kilt still fits other than this issue, then I'd definately have the straps adjusted and be able to enjoy wearing this kilt without worrying about having it droop. This sounds like a quality kilt, and should be worn and enjoyed.

[DryFly]

I think I would adjust it to fit correctly like the one Matt made. If for no other reason than they both fit the same. I have 2 traditional kilts and it would drive me nuts to have to wear them differently. If you do lose a few pounds they would both need the same adjustment anyway. I have a great alterations tailor, if you do too, its one trip and not a big deal.

[HarborSpringsPiper]

Thanks for the reality check and good advice, gentlemen!

[Jack Daw]

Live for today and have it altered to fit you properly.

[RockyR]

If the overall length needs to be shortened 1.5" but the FELL is correct, why not just have the kilt hemmed?

[HarborSpringsPiper]

I had not discussed hemming with anyone but interesting you bring that up, as a kiltmaker. I have always heard that wasn't the best idea, I guess on the basis of the pleats not hanging correctly or something to that effect. I know that youth kilts are purposely hemmed sometimes to allow for growth and let out as needed.

This is a heavyweight kilt, at least 16 oz, possibly 18 oz. Does hemming work well with this weight of tartan material?

[RockyR]

If you hem 1" or LESS, the pleats tend to kick open. At the bottom. If you hem 1.5" to 2", they hang pretty well.

[HarborSpringsPiper]

Thanks for the info!