Sizing for a Utilikilt?

[Joshua of Blackwood]

Hey, I know this is a pretty stupid question, and I hope you can forgive me, but...

What is the proper sizing technique for a Utilikilt? As in, where should I measure for the waist? I have done some research, and traditionally for a kilt, you measure about 1 1/2" to 2" above the hipbone, or at navel level, from what I can see. However, Utilikilts are apparently supposed to ride much lower. Their diagram isn't terribly helpful, or maybe it's just that I've been up all night. They seem to want you to measure over your jeans, at roughly hip level. Is that correct?

See, the thing is, I've found a Utilikilt Workman's model on eBay for a monstrously good price, and it's a 32". I wear from a 30" to a 32" in jeans, and my measurements fluctuate between the same depending on where I measure. The auction ends in about 10 hours, and I'd like to know if I should grab it.

Also, if it was say an inch too big, would that be a big deal? Gah, please forgive my newbishness! I've wanted a kilt for years, and I'm finally to the point where I have the money to get one. I've done a lot of research, and I think this is the model I want, anyway, but to get it at full-price I'd have to save up another month.

Help! Thanks in advance! (and yes, this question finally made me join—I've been lurking off and on for over a year)

[Jamais Arriere]

Measure your waist at your belt level where you are going to wear it. I wear my UKs like jeans. The basic rule of thumb for UK is add an inch to your jean size. I've worked several times in UK booths and that woorks 9 times out of 10

[Joshua of Blackwood]

Hmm, thanks for the reply! I think I'm trying to make something work that's not going to work, unfortunately. Near as I can tell, my measurement firm, where I usually like my jeans normally, is about 30". I was hoping against hope that I could jump on this deal, but it looks like it's a no-go.

*sigh*

[cavscout]

Welcome to the neighborhood Josh, I'm up in North GA.

The critical thing to know about kilt sizing is that it is not the same as sizing in jeans. Jeans will be labeled 32" but are actually made to fit someone with an actual waist size of 34". When a kilt says 32" though it literally means someone with a 32" waist (or where ever it is meant to sit on the wearer). So I think you are correct that this kilt will not fit you. UK's do not adjust size at all.

[Carolina Kiltman]

Josh

From the Cape Fear Valley, NC. In the words of an ex Prez, "I feel your pain!" I keep cruising eBay, hoping against hope that there will be an argyll or crail jacket in my size, 46 extra long, ain't happened yet! By the way there are no stupid questions!

[McMurdo]

From Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

The best thing to do would be follow the instructions on the Utilikilt website regarding measuring for their kilts, every kiltmaker is different and some have different ways of measuring here is the link to the Utilikilt sizing page

http://www.utilikilts.com/index.php?page_id=65

[Riverkilt]

McMurdo has it spot on. The UK website goes into extreme detail on how to measure.

If you're buying it "previously loved" off of ebay then dang well have the seller give you an ACTUAL waist measurement when its snapped up. I've owned 15 Utilikilts and about half of them were a different size than what the label said. Can be from washing, or just innacurate sewing from the git go. No way to know for sure.

But second hand, ask the seller for ACTUAL waist and ACTUAL length measurements or you could get a rude surprise if you win the thing.

Once you know the true size of the kilt you can match that to wherever on your body you wanna wear it and see if there's a fit.

Ron

[Monkey@Arms]

In my experience sizing people for UKs its the rare person who can wear his jeans size in a UK, that is to say you usually need at least two sizes up from your jeans. So if you wear a 32 jean a 32 UK will be too small. Running a tape measure through your most comfortable jeans belt loops will give you a pretty good guide.

Best regards,

Jake

[Joshua of Blackwood]

Thanks for all the responses! I'm going to keep an eye on eBay, but I'll probably wind up getting the Utilikilt Original. You guys are great!

[Aldisimo]

Utilikilts always sell well on eBay and on the Utilikilt groups on Yahoo, so I'd grab a bargain if I thought it would fit. If it didn't, it probably wouldn't be difficult to resell it. If you avoid eBay for selling and use Craigslist or Yahoo, I don't think you even have to worry about the nominal seller fees.