I can't do it.

[Inchessi]

I got all the way to check out, and "Cluck, Cluck."

I can not order a quality kilt over the internet. They have the fabric I want, and the price is reasonable. I am not in a hurry, so no need for a rush order.

If you knew me, I am mostly not a coward. Physically. I have never backed down from a challenge. Fights, mountains, extreme sports, Military experiences in non-friendly countries, large plates of pasta or larger bowls of ice cream, Public Speaking, ect.

I just can't hit the "Order" button. As brought up in a previous post, my weight and size fluctuates 30 pounds, and three inches in one year, work related. I am paranoid about the correct measurements. A few hundred dollars to me is a large amount of money, I am a tight wad. My "box" kilts combined don't add up to my dream kilt. I have two for summer size and one for winter size. Oh, and a cheapy casual that I trash about the house in.

What do I tell the poor people making the kilt?

Them: "What is your seat?"

Me: "What time of the year?"

Them: "Okay, how about your waist?"

Me: "Depends on how much I have worked. Can you give me three inches?"

Them: "Of What?"

Me: "Waist."

Them: "We always send the scraps. Why, did you want us to make flashings?"

Me: "That would be nice."

You can see where this is going. Any mistakes will be on my end. Maybe I will have to go to an actual kilt maker, hand over the cash, and close my eyes. Or I should just shut up and be happy with my Acrylic kilts.

[dfmacliam]

I say go for a middle measurement and get the most out of your kilt wearing experience. Also, I would think, it might give you incentive to keep the weight a bit more stabilized. Knowing when you will gain weight, and counter act it, will help in wearing your treasure, year round.

I have some issues with weigh fluxuation myself, and I have found myself changing the diet at the earliest sign of weight gain, while at the same time trying to maintain a healthy diet, it's hard at times because I work on the road, and fast food might be the only options.... but I have been successful since owning my kilts.

[Riverkilt]

My changing waistline was saved by the Utilikit leather kilt with the corset lacing on the side..it expands and contracts as needed...don't know if they still make them though.

[Mike M.]

I'd go for the high end of the band. Better a little too large than a little too small.

The other option would be to get some tartan and roll your own great kilt or philabeg.

[BroosterB1]

Go to the larger side; if you lose weight and keep it off a larger kilt works better than a too small one. Once you buy a wool kilt you will want more....and more...it's all good.

[BLHS209]

OK, I take it there isn't a kilt maker around you then, I am lucky, mine is 1.5 hours away. Rather than the extrems, got for the middle length and a little longer straps(?), maybe?

[artificer]

If you can't pull the trigger right now, wait. Maybe buy a decent off the rack PV 8 yard.

See if that convinces you that it's worth a trip to a kilt maker. The swish and weight of a PV is supposed to be a lot closer to wool than acrylic is (not that I'd know, I have PV only right now).

I do like peacekeeper83's plan of measuring for the middle of your variation... although it might be hard for you to peg.

In my experience, buying clothes with a plan to fit them later (or in your case, stay in them) usually ends badly. It MIGHT be the extra kick you need to stay trimmed down, but at the same time, it would be a sad thing to only be able to wear your precious, hand made kilt for a few months out of the year.

[rsvpiper]

Man...... Hold ya nose.... take a big step backwards..... OK.... now... fun like ruck and dive in just go for it you know it's what you want. nothing beats a good quality wool kilt. Take your waist at it's largest as your base line and as has been said above you can then adjust as required

[thescot]

Man, I remember that feeling. When I ordered my first kilt--it was before such things were done on the internet; it was done by mail--I must have spent at least two months building up the courage to actually send it off. I was worried about the correctness of the measurements, etc.

You'll either have to finally just take the plunge (I'd go just a little tight on the largest size; maybe an inch) or do as articifer suggests and get two PV kilts. (I don't usually advise anything other than wool, but you are quite worried about the variation in size.)

If you don't go ahead and do something, you won't get kilted at all.

[xman]

I say take your measurements at your healthiest weight and then do what needs to be done, ie. stay active(cardio), eat right(less fat, no fried), and get the most out of your kilt and your heart. What could be better?