Advice for a large guy

[OakJon]

I am researching my first kilt purchase. I'm thinking about a USAKilts Semi-Trad in Fraser Hunting or Tara. It will mainly be used for festivals, hiking, and casual wear. Since I am considerably larger than most guys I have some questions about the kilt and accesories.

My numbers
My waist is 58" (at the navel), my hips 56", and my calf is 21.5" Size 12 shoe

Since my waist is larger than my hips will this effect how the kilt looks and fits?

I like the Fraser Hunting tartan but I haven't found a picture of it in a kilt can anyone post a picture or link I can check out?

Does anyone know where I can find a belt that size that isn't to expensive?

I've had issues in the past with wool socks not being able to fit over my calves, will the kilt hose strech and look right or do I need to order a larger size?

Finally will a regular sporran look alright on a larger guy or will it look to small?

Thank you I appreciate any advise anyone might have.

[Mark E.]

If you can give me the major dimensions you would like your belt, I possibly have some tan harness leather laying around that may be long enough. Untooled, granted, but it is 12 ounce or so. You could probably have it pretified to your requirements at any leatherwork shop of your choice. As far as buckles go...I have about a dozen 2" or so brass roller buckles, originally meant for girth straps on draft tack, but no flat commercial ones. Could possibly part with a belt strap, some smaller pieces for sporran hangers to match, and some smaller brass buckles if you are interested, along with a few harness rivets and instructions.

Here's what the leather looks like:


That one is 3.5" wide, for a great kilt-but to give indication of length-it's sewn double, folded at the buckle, and 42" long

Will photo the buckle(s) tonight.



On the sporran subject...How proportionate are you? Not that I am a professional, but a weenie round sporran would throw things off...Perhaps a longish variety? That, and location, location, location. Think Rob Roy style, and an off center vertical hang location.

[freddie]

As for the hang and look of the kilt I would choose a heavyweight cloth. Try not to get one with the third hip strap and buckle. My waist/seat proportion are just about equal and this strap is useless on people like us. Also use sporran hangers instead of a conventional sporran strap which gathers up all the loose material under the belly. Try and get kilt hose with elasticine in them which stretches, or if you can aford it get them custom made for you.
Hope this helps and good luck with the kilt.

[bdkilted]

I have big calves too. I use the polyester hose available at some outfitters as it streches fine. I get mine from jhiggins.net in Kansas, but I am sure other have them too. If you are getting darker colors, the synthetic hold the color better so they are a good choice for that as well.

[Racer96]

From personal experience, I would suggest going with a hip size that is 2 to 4" larger than your waist size, even if it's incorrect. I imagine what is happening, is that your gut (sorry if that's offensive, that's what mine is, a gut ) hangs out making it larger than your hip size. However, you want the kilt to hang nicely, so go with a larger number. Just make sure that you state that to your kilt maker.

Mike

[Tartan Tess]

I just made a box pleat kilt for a man with a 64" measurement
He chose to wear it with the front of the kilt under his tummy. He wanted what I call a belt kilt (think period reinactors) and it looked great, though i had to remind him to make sure the back side didn't creep up higher since he wore it so low in the front.

[jeremy j starche]

I have to agree with the sporran hangers.

I had the trouble of the belly getting trapped between the belt and sporran chain. Found a couple of keychain holders on sale and they have worked quite well for me, with the tiny exception of adding a bit more bounce to the sporran than I like.

[OakJon]

On the sporran subject...How proportionate are you?

Proportionally I'd say think John Goodman from The Big Lebowski. I do like the room offered in the Rob Roy style Sporrans

. I use the polyester hose available at some outfitters as it streches fine. I get mine from jhiggins.net in Kansas,

Yeah, I checked out the jhiggins.net site they have a lot of nice stuff. Are those acrylic hose as comfortable as the wool?

, is that your gut (sorry if that's offensive, that's what mine is, a gut ) Mike

yeah, a gut is a gut, I always say why settle for a six-pack when you can have a keg.

Thank you everyone for the advice. Now I just have to pick something. choices choices.

[Mark E.]

I have to agree with the sporran hangers.

I had the trouble of the belly getting trapped between the belt and sporran chain. Found a couple of keychain holders on sale and they have worked quite well for me, with the tiny exception of adding a bit more bounce to the sporran than I like.

I have seen a lot of folk use curb chain straps (hard bit alternative for horses). The leather tends to be a bit heavier than key chain types, and clip to D-rings on the back of the sporrans...

[wildrover]

Might want to talk to Big Mikey about hose...he's a big dog too, and he offers a few things for sale that might suit.

Most kilt belts I've seen are in the 2-1/4" or 2-1/2" size. You can likely wear a 3" belt...some guys, I've even seen wider...all depends on proportion. A belt that wide would look out of place on me, a 2-1/4" might look out of place on you.

Whether you have a keg, a gut, a dunlop, or just a paunch, the way the kilt hangs will slim you down...hanging from the natural waist, it breaks the gut line.

Personally, I have neither belt loops nor a third buckle. Some people want them, they're not necessary to hold up your kilt or your sporran, nor does the belt stay in place any better than without...I've never had my belt shift nor lost a sporran (I wear mine on a strap vs hangers). Read up on why or why not, just so you're making an informed decision, whatever you happen to choose.

Lastly...this is very much an opinion, but FWIW...if you can swing the additional couple hundred for the 8yd wool, go that route. You mentioned festivals, hiking and casual wear, and 16oz wool is very, very durable. I've hiked up a few mountains in mine, worn it in hail and heavy downpour, walked up creeks and through brush and brambles, washed it and straightened the pleats and then worn the same kilt for solo piping a few days later (it looked great). I've worn it casually out and around, and so far only for one "formal" occasion, and it's been great. I only own the one kilt, and other kilts will be "want" items, not "need".

-Sean