Commitment to a diet and the cost to alter my kilts as a result

**chewse** · 19th January 12, 12:07 PM

As I've aged over the last 15 years, my weight has remained relatively the same - too heavy but not grossly overweight. However, I do recognize that I’m too heavy and my knees have been taking a beating as a result. To avoid doing anymore damage to my knees (and improve my overall health), I need to drop 40-60 lbs.

I have several kilts that I would like to keep but alter to fit my intended size. A few questions for those of you who have gone on a diet and lost weight: At what time did you get your kilts alter for your new size? Did you get your kilts altered as you lost weight or did you wait until you were at your desired weight? Typically, how much would a kilt maker charge to alter your kilt based reduced size?

**Alan H** · 19th January 12, 01:17 PM

These are perfectly valid questions, and since I haven't been down this road, I won't attempt to answer them....but I will say this...

IMHO...just my opinion...

the cost of altering a few kilts, or buying new ones, is utterly insignificant compared to the benefit you will gain by dropping the weight and getting some regular exercise.

**O'Searcaigh** · 19th January 12, 01:43 PM

Originally Posted by Alan H

These are perfectly valid questions, and since I haven't been down this road, I won't attempt to answer them....but I will say this...

IMHO...just my opinion...

the cost of altering a few kilts, or buying new ones, is utterly insignificant compared to the benefit you will gain by dropping the weight and getting some regular exercise.

*** Amen! I found a seamstress/professional kilt maker who is altering my best kilt (8 yd 100% wool) both by adjusting for weight loss/waist size and shortening its length from the top/waistband, for $60.00. ' Don't know what others charge but her work is excellent, it sounded fair to me and well worth it.

**robthehiker** · 19th January 12, 02:20 PM

Maybe you'd lucky enough to find someone who went the OTHER way. Trade your too big kilts for their too small ones. Selling used and buying used may be a good solution. As Alan points out, even if you have to replace them you'll be miles ahead on the health upgrade. Good luck!

**biblemonkey** · 19th January 12, 03:02 PM

Originally Posted by chewse

To avoid doing anymore damage to my knees (and improve my overall health), I need to drop 40-60 lbs.

There is a fitness thread on here. Just search "Fitness Challenge". Lots of different fitness levels, goals, advice, etc.

**chewse** · 19th January 12, 06:01 PM

Thank you for the advice and encouragement!

**James Hood** · 20th January 12, 05:49 PM

The cost of a day in Cardiac Intensive Care would buy you a magnificent kilt-wardrobe. Best of fortune on your weight loss!

**crash** · 23rd January 12, 07:37 PM

I'm hoping to do the same thing, 60lbs maybe a bit more if I can. Fortunately I only have one kilt to alter, however it has put any purchases of new kilts on hold for the moment.

**CDNSushi** · 23rd January 12, 08:10 PM

Since going vegan (not strictly so, but our regular, daily & weekly diet no longer contains meat or dairy and hasn't since summer), I've lost about 15 lbs (7 to 8 kg)...

When I received my B&S Maple Leaf tartan kilt in July 2011, it fit me very well... Now it's on the smallest buckle hole... If (when) I lose more weight, I'm also going to have to make a decision on how to approach the issue, and I'd be lying if I said I knew the answer.

What I DO know however is that I would probably acquire a new kilt (just one) in my new size, and hold off on any alterations or kilt purchases until such time as I felt that the weight would be staying off... For everyone that may be different but for me, it would be nothing less than 6 months of being at a consistent size...

**Mickey** · 23rd January 12, 08:52 PM

Originally Posted by Alan H

These are perfectly valid questions, and since I haven't been down this road, I won't attempt to answer them....but I will say this...

IMHO...just my opinion...

the cost of altering a few kilts, or buying new ones, is utterly insignificant compared to the benefit you will gain by dropping the weight and getting some regular exercise.

I have been down this road, and Alan is correct. I bought my first kilt about this time last year. A few others not long afterwards. 6 months later, I dropped 45 pounds. My first kilt can barely stay on me on the tightest setting, and a couple others that are questionable. And I'm working on re-distributing the weight that I do have.. which means I HOPEFULLY will soon require a completely new kilt wardrobe. The cost/trouble of alterations/replacements trouble me... but I'm okay with that. It is quite worth it