measuring shortcut?

[sathor]

As I am jonsing for SWK to reopen, I looked over at frugal corner, and watched a few vids, and the Idea hit me. They show FC measuring the size by using one of the staps and measuring then doubling. Of course, I would love to think that since my size 40 SWK fits me, I can keep ordering that size, but I find that I have bad luck with tape measures, so can I just use that trick measuring the hole in the strap I use then doubling that to make sure size for waist I need when ordering a kilt from ANY of the other sellers. IE, if I measured the size to be 20.5 which would give me 41", could I then use that measurement if I were to order from Rocky at USAKilts? (That's an if, I havn't measured yet.) Granted, i know the range of measurements is different for different 'off the racks' places, but is that a reliable way to measure?

[The Wizard of BC]

The only reliable way to measure for a Kilt is to follow that particular Kiltmakers measuring instructions.

If you are ordering an SWK then follow SWK instructions.
If you are ordering from Rocky, then read and follow Rocky's instructions.

Using a flexible dressmakers tape measure isn't hard or complicated. If you seem to be having trouble then take the same measurement three or four times. It only costs you an extra minute or two.
If you are still having trouble call the Kiltmaker and talk to the person who will make your Kilt. It's their product, and reputation on the line, and they want it to fit perfectly so will help as much as they can.

Never, never, use the measurements from one Kiltmaker for a Kilt from someone else. A very good example of this is the difference between SWK and FC.

If you have a Kilt that fits perfectly the outer apron right hand edge should line up with the right edge of the under apron. If you want to measure that Kilt while it is on a table simply measure the distance from the right edge of the outer apron(at the top strap) all the way across the apron, then the pleats, over to the right edge of the under apron. (stop at the right edge and don't include the under apron width.(right and left in this example are as you would see them looking down as you wear the Kilt.)

[ChattanCat]

The only reliable way to measure for a Kilt is to follow that particular Kiltmakers measuring instructions.

If you have a Kilt that fits perfectly the outer apron right hand edge should line up with the right edge of the under apron. If you want to measure that Kilt while it is on a table simply measure the distance from the right edge of the outer apron(at the top strap) all the way across the apron, then the pleats, over to the right edge of the under apron. (stop at the right edge and don't include the under apron width.(right and left in this example are as you would see them looking down as you wear the Kilt.)

Just to repeat: Always follow the kilt makers measuring technique.

I would measure the waist from the apron edge (the one with the fringe) to the belt buckle where the strap would fit and what belt hole you are in. You would also need to measure your hips and drop.

[davedove]

1. Always follow the kiltmaker's instructions for measuring.
2. Don't use the measurements from one kiltmaker for a different one.
3. You're spending some cash for a kilt, make sure you measure it right.
4. Use a variation on the old carpenter's rule - measure twice. Heck measure several times to make sure you've got it right.

Another point: wear what you would normally be wearing when you do the measurments. If you would normally wear underwear and tuck in a shirt when wearing your kilt, don't strip down to bare skin to take your measurements. Some adjustment can be made by adjusting the straps, but why not make it fit how you normally wear it.

[Barb T]

If you have a Kilt that fits perfectly the outer apron right hand edge should line up with the right edge of the under apron. If you want to measure that Kilt while it is on a table simply measure the distance from the right edge of the outer apron(at the top strap) all the way across the apron, then the pleats, over to the right edge of the under apron. (stop at the right edge and don't include the under apron width.(right and left in this example are as you would see them looking down as you wear the Kilt.)

And, if you are having a trad kilt made, this will not be a reliable measurement to give the kiltmaker. Most of us add a bit to the right hand apron edge to make sure that the fringe edge actually covers the underapron. I add a full inch. So, if you measured your kilt as described above, and got 37" at the waist, and sent me that measurement, I would add an inch to that when I made your kilt. And your kilt would be an inch too big. Moral of the story - as Steve and Wally have said, don't dink with the measuring instructions given by a kiltmaker, and _never_ assume that the measurements made for one kilt can just be sent to another kiltmaker. Take the time to measure using the method the kiltmaker asks you to use!

[sathor]

Ok, I think I was partially misunderstood. I was only referring to using that number to purchase off the rack kilts, not tailored ones. Eh, I should be ok ordering the same size from the same place, but anyways. SWK will be open in a few more days. a few loonng days.

[The Wizard of BC]

Ah, but Sathor, that is what we are trying to explain. Even off-the-rack Kilts are measured differently by the different re-sellers.
Some assume that the measurement you give them will be for the smallest size of the Kilt. (smallest hole on the straps.) and some do it to the middle hole.

Some off-the-rack Kilts such as UK's are designed to be worn low and loose. Some higher.

If you are used to wearing a UK and send your UK measurements to Jerry at SWK the Kilt you get will not fit. Not even close.

This is a phenomenon that we in the Kilt world see every day. Guys today are so used to wearing jeans of "X" size that they have no idea what their real measurements are.
They have never had a tape measure wrapped around themselves.
Then they try wearing a garment that fits completely differently than jeans and it is natural to be confused.

So, the best advice anyone can give is to follow the instructions of the person you will get the Kilt from.

[fluter]

Even off-the-rack Kilts are measured differently by the different re-sellers.
Some assume that the measurement you give them will be for the smallest size of the Kilt. (smallest hole on the straps.) and some do it to the middle hole.

...

So, the best advice anyone can give is to follow the instructions of the person you will get the Kilt from.

FYI Stillwaters are sized to the smallest hole on the strap, but Frugal Corners are sized to the largest! So presumably you'd order a FC two inches larger than a SWK.

[sathor]

FYI Stillwaters are sized to the smallest hole on the strap, but Frugal Corners are sized to the largest! So presumably you'd order a FC two inches larger than a SWK.

You're the first to really grasp what I was getting at. I want to use what I have to measure rather than use a tape measure, then use that number with whatever the size range they give for the various OTR kilts. Granted, I would need to still look at the sellers page to find if they are +2, +/-1, or -2. I just really hate using fabric tape measures, and would rather use a yardstick, so to speak.

[fluter]

You're the first to really grasp what I was getting at.

Don't assume, either, that the waist will be twice the measured size of (apron or pleats). Trad kilts USUALLY have a different amount allocated to front and back, and your off-the-rack kilt may or may not be similar! I have not compared the waist/hip splits of any of my SWKs.

Best advice: don't assume, full stop. USE YOUR VENDOR'S INSTRUCTIONS.

I just really hate using fabric tape measures, and would rather use a yardstick, so to speak.

Ask someone else to help you measure?