Measurement question

[Mikilt]

I am having a kilt made to measure. I have followed the maker's instructions for taking my measurements and I have measured twice. I understand the difference between drop and overall length, as well as rise.

The thing is that when I take the measurements as instructed, I get an overall length that is 2" shorter than what I know my other kilts to be.

I am not questioning the instructions, I am questioning my results. If I measure from the top of my hip to the top of my knee and add 2", I get 21 1/2". My other kilts (which fit well) are 23 1/2. (overall length).

I don't want a kilt that is too short. Should I just trust the kiltmaker?

[Paul Henry]

It is important to trust the kilt maker, and follow their directions, but I'm sure you could speak to them if you are uncertain.
When I measure clients for a kilt, I add about 2" to the total drop measurement that I have actually measured, but each and every kilt maker has slightly different ways, so stick to the one whose directions you are following

[Graham A. Robieson]

Greetings,

When I was measured for my kilt, I was measured from the bottom of my ribs to the top of my knee, if this piece of info helps at all, like measure from your ribs to your knee etc.

Good Luck!

All the best,


Graham

[Jack Daw]

Question the crofter until you understand what is meant.

[Mikilt]

Question the crofter until you understand what is meant.

Indeed, I intend to call first thing on Monday

[MacMillans son]

Question the crofter until you understand what is meant.

You are his/her employer. It is important that you get what it is you want. It is always good practice, in my experience, that when something doesn't add up keep asking questions until it makes sense.

Some possible explanations may be the result of the type of kilt you are having made. Some casual kilts are designed to be worn on the hips vs. higher up, so the overall length to the same point on your knee would be less.

Another is that you kilt maker takes the length measurement from the top of your hip but adds 2" of rise to achieve the finished length (putting the top of the kilt somewhere near your navel I would assume).

Others want the "waist" measurement from the place where you wear the top of your kilt (at the navel or 1" above the navel etc), and the overall length from that point to the point on your knee where you like the length.

Many people have paid good money assuming the kilt maker was going to add, subtract, calculate etc. only to receive a kilt that did not meet their expectations relative to fit.

My input would by to keep asking questions until you are sure both of you are talking about the same thing.

Regards,
Brooke

[Mikilt]

You are his/her employer. It is important that you get what it is you want. It is always good practice, in my experience, that when something doesn't add up keep asking questions until it makes sense.

Some possible explanations may be the result of the type of kilt you are having made. Some casual kilts are designed to be worn on the hips vs. higher up, so the overall length to the same point on your knee would be less.

Another is that you kilt maker takes the length measurement from the top of your hip but adds 2" of rise to achieve the finished length (putting the top of the kilt somewhere near your navel I would assume).

Others want the "waist" measurement from the place where you wear the top of your kilt (at the navel or 1" above the navel etc), and the overall length from that point to the point on your knee where you like the length.

Many people have paid good money assuming the kilt maker was going to add, subtract, calculate etc. only to receive a kilt that did not meet their expectations relative to fit.

My input would by to keep asking questions until you are sure both of you are talking about the same thing.

Regards,
Brooke

Thanks Brooke,
By the way, I always appreciate the input you have to give here on XMarks. Even when it doesn't apply to me directly.

As far as the kilt measurement, I fully understand that it is incumbent upon me to understand what I am purchasing and to ensure that I get what I pay for. I will find out for sure on Monday when I call. Thanks again for your response.

Michael

[seanachie]

Another is that you kilt maker takes the length measurement from the top of your hip but adds 2" of rise to achieve the finished length (putting the top of the kilt somewhere near your navel I would assume).

My input would by to keep asking questions until you are sure both of you are talking about the same thing.

Regards,
Brooke

Brook that is excellent advice, the adding 2" to the rise was the case with my first wool kilt and I was confused by it. I ordered it from Keltoi (John Hart) and he had the patience of Job so we were understanding one another. Another important point is that with the 2" rise you wear the kilt differently. The first time I put it on I was wearing it too low, and John explained it to me. When I first did the buckles it felt different for 5 minutes, but I am extremely pleased with the look and feel .

[Riverkilt]

Nice you're working direct with your kiltmaker - less margin for error. That said, its been my experience that no matter who measures or how I'm measured the first kilt from a new kiltmaker is always off. Its sort of like bracketing with artillary fire. Your second kilt from the new kiltmaker will be perfect since you can adjust from the first effort.

[Jaggy thistle]

If your other kilts fit just get the new one the same length ,simple !