Jean Waist vs True: Pro et Con

[Quart Bernstein]

I've done my research.
I'm trying to get a kilt order in ASAP, but I really can't figure the benefit's and distaste's of the waist sizing's.
Around 29 inch waist.
Read thing's like a jean waist being pushed down by a backpack buckle, that a true waist is more flattering for a bigger stomach, but can't come to any conclusion. Need more of the ****'s we call opinion's.

A list would be nice, assuming one has tried and worn both.
I will specifically be using this for going full kilted, including expression (running, sprinting, kneeling, and engaging in any movement the body can handle.)
I've found a maker already.
But my confliction's are this:
True waist - For one i'm just not used to the idea of the new waist. If it's ergonomically correct, then I have no choice but that doesn't seem the case. I've worn waist belt's before with a coat and find them getting in the way of my breathing. I don't know if I missed my waist in tying it, or that one need's a gut to protect one's lung's. It felt wrong and was extremely disturbing.
Jean Waist - Seem's better IF ONLY it isn't too long in the belt AND not as weighted. I can't say this is best for a heavier wool kilt, so say's my instinct's. And sitting with a pair of Levi's has dug up into my stomach as well when sitting or kneeling, causing a frustrating pain.

I just want a waistline that will allow me to do what I want, and free my body to do what it need's.
Something like airflow being cut off for me is overwhelmingly frustrating.

Thank's for any input.

[Father Bill]

There is some truth to the problem you describe. My own three measurements (true waist/ hips/ tush) are of descending sizes. I am told this makes it very easy for the kiltmaker, since everything hangs rather nicely from the largest/ highest measurement, BUT (not butt) it means that to keep it on, I need to tie it VERY securely around my "true waist." That in turn does make it hard to breathe, and on the flip side, if I suck in my gut, the kilt falls off!

SOLUTION: (recently found) keep it a bit looser around the true waist to facilitate breathing, and wear the sporran with a strap fairly tightly around the hips, just as I do with my trousers. Result: I can breath, the kilt doesn't fall off, and the sporran hangs at a reasonable height, obscured from above by my tum-tum, thus even allowing my clerical robes to hang straight over the sporran!

Ta-da!

(Disadvantage: It may make it trickier for the kiltmaker to measure. Sorry John!)

[artificer]

This review of our own Freedom Kilts offering brings to light some of the issues (which they've overcome) of making a kilt cut for jean waist.

You've not said whether you're interested in a traditional tartan kilt or a contemporary kilt.

IMO if you're going tartan go with the true waist, if you're going contemporary/non-tartan you're free to choose - I'd probably go jeans waist.


Welcome aboard!
ith:

[LitTrog]

I prefer the jeans waist when engaging in athletics, and the true waist when going for a traditional appearance (I'm not changing the height of one kilt, but rather wearing two different ones--just to clarify). Artificer's point is sound: if you're going contemporary, the jeans waist is a better choice. If you are looking into a traditional kilt, my advice would be to go with the true waist. I don't feel like traditional kilts look right riding that low.

Unless you're 4 feet tall, I assume with your small waist that your stomach is pretty flat. You really shouldn't be in any discomfort either way. If bluejeans have cut into your gut, maybe you should go up a size. Be aware that measuring accurately for a kilt is important--don't tell your kiltmaker you have a 29-inch waist when you actually measured larger. Trust me, there's no shame in wearing a 31 occasionally.

Welcome, and good luck!

[Father Bill]

...and you know, I didn't notice this was your first post, so welcome to the Great Rabble!

[davidg]

from West Lothian, Scotland

One thing that hasn't yet been mentioned is that if you want to wear traditional jackets with your kilt you need to wear the kilt higher than the hips, otherwise you get a gap between jacket and top of kilt that looks awful

If you are only wearing the kilt casually then that will probably not be a problem

[M. A. C. Newsome]

Traditional kilts are made to be worn at your natural waist, above the naval. This is where they should be worn. Maybe I missed it, but unless you are specifically thinking of getting a modern, contemporary style of kilt, your kilt will be made to wear at the natural waist and if you try to wear it otherwise it won't fit well or look good.

Have you talked with your kiltmaker to ask what measurements he or she requires?

[Spartan Tartan]

It sounds like you want a kilt that allows you to be very active/athletic. That being said, I agree with davidg...before we can give true advice, we need to know how you plan to wear it.

Again, from your OP it sounds like athletic rather than formal/traditional. If, however, you want a single all purpose kilt you will have a real problem. As others mention, you need the higher "rise" to properly dress with kilt jackets and other accessories.

Personally, I would recommend you consider two kilts. You can get a casual (jeans waist) made of more durable material for relativley little money. This will accomodate your active lifestyle. Then a more traditional kilt for less physically active, "traditional", settings. (assuming you want traditional at all).

It is like trying to get a single pair of pants for all events. Sweats are best for athletics and slacks are best for business. Problem is, you can't wear sweats to business nor dress slacks to run thru fields without damaging them. A compromise might be khaki casual pants? but then you really dont have the proper pants for either situation.

I have two traditional kilts and 1 casual PV. I would strongly recomment the jeans waist casual kilt if you are looking to be highly athletic. I even wear it to the pub. But, it does NOT look good with my jackets and waistcoats (vest). Although it does work with just a shirt and tie.

Just my 3 cents worth.

But most importantly, from Oklahoma!!

[Quart Bernstein]

Ugh...

Wrote about a page of a response that wasn't saved.
Making a condensed version.

I'll probably be getting:
Two Polyviscose Semi-Traditional Kilt's at Jean Waist
A Wool 13 or 16 ounce at True Waist in my clan tartan

Just turned 21; the fine age at which my body has stopped growing, and my clothing can stop flowing.
So i've decided to spoil myself with a conversion of a wardrobe that's more natural.
The modern era of clothing has created a black hole; so I have sought historical inspiration. In matching older idea's to modern craft.

I'll be matching these with the other historical inspired piece's. Tunic's, moccasin's. As well as other motivated piece's that I borrow motivation from hunting leather glove's, wool sock's with wool midlayer's...
I'm just trying to make my body free todo it's own work.

Such as is, that i'm making the transition primarily for freedom of movement.
Mixing body ergonomic's with my taste of fashion.

Aside from a kilt belt, I will not be getting any traditional clothing; but mixing it with my own.
Going as much formal as informal, In My Opinion!
The formal's based on my own sense. But it's alway's best to be informal.

In other word's, not in the traditional formal.


My one question,
Does the Polyviscose in tartan carry the same, your kilt's slipping off, appearance?

AND it's my belt that ride's up into my stomach (even if it's small); the combination of the belt and it's placement by the pant's.
Does this make sense? And anyone else have the issue?

Life's a lot easier finding peace with reality. Not going to lie about the measurement's.
Made plenty of mistake's that way!
Size 30 pant's tend to slide off though. They tend to not wrap around at the top and be left open.
I'll be carefully constructing measurement's, but getting the blueprint's done before the battle. One mark at a time.

I know this all may sound ridiculous to put together, and I very may well sound insane.
But i'm not worried about ridicule. Received it enough in life to know i'll be the one changing.


Thank you,
The reply's were overwhelming. Never have I found a forum with such willingness to help.

[davidg]

Just turned 21; the fine age at which my body has stopped growing, and my clothing can stop flowing

You may be in for a surprise. I'm still growing and nearly 3 times your age