Traditional 8-Yard Kilting With a Gut

[Rufus]

Hi fellas.

I'm new to the forum, and have a question. I'm considering buying a traditional 8-yard kilt, but I have a bit of a gut. Okay, quite a bit of a gut. I got measured, and have a 45" waist (at the navel), and 50" hips. I'm wondering if anyone else has this problem, and how this affects the fit/hang of a traditional kilt. I'm worried about the kilt staying up, and not always sliding down on me, like my trousers do. I know that the "casual" kilt would fit better, because I'd wear it on my hips, and thus under my gut, but I really want a traditional one.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Rufus

[Alaskan]

Since I started becoming interested in wearing kilts, it has gotten my dad interested in wearing kilts also. I am sure that once I send him some pictures of me in a kilt, that will put him over the edge and get him to buy one.
He has the same worries that you do, Rufus. He seems much more interested in wearing the great kilt, as he thinks it would go better with a pot belly than the modern kilt. Maybe if there is some good advice in this forum, I can convince him that he would look fine in a modern kilt.

[Jimmy Carbomb]

Rufus, here's strictly from massive experience.

Whether it's an 8 yarder or a 4 yarder... it doesn't matter. The material has nothing to do with anything.

If you're meaning a "traditional" kilt with the hidden-stitch and the low hip sewing ~VERSUS~ the "casual" kilt with the beltline and loose pleats... then we have a discussion.

It's easier to make a "beer gut" kilt in a casual, but not impossible in a traditional. Your hips are pretty normal really... but MAKE SURE to let your kiltmaker know that there's a "Molson Muscle" involved in the fitting. When done right, it's really NOT a problem to overcome. Trust me... we know this one all too well!!!

[Rufus]

Jimmy,

Yeah, I was wondering about the traditional (sitting up at the navel) versus the casual (sitting down on the hips - or "fashion waist".) Do you know if guys have problems with their kilts slipping off of their "Molson Muscle"? In the past, when I've had to wear tuxedo pants (up at the navel) I have the worst time keeping them up. They tend to fall down to my hips, and thus almost off. It could just be because tuxedo pants are horrible to wear and keep adjusted correctly (I can never seem to get them snug enough) and made of slick wool.

I think I might try to lose more weight before I buy the kilt, but between work-out time and kilt-making time, it could be next Christmas before I get it.

Rufus

[freddie]

[QUOTE=Rufus]Jimmy,


I think I might try to lose more weight before I buy the kilt, but between work-out time and kilt-making time, it could be next Christmas before I get it.

Beware ! When I bought my first kilt I ordered it in a 46 inch waist THEN went on a diet. I went down to a 40inch waist and traded the kilt in for a smaller one. I couldn't keep the diets up (I like my food and drink too much and life's too short not to be enjoyed) and soon had to trade this kilt in for a bigger version (44inch waist). I've just celebrated my 50th birthday and bought myself a couple of new kilts, both 46inch waisted. This seems to be my natural waist size, and apart from costing me a lot of money the most annoying thing is that my original kilt would still fit me fine. Diets are O.K. if you can stick to them !

[Big Paul]

I have a large belly as well.. I have a traditional / high wasted kilt.. Just keep the straps snug and you won't have any trouble.. A belt adds a little insurance..

I have a hard time with my sporran strap. I have to make sure it's snug as well or it falls below my belly and puckers the kilt!! I need to get a set of sporran hangers, which will fix the problem!

[bubba]

A good belt will do the job but if you feel a bit insecure get some suspenders. I wear a 2 1/4 inch belt with my kilts and they stay put in spite of the gut.

[Rufus]

Bubba,

Thanks. I've been wondering about that, and never really got a good answer. Didn't even think of the belt (D'oh!)

Rufus

[Blu (Ontario)]

Hi fellas....I'm worried about the kilt staying up, and not always sliding down on me, like my trousers do. I know that the "casual" kilt would fit better, because I'd wear it on my hips, and thus under my gut, but I really want a traditional one.
Any advice would be appreciated.
Rufus

Do what I did.....Go on one of the low carb diets (Atkins, south beach, etc.)for a few months.....They work!

[Martin]

Hi fellas.

I'm new to the forum, and have a question. I'm considering buying a traditional 8-yard kilt, but I have a bit of a gut. Okay, quite a bit of a gut. I got measured, and have a 45" waist (at the navel), and 50" hips. I'm wondering if anyone else has this problem, and how this affects the fit/hang of a traditional kilt. I'm worried about the kilt staying up, and not always sliding down on me, like my trousers do. I know that the "casual" kilt would fit better, because I'd wear it on my hips, and thus under my gut, but I really want a traditional one.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Rufus

My advice for what it's worth rufus, is to avoid a kilt that sits on your hips, this will accentuate any gut you have and the kilt will not hang properly.

I measured around the largest part of my waist (40") and ordered a kilt to suit. I find the kilt fits perfectly, stays put with the help of a belt and helps to disguise a larger waistline. I look slimmer in a kilt than in trousers.

Another plus for this wonderful garment!