For All Kilt Makers

[RockyR]

I have been thinking of having a foam or wood manikin of my self made from just above navel to just below knees to have kilts made by. Would a kilt maker like the idea of having that to work with?

[Colin]

Are you going to send this mannequin to every kiltmaker as you order kilts? Isn't that a wee bit extreme, not to mention expensive? I am sure these professionals can make you a fine kilt from your measurements.

[Raphael]

It is probably cheaper to fly out to see the kilt makers. I hope this is joke.

[RockyR]

No it is not a joke and a foam one can be sent anywhere for 20 bucks. But Gents this question is for Kilt Makers, its not a question for economics majors..

The question is would it be better, not whether measurements are good enough, and was spawned by Jimmy's comment below.

Jimmy CarBomb Any time that YOU can actually be the manaquin, you're going to get a MUCH better fit. This would include the hang of the pleats too.

As long as you've done NOTHING to upset your better half, it makes perfect sense to me to let her squat down infront of you with sharp pins at her disposal. Laughing

Just thinking about it.. They do it with shoes btw

[Jimmy Carbomb]

In that case, make sure that you NEVER gain any weight, lose weight, or get to where your hips begin to drop! You'll have a whole garage full of little foam JohnAllen pieces!

The measurements that most kiltmakers ask for (waist, hips and length) are usually more than enough for a skilled kiltmaker. This includes the apron, pleats and overall fit.

It's VERY easy to make the waist, hips and length to size... it's another to make it where the pleats are angled to drape properly! If it's worth your time and expense to do this, then by all means feel free. Just make sure that the form doesn't get mashed in shipping.

I would suggest that you do some serious reading about the companies, and the quality of the kilts. With that, you can determine which can be made well through the measurements alone. Look at pleat pictures when possible, as THAT'S the easiest way to tell the overall quality. If the pleats are warped and weak... so is the kiltmaker.

[RockyR]

Hey JohnAllen,

While having a manequin may help a little for a kiltmaker, it's not really all that important. Yes, a dry fit would be nice to have sometimes, but it's really not NECESSARY. If you have less experience, it may help, but I believe that the kiltmakers on here with actual companies probably have enough experience.

It's a good thought, but not really all that necessary on the production side. Hey... you can still make the manequins and line them up in your room and put your kilts on them, so you can see them and how they hang even it you're not in them!

[Graham]

If I may comment, one kiltmaker once said that the measurements are not rocket science.

Indeed, I've had a small number of kilts made that fit well from three simple measurements.

Quite a creative idea tho', not as silly as it first sounds!

[elijah]

My wife says, "I guess It'd be nice to have a mannequin." Although, she was confused by the request slightly.

It'd help us in somcases. I cringe when we have customers send us measurements and they keep changing. It makes me nervous that the kilt might not end up fitting as good as it should because they're fudging with their measurements because either they're not following our guidelines or they're using male vanity to judge their proper size.

[bubba]

It makes me nervous that the kilt might not end up fitting as good as it should because they're fudging with their measurements because either they're not following our guidelines or they're using male vanity to judge their proper size.

I agree the measurements need to be done right. Anyone not sure should have a seamstress or tailor take them. Yeah, it might cost a couple bucks but would prevent lots of problems.

[The Wizard of BC]

Accurate and honest measurments. That's the key.
I don't need a manikin to make a kilt unless your very oddly shaped. One leg is significantly shorter than the other, or your spine has a pronounded curve. And in those cases A photo of your self will usually clear up any additional measurment I might need.
Accurate and honest please. If your "a man of substance" tell me and I'll cut as required. But don't,whatever you do, give me your jeans store waist measurment. Kilts are cut for comfort, not to some fashion desigers idea of the IDEAL man.
Your mannikin is however a great place to hang your kilt when not in use. Placed in the middle of the living room it beats a copy of Vouge sitting on the coffee table for a conversation starter.