new kilt wearer help on stillwater kilts please?

**XxpyrosXflamesxX** · 10th May 06, 08:16 PM

ok so i have a 26 inch waist (im a dude) and the smallest kilt i can find is 30" can i get that to fit also im going to get a stillwater kilt and what are all the differences of the economy to the standard

**mrpharr** · 10th May 06, 08:24 PM

what i understand is you can cheat a kilt down in size. i would use a good tailor or seamstress to do it. the buckles are attached with cloth to the outside of the kilt. by removing them and moving them back an inch on each side you will still be able to keep the kilt belts on the side from looking out of place. i lost almost 20 pounds so my 38 will be soon be altered. i don't know if it will work on your stillwater kilts so some other posters might have ideas as well.

I have not done this yet myself but i will with my Scots American when it comes in before i do it to my high dollar kilt!

**XxpyrosXflamesxX** · 10th May 06, 08:27 PM

Originally Posted by mrpharr

what i understand is you can cheat a kilt down in size. i would use a good tailor or seamstress to do it. the buckles are attached with cloth to the outside of the kilt. by removing them and moving them back an inch on each side you will still be able to keep the kilt belts on the side from looking out of place. i lost almost 20 pounds so my 38 will be soon be altered. i don't know if it will work on your stillwater kilts so some other posters might have ideas as well.

I have not done this yet myself but i will with my Scots American when it comes in before i do it to my high dollar kilt!

thank u that will prolly work

**Norbydog** · 10th May 06, 11:00 PM

Get no less than a standard. In fact, I would suggest you get a heavyweight Blackwatch. I own one, and it is the comfiest kilt I own. It is much like a blanket.

**Roan Carter** · 11th May 06, 12:16 AM

<opinion>

I own a standard Still Water Kilt in Black Stewart, and for my second kilt it is quite satisfactory. (But my first kilt was a Sport Kilt.)

I think what you would be sacrificing to get an economy kilt would be the number of pleats, and having them sewn at the first few inches of your hips. For a first kilt, any type of StillWater Kilt will absolutely knock your socks off. But I will advise you not to step bellow standard if you want numerous and fitting pleats.

</opinion>

billmcc · 11th May 06, 12:57 AM

Originally Posted by XxpyrosXflamesxX

ok so i have a 26 inch waist (im a dude) and the smallest kilt i can find is 30" can i get that to fit also im going to get a stillwater kilt and what are all the differences of the economy to the standard

I don't think you will get a kilt with a 30-inch waist to fit your 26-inch waist. Moving the buckles works when one or two inches of adjustment are needed, but not four inches. You will probably need to get a custom made kilt. Stillwater only sells off-the-rack kilts.

**David Thornton** · 11th May 06, 04:55 AM

If I had a 26" waist, I would go after a military or military surplus kilt. Google or eBay. I am always surprised how small those are.

**eighties** · 11th May 06, 05:12 AM

I think it really depends on what you will be using your kilt for.

I have 5 Stillwater kilts total:

2 economy - Pride of Scotland and Gordon
1 standard - Black Stewart
2 Heavyweight - Blackwatch and Weathered Lamont

I've had the pleats sewn down on my economy models and for warmer weather I find them quite confortable. I also had the pleats sewn down on my standards, as when I bought it that wasn't yet a feature but the difference is quite noticable. THe Standard has more fabric, deeper pleats and nicer straps and buckles. A good sturdy kilt for moderate use, I've even wore it to one formal (although not Scottish) event with my Price Charlie jacket, fur sporran etc. and no one was the wiser.

The heavyweights... if you can save up for that option DO IT! Maybe see if they have a blemished or irregular one that might fit you. With that you get a great kilt a 1/4 the price of a tank. In my opinion you won't go wrong with any of them. If you're looking for a wedding kilt, go with the Heavyweight it will hold up the best all day long. If you just want one for the games, a standard will do just fine. If you live in a warmer climate or just want a kilt to "see if its for you" then the ecomony will be fine.

Getting the buckles moved as far as possible will help but I agree that it might not do the whole job. I also "snug up" my bigger kilts with a kilt belt as well. Also don't forget to really measure your waist. You say 26" but is that your measurement or your pant size? You will want to go with your real measurement around your navel. For example, I comfortably wear a 38 size in my pants but my kilts fit well at 42".

Hope this helps you some and congratulations on that first new kilt.

80s

**Tartan Hiker** · 11th May 06, 06:18 AM

I love my SWK economy Wallace kilt for hiking. It's like I'm wearing nothing at all, and still I never worry about bow-ups or other exciting events. I haven't sewn the pleats down and never had a problem.

I have also worn it to semi-formal occasions with nothing but compliments. I still think it's a great entry level kilt.

**auld argonian** · 11th May 06, 07:48 AM

If you look on ebay there are spme kilts listed as "boy's" kilts that have the smaller waist sizes...I have no idea what they are like apart from the fact that they have waist sizes spanning like 20" to 28"...there is usually a chart there that gives the waist/length ratio on them. I expect that they are some kind of synthetic judging by the price and that the tartan range is limited. Perhaps not ideal but some kilt is better than no kilt. The alternative is to do-it-yourself....plenty of reference and encouragement available on Xmarks for that.

Another passing thought is that USA kilts could probably make you a casual to your specifications and while it will set you back something like $120 you will be getting something that will probably not cost THAT much more than buying something on ebay and then paying the shipping (particularly if it's being shipped from overseas). The USA casuals are available in a whole lot of tartans and I personally love mine...I would consult with Rocky and company to see if they could sort of "leave you some room to grow" in the kilt as you will certainly gain circumference as you get older. I just recommend USA from personal experience...I'm sure that there are several other kiltmakers who can provide you with a comparable product...just keep looking through the xmarks archives.

Best

AA