Hello:

I'm hoping this is the correct sub-forum for this question. First, let me say that I'd much rather go to a kilt maker to be measured, but the closest one that I'd consider ordering from is an (approximately) eight hour round-trip drive from me, and I'm not able to take the time to do that. So, I have to rely on my own measurements (with my wife's help).

Here's the issue: on my previous kilt (5 yard wool), the instructions were to measure for the waist "just above the navel". My measurements were taken a little loosely that time, but nevertheless that kilt fit me to my satisfaction. Since then, I have lost weight, and now I'm looking to purchase an 8 yard wool from an online kilt merchant (a well-known one based in Scotland).

That different merchant's instructions for waist measurement are a bit different (if a bit vague):"at the navel or up to 2 inches above as the waist straps will be holding your kilt up." The accompanying video states that it should be measured 2 inches above the navel, but that it's a matter of comfort/preference for the customer. (a.k.a. where the customer will normally wear the kilt). I intend to wear this kilt in the traditional manner, i.e. at the natural waist. I'm assuming that the "two inches above the navel" waist measurement is trying to determine just that.

My issue is this: due to my natural body shape (and a little bit of out-of-shape), the measurement for two inches above my navel and just above my navel are quite different. The circumference of my waist around my navel...ahem...flares out quite a bit. So, the measurement taken just above my navel is about 1.5 inches wider than the measurement taken two inches above . Just below my navel, which is the widest part of my waist, the circumference about 4 inches wider than two inches above my navel.

To get to the point, my concern is that, with these new measurements, the kilt I order will fit fine around the upper waist but be too tight around the lower part of my waist. Perhaps I don't understand correctly though, and the seat/hip measurement (which is 4 inches wider than the widest part of my waist) will be sufficiently tapered out to account for my lower waist area?

Thank you for any advice.