altered kilt on Ebay

[OC Richard]

This is a quality Burnett & Struths kilt.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/323729332798?ul_noapp=true

I can see from the photo of the back that the buckles have been moved far from their original position to make the kilt fit a smaller person.

I think I can see in one photo that the kilt was hemmed up, what, 3 inches or so?

I asked the seller for some measurements, the rear pleated portion at the waist is 18 inches wide.

The kilt is said to now fit around a 32 to 34 inch waist.

My question is, what might the original size might have been? 36 inch waist and maybe 40 inch hips? That's only a few inches bigger, could that explain how far the buckles have been moved? Looks like 6 to 8 inches, just a guesstimate.

It would be great to have a kiltmaker's insight. Thanks!