Haven't posted since my initial introduction months ago, but have been lurking and learning. Starting with the disclaimer that I am, by no means, uneducated at this point, I still have questions. I am not now, nor have I ever been, in shape (other than the shape of a pear or pregnant woman). I have learned all about finding my natural waist, measuring that, accounting for my waist being larger than my hips in measuring so it hangs properly, etc., etc..


First question is, how do you account for waist expansion in your measurements? If I measure while I'm standing, I'm right around 48" at the natural waist (which sits around 2" above my naval). Keeping the tape at the same point and sitting, that measurement expands to around 51" or so. If I get a kilt measuring 48" to fit when standing, will that not either seriously stress the kilt by stretching to accommodate the additional girth or, conversely, actively work to constrict my midsection and practically suffocate me? Or both? Would that not also be true for a belt worn at the same level? I wear my extra weight, essentially, like I swallowed a beach ball. It is 85% in my lower abdomen, much like an expectant mother.


Considering that question, I found something I thought would be ideal while researching. UT Kilts has the Comfort Waist Utility Kilt. This allows for around 4" of expansion in the waist. To save anyone's posting time regarding fabric, I am also aware that TRUE PV (from Marton) and wool are far better options, and that this is not true PV, but most likely Viscose Acetate (65/35, probably). Cost is a minor factor (I could spring for a USA Casual, but not comfortable at Semi-Trad prices yet.). Style is a bigger thing. I almost never wear anything other than jeans or cargo shorts (usually camo) and black t-shirts. I very rarely (read almost never) have occasion or need to "dress". I haven't been to a wedding in over a decade, and funerals would not be a place I would consider wearing a kilt, regardless. I also work in home health care, and can wear pretty much whatever I want, so no need for business dress. I am 99.99% lazy and casual, so "traditional" styled kilts (while awesome, appealing, and eventually wanted) would be lost on me at this time. I do, however, love that these come in tartan, and not just flat, work-wear colors. Twenty years ago, I would have rocked a Utilikilt on stage with my band. These days, the "traditional" (but modern) look is far more appealing. Long question short, how terrible is Viscose Acetate in this instance? I don't need "clean-cut and semi-formal", but also don't want a wrinkled, sloppy mess that will be slovenly-looking and terribly unappealing. (I was just talking to my son about getting a kilt and he said he had seen three people in his store wearing them, and they had turned him off to the idea, completely.)


For reference, I am 5'11" tall. I weigh around 265-270 pounds. Natural waist is approx. 48". Jeans waist is 42.5". Hips are 44.5". Natural waist to middle of knee is 23-24". And my "assets" are pretty much flat and barely-existent. (These are all measurements I took myself against a door frame at work. I'm going to have my wife help me take better, more true, measurements later.) Considering these numbers, would the above-mentioned kilt fit decently?


You have all been a great help and wealth of information already, and I'm sure you will be again, so I thank you for your time and assistance, in advance.