First kilt

[TimButterfield]

Here is my first kilt outfit.



It is a Stillwater Standard kilt in black watch tartan. My first waist measurement, done by myself, was 44". I tried a 44" Stillwater heavyweight wool kilt in black watch tartan, but it was too large for me. When I measured again, this time with the help of my wife, my waist measurement came out at 42". This particular kilt is 40", but still has an extra hole available at all buckles. It makes me wonder what my waist size really is. As for length, this kilt is 24". When I measured myself (with help), we got a 22.5" length, which may be right. The top of this kilt is about four inches above my naval. It felt comfortable there for the test wearing, though I do not yet know what it will do or feel like when worn for extended periods. It appears the edges of reverse pleats show a little below the apron. Is this because the hips are too snug? Is it supposed to do that? If not, any thoughts on how it could be corrected on this kilt and prevent it on the next? The sporran is the fancy pin day sporran from USA Kilts. A full windsor on the neck tie kept the length shorter than with a suit. The navy hose are from USA Kilts. For those who prefer minimalist footwear, the shoes are Vivobarefoot Dharma.

For measurement comparison, I am 5'10", 210 lbs, and have measured a waist of 42", hips of 45" and length of 22.5". Given this kilt and how it feels, perhaps a 40" waist may be better on a custom kilt. I'm losing weight and would prefer more room available for waist shrinkage than for growth. I'm not sure if the length should be 22.5" or longer. How should I confirm my measurements for a custom kilt?

If you notice any fashion faux pas or have other suggestions, please pass them on.

Thanks.

[Mickey]

I've had to alter all of my off the rack kilts as most come in 24" length and to get the right look, have had to wear them pretty high, which isn't comfortable. Also because of my measurements, the lay isn't perfect out of the box. Sort of like an off the rack suit. It isn't going to be perfect, but can be close enough to not matter, or something that needs a touchup either with a machine or just a needle and thread. Can't beat the price and service though from SWK. If you have one made to measure, just follow the measuring instructions from the kiltmaker you choose.

[Mael Coluim]

Welcome to the kilted life, Tim. Everyone must have a BW kilt. You look great. Relax and enjoy your elevated status in the world. Kilt on!

[MacMillans son]

You look great Tim!

No faux pas, but If I were to provide some non-essential feedback I would suggest maybe a leather sporran strap, and perhaps some lighter colored hose (loden green, ancient blue, even claret). Again, non essential, just some things to consider.

Best of luck!

Brooke

[davidg]

At 5' 10" tall you are not going to be a 22.5" length. 23" to 23.5" or even 24" if you have longer legs, sounds about right to me unless your lower body is out of proportion to your upper body, and it doesn't look to be

Although you say you are wearing the kilt at 4" above it does not look that high in the picture. In fact, the general effect looks fine as long as you are comfortable

The under apron may need pulling up slightly as that could be why you are seeing the pleats fall below the hemline at the edges of the apron. There is a tendency for things to droop but paying attention to lifting the under apron slightly may just correct that. If it does not then the trick is to turn up the edge of the offending pleats slightly. It's difficult to describe that here though so aligning the tops of the two aprons first and see if that helps

[Riverkilt]

Nice look. Particularly the light blue shirt with the tartan.

Sounds like its time for a made-to-measure kilt. You'll love the difference.

[TimButterfield]

Thanks for the feedback.

I'm definitely planning on further purchases. I'm jonesing just thinking about it.

On the purchase list are four or five custom kilts from four vendors, either casual, 5, or 6 yard in Washington State tartan (2), Carolina tartan, and Xmarks tartan (1 or 2) not to mention the DIY kilts I have in mind. I also plan on getting what Brook suggested, different colored hose and a leather sporran strap. The chain is just what came with the sporran and will only last the weekend. I may get some of these extras at the games marketplace this weekend. Part of my purchase delay for the hose was not knowing what the hose colors looked like in reality vs on screen compared with the BW, which I had also not yet seen in person.

@davidg, I think 22.5" is short also. When I am upright on my knees on the floor in front of a mirror using a retractable steel tape measure and my reflection in the mirror to set naval height from the floor, it comes to 23".

[Mirthlesstroll]

Great look! I also really like the light blue shirt - it makes the tartan and the shirt pop. I agree on lighter socks, and with buying in person. Colors never look the same on the computer as they look IRL - that way you can hold the socks up to the kilt and see how they look in daylight.

[Mike_Oettle]

Nothing wrong at all with that outfit, Tim.
But our friend Jock Scot might say that it is a little too matchy matchy (with regard to the hose, not the shirt). I venture he would suggest red flashes.
Keep on kilting!
Regards,
Mike

[Thomas H]

It takes awhile but the kilt will grow on you . Have fun with it