Measuring for new kilt - why height?

**hefaestos** · 10th November 11, 03:39 PM

I'm looking into buying my first real [wool, probably tank-ish] kilt after several years of Utilikilt ownership. The measurements that most sites seem to ask for are waist, seat, kilt length... and height. What does one's height tell the kiltmaker that the kilt length does not? [I realise this is completely trivial, but I'm a scientist. I need to know why.] Thanks in advance!

**AKScott** · 10th November 11, 05:01 PM

Waist and seat measurements are easy to make, and they tend to be repeatable.

Kilt length can be an enormous bugaboo. I did my best a few different ways, got to repeatable results, and my kilt maker said I was asking for a kilt length apprpriate to someone about 6'4" tall. I am 5'10".

I fixed the "problem" by ordering an inexpensive poly kilt, put it on, took a picture, posted the picture here and asked if the length looked about right.

I ended up with a tank from Scotland that fit correctly.

Since you already have a kilt or two, you could put it on, put the hem where you want it, take a pic with your hands on your natural waist, post it here and we can go from there.

Nothing sucks quite as much as spending hundreds of dollars on a made to measure tank and then have it come in with the wrong length. They can be hemmed if too long, but there went your swish...

**mookien** · 10th November 11, 05:12 PM

I regard the request by some kilt makers for your height as a "ho ho" test of the length measurement that you give them.

They want to make sure that you are not 7 feet tall and requesting a kilt that is 18" in length, or alternatively that you are 5' 2" tall and requesting a kilt length of 27".

If your height and kilt length are not within a "reasonable" range, they may warn you to double check your measurements before they start cutting.

Good luck with your new kilt. Post some pics.

**brewerpaul** · 10th November 11, 05:24 PM

When I had Bonnie Greene make my kilt I not only gave her all the measurements, including height, I also took a photo of myself in my Hecktor Russell kilt so she could actually see my body shape. One straight on and one sideways. She appreciated the photos and I now have a wonderful kilt that fits perfect.

**mookien** · 10th November 11, 05:28 PM

A good way to get into the ball park (probably + or - an inch or less) of your "correct" length measurement is to wrap a towel around your waist about 2" above your navel (or at whatever height you want to wear your kilt).

Then, ask a friend (preferably someone who knows how to sew, not just any of your drinking buddies) to pin the bottom of the towel up to the level where you want to wear the kilt - above the knee, at the top of knee, middle knee, or somewhere in between. Stand up straight and tall during the pinning. Do not look down or you might perturb the measurement.

Then, simply take the towel off and measure from the top of the towel to the pins. That will be very close to your actual length (at least within the "ho ho" test).

To get your actual length - the one you want to send your kilt maker, use any of the various measuring techniques described on the web pages of many of the kilt makers on this forum. The result should be close to your "towel" measurement. If not, seek professional help!

**Spartan Tartan** · 10th November 11, 05:46 PM

Originally Posted by brewerpaul

When I had Bonnie Greene make my kilt I not only gave her all the measurements, including height, I also took a photo of myself in my Hecktor Russell kilt so she could actually see my body shape. One straight on and one sideways. She appreciated the photos and I now have a wonderful kilt that fits perfect.

I did the exact same thing for Bonnie! Too funny.

I agree with previous comments, I guess it is as a last sanity check. Kind of the kilt makers version of "measure twice, cut once".

**Geoff Withnell** · 10th November 11, 07:40 PM

It is absolutely a sanity check on kilt length. I have have kilt makers question the length I have requested, as I am fairly tall, but my kilt length doesn't reflect that. But I am long in the torso, and short in the leg, and like my kilt to be at the top of the knee. So my kilt length runs about 2 inches shorter than one would expect. That is the best part of working with your kilt maker. Talk about your wants and needs, and how your kiltmaker will fit your kilt to you.