Odd measurements on traditional kilt - trying to help a customer

[bonnie heather]

Aye to all of the above!
The 20.5" would be from the top of the hipbone to the bottom of the kilt. The 2" rise would be from the top of the hipbone to the top of the kilt, where he might wear a kilt belt. So, 20.5" + 2" = 22.5" total kilt length.

[Barb T]

The 2" rise would be from the top of the hipbone to the top of the kilt.

Mmmm, no. The 2" rise is above the person's true waist. The top of the hipbone is actually quite a bit below the true waist, and a trad kilt isn't made to be worn that low.