brand new kilt that doesn't fit

**marwine** · 16th November 15, 10:03 PM

Hey all,

I just got my first kilt (ancient Irvine) and between when I was measured by a professional kilt shop in SF and now my kilt somehow shrunk! I know it can't be because I have gained weight!! I was wondering if there was a way to lengthen the leather straps after the kilt has been made.

Thanks in advance for any help!!

**Steve Ashton** · 16th November 15, 10:42 PM

How long has it been since you were measured? Could it be that the kilt is not made to the measurements? Does the kilt shop guarantee their work?

Barring all that a kilt that is too small will always have the under apron peeking out from beneath the outer apron and it is very obvious that it is too small. But if you still wish to wear it there are strap extenders.

They are essentially additional straps that fasten on to the existing straps.

Most kilt makers will have some.

**Liam** · 17th November 15, 06:33 AM

Originally Posted by marwine

Hey all,

I just got my first kilt (ancient Irvine) and between when I was measured by a professional kilt shop in SF and now my kilt somehow shrunk! I know it can't be because I have gained weight!! I was wondering if there was a way to lengthen the leather straps after the kilt has been made.

Thanks in advance for any help!!

If your measurements haven't changed, then the kilt should be returned and the "professional" kilt shop should make it right imho, if they are truly "professional".

**California Highlander** · 17th November 15, 06:55 AM

Originally Posted by marwine

Hey all,

I just got my first kilt (ancient Irvine) and between when I was measured by a professional kilt shop in SF and now my kilt somehow shrunk! I know it can't be because I have gained weight!! I was wondering if there was a way to lengthen the leather straps after the kilt has been made.

Thanks in advance for any help!!

After reading your post twice, I believe that you're being sarcastic because of the exclamation points and that the kilt was made correctly.

...and now my kilt somehow shrunk! I know it can't be because I have gained weight!!

Sounds like Steve's suggestion of kilt extender straps is in order. Forum Partner Celtic Croft has some (as others may) for purchase.

**McMurdo** · 17th November 15, 06:55 AM

I have to agree with the others, if you can then return it to the shop, most will make it right for you. If not the kilt strap extenders are a good compromise.

**Padraicog** · 17th November 15, 06:58 AM

I know this is a little off the wall but how about losing some weight

**JohntheBiker** · 17th November 15, 07:04 AM

You have choices:

1. Lose the weight.

2. Use strap extenders until you lose the weight.

3. Move the straps (until you lose the weight).

4. Don't lose the weight and get your kilt adjusted by your kilt maker.

5. Get a new kilt and keep this one as your just in case I lose the weight kilt (which is how you end up with multiple wardrobes).

**tpa** · 17th November 15, 08:29 AM

An alternative to the extenders is to move the RHS buckles and LHS strap, providing we are not discussing too great a difference. Have a look at this thread from April 2013 by Barb T.

**Liam** · 17th November 15, 04:21 PM

Originally Posted by California Highlander

After reading your post twice, I believe that you're being sarcastic because of the exclamation points and that the kilt was made correctly.

Sounds like Steve's suggestion of kilt extender straps is in order. Forum Partner Celtic Croft has some (as others may) for purchase.

I am perhaps not as educated in texting vernacular so believed what
was written. If indeed you have gained a few lbs. then fess up and discuss options with your kilt maker. Moving the straps or using extenders does work if the weight gain is not too significant. Btw, another reason for only going with 2 kilt straps, you only need 2 extenders and they are covered by your belt or waist coat.

**The Wizard of BC** · 17th November 15, 05:16 PM

I really tried to put this nicely at first.

Your first thing, always, is to contact your kiltmaker. It should not matter if it was 10 mins or 10 months since you were measured. Get on the phone, write an email, get in your car.

If you just picked this kilt up then something is wrong. The kiltmaker should not have let you out their door in a kilt that is not right, that does not fit perfectly.

Talk to them. At the very least you owe it to them to tell them about the fit of this kilt. It is just common decency to do so. Not saying anything to them and going to a web forum asking for a work-around is a discourtesy.

I can tell you for a fact that if a customer of mine came on X Marks, and complained about the fit of a kilt that they just picked up, - and had not let me know that there was a problem - well, I'd be pretty upset that I was not even given a chance to make it right. It is my reputation on the line. It is my name. And to be 'outed' on a public forum without any chance of answering would make me very angry to say the least.