How Do I Determine What Size Kilt To Buy?

[Bluethunder90]

Yardage indicates the amount of fabric used to make the kilt with higher yardage usually indicating more pleats in the back. More yardage/pleats usually looks nicer and could be considered more formal in that regard but it’s not a rule. Xmarks member panache has shared a lot of photos of himself dressed formally in 5 yard, polyviscose, kilts. Quite successfully in my opinion.

I like my kilt to come me to the top of the knee or just above it.

I understand. Thank you! The yardage now makes a lot more sense and I have a better idea of what to look for.

You said that you like your kilt to come to the top of your knee or just above, but is there a general rule about how long it should be? I have very long legs, so I'm not sure which, just above the knee, at the knee, or just below the knee would look best.

[FossilHunter]

I understand. Thank you! The yardage now makes a lot more sense and I have a better idea of what to look for.

You said that you like your kilt to come to the top of your knee or just above, but is there a general rule about how long it should be? I have very long legs, so I'm not sure which, just above the knee, at the knee, or just below the knee would look best.

In general it seems to be accepted practice to wear the kilt at mid knee to somewhere a little above the knee. With the exact spot up to the wearer’s preference.

Below the knee is generally considered too low. This is both aesthetic and practical as the kilt will rub uncomfortably if too long.

There is a useful thread called “thcd a guide and definition” that has a lot of good photos of members in kilts and you will see a variety of heights. Even if you don’t go the traditional route, it’s a good resource. It is a sticky thread at the top of the traditional kilt wear subforum.

[bodhran4me]

The length (or I guess height) of the kilt will be determined not only by where you wish the kilt to fall, either knee or midknee, but also on where you plan to wear the top of the kilt which could be full rise, mid rise or low rise. This will also affect the required fell length. Since you are talking Amazon you are likely talking an off the rack , ready made kilt which will have an 'average' fell. I am about the same height and my kilt measurement was for a 25" or 25 1/2" to fall at the knee for a traditional, full rise kilt. But of course we are built differently .

There are many different tutorials on the web about how to take your measurements but most kilt makers want you to follow their specific set of instructions.

Remember that when shopping 'within your price range' to be sure to compare apples to apples, not oranges, avocados and kumquats.

Their are many different materials (eg. acrylic, PV, PV with teflon/anti pilling, wool blends, pure wool etc.) Also worth noting is that many so called PV are actually lesser fabrics such as acyrlic, cotton or other blends. The term is not well regulated and can cover a multitude of sins. Generally the Marton Mills PV is well regarded within the kilting community. Within in each of the above materials there are different qualities of fabric.

The length of the kilt or yardage is the next step of the equation. Usually a 4 yard is the minimum you want.

The construction of the garment is the next factor. A properly constucted garment made from cheaper, lesser quality fabric such as PV can look better than the one made from a high end 100% worsted wool from the finest mill that lacks proper construction.

The above factors and their importance will be be influenced by your budget and intended use. Most folks wouldn't enter an Ironman competion in their 8 yard custom woven kilt nor would they get married or attend a formal function in their 4 yard acrylic.

What may be one of the most important factors may well be customer service, both before AND after the sale. You want good advice from the seller in regards to all of the previous considerations but also what if there is a problem when you receive your kilt? A week after? A month after? etc. In esence do they stand behind their product? Research who you want to give your money to. Read reviews from the seller either here, on other forums, from folks you know or online. Do not always trust reviews from the sellers own website. Thre are examples of excellent service from sellers of budget kilts and shoddy service from high end vendors.

I wish you luck regardless of the route you choose and hope you will let us know how it all comes together.

[Manu]

I suggest you browse the USA Kilts website, more specific their "What Kilt Is Right For Me" link. It breaks down different yardage, materials, and construction that can help figure out what you are looking at. They also have graphic measurement guides. Good luck!

[lschwartz]

In general it seems to be accepted practice to wear the kilt at mid knee to somewhere a little above the knee. With the exact spot up to the wearer’s preference.

Below the knee is generally considered too low. This is both aesthetic and practical as the kilt will rub uncomfortably if too long.

There is a useful thread called “thcd a guide and definition” that has a lot of good photos of members in kilts and you will see a variety of heights. Even if you don’t go the traditional route, it’s a good resource. It is a sticky thread at the top of the traditional kilt wear subforum.

Bluethunder,

Here is the URL for the guide FossilHunter recommended...http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...xamples-85511/

Larry

[Bluethunder90]

Bluethunder,

Here is the URL for the guide FossilHunter recommended...http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...xamples-85511/

Larry

That link gave me a lot of information! Thank you!

[Creag]

I understand. Thank you! The yardage now makes a lot more sense and I have a better idea of what to look for.

You said that you like your kilt to come to the top of your knee or just above, but is there a general rule about how long it should be? I have very long legs, so I'm not sure which, just above the knee, at the knee, or just below the knee would look best.

A note on yardage - girth is also a factor. For example, I measure 32" at the kilt waist, which is just above the navel. I've got a 6 yard kilt and it has plenty of deep pleats. My 8 yard kilt has a ridiculous number of deep pleats. If cost is a factor and you are slim, a 5 yard kilt may come out looking great.

For length, and I'm sure many have answered this one, I'd go for touching the top of the knee cap. You can always wear the kilt an inch higher or lower on your waist to suit what you think looks best for length.