How Do I Determine What Size Kilt To Buy?

[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.