Ordering a Traditional Kilt

[flyv65]

Yes, I try to allow for increase and decrease in girth, but different kiltmakers use different standards: some set the center of the buckles to your measurements, and some set the tightest to your measurements since most people only go up in dimensions (I think Alexis Malcolm does this; Kathy Lare centers the buckles, IIRC). In any case, I'd definitely call whoever you decide to use and discuss your sizing; they'll be more than happy to work with you, or you shouldn't work with them. One more point: if you go with 2 inches less on the waist, I don't know that I'd go 2 inches smaller in the hips. If you put on weight, the buckles will allow for an increase in waist, but you can't let out the hips that easily, and your kilt may feel a bit "snug" when seated. Hopefully, one of our resident experts will chime in soon.

Bryan...you're going to LOVE your traditional, Colin-the tartan looks great... :smile:

[KiltedCodeWarrior]

Great question Colin! I never thought about it, but it definitely makes sense, especially if you know that your weight is at one end of the fluctuation or the other. And verifying where the buckles are buckled when adjusted for the measurements you provide would be valuable to know. That could make all the difference in the kilt size versatility.

I will keep this in mind when ordering my first trad kilt.

[Rob Wright]

Kathy Lare does center the buckles on the straps while others set it to the last one only allowing room to grow, definately call the vendor and find out before ordering.

Rob

[Riverkilt]

Been my experience that about the only way to get the sizing right when working long distance where the kiltmaker can't measure you themself is to talk directly to them, measure as they instruct, then when you get the kilt make adjustments from there on your next kilts. Sort of like artillary fire...gotta bracket, then walk it in

Any kiltmaker, particularly Kathy Lare, would help you. Course, once a kiltmaker has your size its hard to try others...but that ain't bad if you have a great kiltmaker.

Ron

[GMan]

Colin,

All this time I thought that you already had a traditional kilt ( I am a little slow at times) You will definetly love it!

I agree with everyone else, depends on the kiltmaker.

[GlassMan]

I agree that it is absolutely essential to talk to the kilt maker if you can be measured by them directly.

[M. A. C. Newsome]

The leather straps that are used on most standard kilts allow for 4" of adjustment. In my experience, most kilt makers make the kilt so that it fits correctly on the first hole in the strap. Besides the fact that more men are concerned with weight gain than with weight loss, there is another reason why they do this.

Speaking as someone who also does kilt alterations, if I have to take a kilt in by a couple of inches, this is easily accomplished by simply changing the placement of the straps and buckles. However, if I have to let a kilt out by a couple of inches, I typically have to completely rework both the inner and outer aprons. If there is not enough cloth in the hem of the aprons, I will need to go in and remove a pleat, so I can work from the other side of the apron. And letting a kilt out also usually involves replacing the lining, and replacing the waist band. In other words, it's a heck of a lot easier to take the kilt in a little bit than to let it out.

So I think that's why most kilt makers want to allow as much room for expansion as possible when they initially make the kilt.

That being said, if you seriously think you will be loosing a couple of inches from your waist in the coming months, go ahead and plan for it. Tell the kilt makers that you want your kilt sized to fit in the center hole of your straps. But give them your actual measurements. Don't try and guess yourself what measurements you'd "like" your kilt made to. Just give them your real measurements and tell them "I'd like this to fit at the middle hole of the straps, because I plan on losing some weight," and they should be able to accomodate.

Aye,
Matt