Ordering a Traditional Kilt

[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

[Woodsheal]

Also, clarify which length measurement they want: total length of the kilt from the top of the waistband, or a measurement that they will add a rise to....

[Cawdorian]

I agree with Matt, tell the kiltmaker to make the kilt so it fits correctly at the center hole, My traditional was made to allow the kilt to fit correctly at the last hole in the strap adjacent to the kilt fabric. I lost a few more pounds and had some difficulties with the original size. I may need to have the waist of my kilt taken in a couple of inches.

When the kilt was ordered, I thought the correct size would fall at center strap. (my assumption) I was wrong, it's a good idea to talk to the kiltmaker about the size before finalizing your order.

[Colin]

Thanks Everyone, I have sent off an email to one of the vendors I am considering to get his input.

What does everyone thing of the tartan? Is it too yellow? Wood (my last name) has a tartan, but it is hard to come by so I am going for Watson Ancient (Wood is a sept).

[Cawdorian]

The things you can learn on this site, I didn't know Wood was a sept of Watson, now I can add another tartan to my list. 8)

Thanks Colin