Kilt Alteration

**Kilted in Maine** · 4th March 08, 09:27 AM

What is the maximum (inches) one could "take in" on a kilt that was too big?

**Dirk Skene** · 4th March 08, 09:29 AM

I had a professional take one of mine by 4". It looks ok I guess.

**James MacMillan** · 4th March 08, 10:10 AM

Years ago, I got a military surplus BW kilt and had it taken in about six inches. The key for me is having it done by a tailor that knows what they are doing.

**The Wizard of BC** · 4th March 08, 10:19 AM

A kilt that is too big can usually be taken in at the waist about 2"-3" by moving the buckles. After that it should be taken to a kiltmaker for a re-build.
If it is too big in the hip It will need a re-build and pleats removed.
If it is too long it can be hemmed but is best done by someone who can do a blind hem, and who knows how to press pleats well.

**Barb T** · 4th March 08, 11:23 AM

One of our band members lost a lot of weight, and I moved the apron edge buckles and the underapron strap a full 6". Yes, the apron was disproportionately large, and the center back was no longer in the center of the back, but, you know what? No one noticed.

So, I guess my advice is, if you've lost weight, just move the buckles, even if it's quite a lot. The hard truth is that most people who lose a lot of weight gain at least some of it back (and the person mentioned above did, in fact, gain back several inches).

If you've bought an expensive kilt that's just too big, and you're going to care a lot how it looks and you're going to wear it a lot, have it taken in. This is not a trivial job and is likely to cost $100-150 if it's done by a person who knows what they're doing. And, if someone tells you they can do it for $40 or $50, they probably don't know what they're getting into.

If it's an inexpensive kilt, just move the buckles.

If you have any more details to give us, we could give you advice that's better tailored to your situation!!

Barb

**Nighthawk** · 4th March 08, 12:12 PM

so then what about making one bigger? I want one of those SWK Irish Saffron shadow tartan kilts, but they haven't had my size in months. They have a 50, and I'm a 52. Is that also just a simple matter of moving the buckles a couple inches?

**turpin** · 5th March 08, 07:53 AM

You only risk the cost of shipping to try that approach. Might be worth it - just don't take out the basting stitches till you decide to keep it!

**McFarkus** · 5th March 08, 08:29 AM

I recently took a kilt to my local dry cleaners. They moved the buckles two inches for me for $20 and it did the trick.

**RobertParker** · 5th March 08, 10:20 AM

My red-Robertson kilt was bought used, and was about 4" too big. Fortunately, I bought it from a kilt shop in Edinburgh and they were able to alter it there. They just moved the buckles in. Got a full 8 yard, 16 oz. kilt for GBP 150 that had only been worn in the shop by one of the sales people.

I guess it still belonged to the shop, because the owner sold it too me, and said it was an employee's kilt. Wonder how the guy felt when he got to work and his kilt was gone

**JamieKerr** · 6th March 08, 01:21 PM

I have a kilt thats a few inches too small. To solve the problem I moved the buckles, and as far as I know you can't tell. I did notice that the under apron does show a tad. I solved the problem by pinning the top up a hair. As long as I'm wearing an untucked shirt, or a waist coat you cannot tell. But Barbara, can you by chance tell me WHY it shows? These seems to be a problem you're familiar which which is why I ask