Kilt Alteration

[Kilted in Maine]

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

[Dirk Skene]

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

[James MacMillan]

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]

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]

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]

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?

[Barb T]

Is that also just a simple matter of moving the buckles a couple inches?

No, actually, it doesn't work well for making a kilt bigger. If you move the buckles to make a kilt bigger, you can't move them much before the underapron starts to show, which makes it really obvious that the kilt is too small. If you move the buckles to make it smaller, the only indication is the lack of symmetry across the back of the pleats.

[Nighthawk]

No, actually, it doesn't work well for making a kilt bigger. If you move the buckles to make a kilt bigger, you can't move them much before the underapron starts to show, which makes it really obvious that the kilt is too small. If you move the buckles to make it smaller, the only indication is the lack of symmetry across the back of the pleats.

Ach!! Crrraaappp! Oh well. I guess I just to wait and hope. Thanks!

Or I could my butt in the gym and loose a few more inches...

[emolas]

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?

Do you have a SWK and you are using that as a basis for your measurement? If not, I would be willing to bet that the 50 would fit you. I measured myself and ordered a 48 but it was too large and I ended up taking it in 2". The next one I was going to get a 46 but I inadvertently ordered a 44 and it fit quite nicely on the second hole.

[turpin]

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!