Welcome to Xmarks. First of all, "Right below the ribs" is about right for a regimental kilt, as long as the length at the knee is right (anywhere from mid knee to the top of the knee) Secondly, the standard weight Stillwater kilts are fine. The economy is a little light, but for wear around the house, it is fine. I don't have a Stillwater Thrifty yet, so I can't comment on those. My one USA is a semi traditional, so I don't know a lot about the casual model, but others who have them really like them. Stillwaters are "off the rack kilts", and I believe the sizes are measured at the tightest hole in the strap. USA kilts (even the casuals) are custom made to your measurements, and Rocky is great to deal with. I would recommend calling him for measurement instructions if you order one. Since you were looking at Pittsburgh Kilts. try Steve Ashton at Freedom Kilts. He doesn't do the two tone kilts (of course he might do a special order if you ask him), and he has a great "Kilt Measuring " video on his website. All of Steve"s kilts are also custom made. Frugal Kilts has had some service issues in the past, but it looks like he is straighting things out now, and will soon be providing the kind of service everyone wants. Sport kilt is also good for a knock around kilt. I have two that I alternate wearing daily around my place, but I don't wear them into town. Over all, my choices would be, USA or Freedom kilts, for custom fitted, and Stillwater, for off the rack and lightning fast delivery. I have 3 Stillwaters, and the longest delivery time was 4 days. I ordered it on a Saturday night and got it on Tuesday afternoon. The others took 3 days.