Waist measurement and kilt size

**Mipi** · 5th August 08, 05:28 AM

I was following X-Kilt instructions and measured my waistline (36"). Made a kilt with this measurement but I think it could be smaller. I have to tighten it down to smallest possition possible. If I don't do this, I just think it'll fall down. Otherwise I'm wearing p@n!s in size 33 (take or give 1" depending on model - and my last meal

). Is this just my perception (not being used to kilts) or is there any other rule that is valid for kilts? I'm going to make next one more snug, but how much?

**Galb** · 5th August 08, 05:58 AM

If it stays up on you at the tightest position then I wouldn't worry about it. That is, in fact, how I prefer to wear my kilts because it allows for the most overlap, and allows for some growth if it happens to occur. My waist size is anywhere between a 32-33.5. I order 34" waists from Stillwater when I go to buy a kilt. I have to wear it on the tightest position, and it works great.

Look at it this way, if it stays up, then it fits. If you feel it is a tad loose for your liking, get a belt on around it to help hold it into place.

**Mipi** · 5th August 08, 06:29 AM

Originally Posted by Galb

Look at it this way, if it stays up, then it fits. If you feel it is a tad loose for your liking, get a belt on around it to help hold it into place.

Yes it stays up, just my feeling and yes I do use belt.

THX!

**12stones** · 5th August 08, 07:06 AM

Mipi, if you're measuring right and making it right, then it should fit well. My first x-kilt is too big because I didn't sew the overapron in the right place and it gave me about 2 additional inches, so now there's too much room that has to be cinched down. My second x-kilt fits perfectly because I figured out what I was doing wrong. Not sure if this applies, but you might take a look...

**Carolina Kiltman** · 6th August 08, 07:14 AM

I trust that you had someone else do the measuring for your size? It difficult, but not impossible to do it yourself, but is likely to be less accurate.

(Voice of experience)

**The Wizard of BC** · 6th August 08, 08:26 AM

If you look through kilt makers web sites you will see repeated over and over, "Do not use or send us your pants size".
Trouser today are using what is called "Vanity Sizing". This means that the manufacturer is purposly listing the sizing one to two sizes smaller than the actual measurement of the garment in an attempt to let people think they are smaller than they actually are.
This Vanity Sizing has been the norm in Womens clothing for years. (Ask your wife or girlfriend).

The other thing that is a common mistake is to measure your waist at one location but wear your kilt at another. You must measure your waist at the same location that the waistband of the Kilt will sit.

A third common mistake is not having a kilt made to the correct measurement. Did you re-measure the finished kilt after you finished it?
To measure the waist size of a kilt lay it out flat on a large table or the floor and with a flexible tailors tape measure from the right edge of the waistband across the top of the kilt all the way over to the right edge of the under apron. (Do not measure the under apron.)
If your kilt has straps and rise where the straps are below the top of the kilt the measurement must be taken at the level of the straps.

I hope this helps you to determine if the kilt is OK or if you should take it apart and re-size it. If you made the kilt yourself then you already know how it is put together and it should be a simple process to take it apart and put it back together.

**Carolina Kiltman** · 6th August 08, 02:41 PM

Wizard is absolutely right. about commercial "vanity" sizing. I have had too many arguments with actors and actresses over the measurements that go on their personal chart for the costume shop workers! Especially waist (both sexes) height (more often men than women) shoe size (mostly women) and on and on.

I was delighted when we got a costumer from Latin America who insisted that all measurements be given to her in metric units. Made the job much simpler.

**Tommy Hunt** · 6th August 08, 04:43 PM

The instructions say to measure 2 inches above the belly-button the actual waist. Is this where you all wear your kilts? I've seen pictures of guys who's mid sections are a bit overweight wearing the kilt below the belly-button.

edit (Wait a sec I just checked. Their kilts are a little below the knee.)

**The Wizard of BC** · 6th August 08, 09:58 PM

Tommy, If you are going to wear the Kilt at your natural waist then measure for the Kilt at your natural waist.
If you going to wear the Kilt at low rise then that is where you take the measurement.

The Drop Length will determine where the Kilt hits you about the knee. If you want the bottom of the Kilt to be below the knee then order a longer Kilt.

It really is simple. So simple in fact the about 90% of first timers get it wrong.

**Mipi** · 6th August 08, 11:30 PM

I was aware of cheating on sizing, but was a bit surprised on how much that can be.

The kilt is covering my first rib, so it's high enough. More I wear my kilt I think it's just that I'm not used to the freadom it's giving me. The size is correct, I think; the apron is overlaping the right adge of under apron for 1cm which is OK. Velcro and belt are serving good to fit the kilt in any waist changes.

Thanks again to all.