Quote Originally Posted by Kiltman View Post
So, Barb, how does one make such a determination as to the best rise?
Well, Barb can answer as the kiltmaker, but this request was made by me after having one made by her already to determine what worked best and what needed changing. If one is thinking about buying only one custom-made kilt ever, it might behoove one to discuss more than three measurements, if the kiltmaker uses them, or if possible, pay a visit to him or her in person for the perfect fit.

At any rate here's how it went with me, in an email exchange that took place over three days:

I'm going to start your kilt in the next week or so. Can you send me new waist and hips measurements? For length, do you want me to use what I used before? If not, tell me how much longer or shorter you want your kilt.

Can you tell me what length we used last time? What I discovered was that my tape measure was stretched. I could probably match the old measurement on the original tailor’s tape measure to a correct measurement on a workshop version and have the correct length. Meanwhile, I will go take the other measures – and today’s a good day, too, since I ate too much at lunch.

We used 19 3/4" plus a 2" rise. So, measure from the center of the buckle to the bottom and give me that # of inches, or just tell me how much too short the MacGillivray kilt is.

So, here are the new, more accurate measurements (and maybe with a couple of extra pounds, oh well).

Waist at navel 42 1/2
Hips 47 1/4
20 1/4 + 2 (19 3/4 on my old tape measure was actually 20 1/8 on the toolbox version)

I wouldn’t mind having just a smidge of extra on the top, like maybe a quarter inch (for a total of 2.25 above center of belt) with a teeny bit more flare at the top. I always feel like my belt is slipping up too high and there’s not enough kilt peeking out above it. I wouldn’t say I necessarily have an hourglass figure, I’m a little chubby, but I’m not [exactly sporting a big belly, either]. My torso is bigger than my waist and my middle is plush. I feel these little adjustments would make the kilt feel more securely seated on my waist and hips. You are the expert, of course, so if you’d like to discuss, let me know […].

Are you sure you want as much as a 1/2" more in the length? I'm happy to do it, but just make sure you won't think it's too long.
I'll put a good amount of flare in the top, and I'll add 1/4" to the rise, if you'd like.

Well remember that the measurements I gave you last time were faulty. You challenged me because you thought it was too short, and you were right. Now I understand why. I love my MacGillivray, and I can make it work just fine, but we could definitely improve on it. How about let us split the difference? If you add a quarter inch above the belt center, then add only a quarter inch to the bottom. If this doesn't work the third kilt will be perfect.

I think you'll like the solution you propose!

So, if you follow the math, it ended up as a total length of 22.25", which was a drop of 20" with a rise of 2.25" (adding a quarter inch to both rise and drop from the original) and extra flair at waistband.

Part of what happens when speaking with an experienced expert like Barb is that she has a feel for what is right proportionally. On my first kilt with her, she challenged my measurements - without having ever met me - three times before we settled on a length. In the end, it turns out that her instincts were correct, and it was my tape measure that I later found out was faulty.

The moral of the story here is that you need to discuss things - your body and the fit you prefer - with your kiltmaker if you want the best possible outcome.

Regards,
Rex.