Quote Originally Posted by sathor View Post
well, I have 4 kilts as my goal for this year (at least)

1. Black Watch Thrifty (SWK)

4. USA Kilts Semi Trad American Heritage

I need to figure out what I need for 1, since I think I am right between sizes,
that's easy: Email Jerry and ask. Most days, you will get a reply in about 37 seconds.

and 4 is going to cost me,
Email Rocky, and ask his advice. Or if you can swing it, go visit him & get him to measure. Having the kiltmaker measure you is always the best-case scenario. I realize that would add to the cost, but that's the best case.

Both of them use a total length measurement, rather than a drop + rise. If the 24-inch length of a SWK works for you, that's good. For the semi-trad, I would measure your waist where you want the straps to be; find the greatest circumference of the hips, which may or may not be the expected place depending on your bones and musculature.

have someone else measure the length from the waist to where you want the hem, then fudge it up by perhaps 1.5 inches since it will have about a 2 inch rise (again, included in the length measurement). Skip that fudge factor if you want the waistband to settle at your natural waist. It's nearly impossible to take your own length measurement, unless you kneel, measure to the floor with a yardstick, and allow for the extra length from top-of-knee to floor. Even then, if you look down, you'll bias the measurement.

Again, the correct answer is "Ask Rocky." Have we mentioned that often enough? Anyway, happy kilt shopping: you're going to love your USA and SWK's.