Tightening up a kilt!

[denmcdough]

I have a new PV, Stewart Navy, and it's a tad big. I've already punched holes in the straps and that doesn't tighten it up enough. So, I can't return it. My other option would be to move the buckles. My question is: can I move just the right side buckles, or do I need to do the same on both sides? I only need to go and inch or two, at most. Any help is appreciated!

[kennethrmc]

Dunno if we did it right, but because I actually lost some weight, my wife moved the right side only 2 straps back about 1.5" and it worked like a charm.

[RockyR]

BOTH right and left side should be moved clockwise (as you look down while wearing the kilt) and inch or two. Easy fix any competant tailor or dry cleaner with tailoring service can handle (anb should be NO MORE than $20)

[denmcdough]

Thanks for the advice, Rocky. I'll see what I can come up with. I just might attempt it myself, or let my better half do it!

Would eliminating the lower hip strap, on the right side, be a big deal, as I realize the upper straps are what really hold the kilt up?

[Barb T]

If the kilt has a buttonhole, moving the left side (buttonhole) buckle won't do anything to solve the problem. If you move the buckle that's next to the buttonhole, you still can't get the strap to go any farther through the hole, because it's stitched firmly to the underapron. You can't, therefore, get the underapron any tighter if you move the buttonhole buckle.

What you have to do is move the underapron _strap_ instead of the buckle. Moving the underapron strap toward the center of the apron allows the underapron to be buckled more tightly.

And, no, removing the lower buckle and strap is not a problem. They are cosmetic, rather than functional. The kilt that I just made for Longhuntr has only one buckle and strap on the apron edge.

[RockyR]

Good point Barb. Sorry... I didn't give a complete thought in my initial post.

[denmcdough]

Okay, I took Barb's advice and had my wife move the buckle 1 inch. That was enough to tighten up the outer apron. Problem solved.

[Mikilt]

I had just joined XMTS and didn't know this forum existed when I took my kilt to my regular tailor for some "tightening up". I was unsure when he suggested moving the buckles, but as my tailor for 20+ years, I decided to trust him.

Now, thanks to this post and all the helpful comments (As well as the fact that my kilt now fits great!) I know that I made a good choice.

~Mikilt

P.S. Thanks Barb!

[druid]

I just fixed a band Kilt for our Bass Drummer. The Kilt was 2" too big and slid off his [lack of a defined waist] butt...lol.

What I did was move the right hip buckles back 2.5" and then dismounted the leather strap from the Inner Apron...and re-mounted it 2.5" back from the edge where it was sewn.

He tried it on and it fits perfectly with a little leeway bigger/smaller [if his weight goes up or down].

[Barb T]

In case you're curious about how much you can move the buckles and still have things OK, see this post:

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...oo-much-59745/