measuring shortcut?

[Barb T]

You're the first to really grasp what I was getting at. I want to use what I have to measure rather than use a tape measure, then use that number with whatever the size range they give for the various OTR kilts. Granted, I would need to still look at the sellers page to find if they are +2, +/-1, or -2. I just really hate using fabric tape measures, and would rather use a yardstick, so to speak.

And what we're trying to say is that measuring the kilt itself does _not_ necessarily give a measurement that is the same # of inches that you would get if you measured yourself with a tape measure. It would be like taking a sports coat, laying it out flat, and measuring the distance around the chest. That won't give you a "42" if you wear a 42.

Just follow the instructions for measuring that the vendor gives you.

And, if you hate tape measures, just get a piece of string, wrap it around yourself at the right place, mark it, and use a yard stick to measure the string.

[Carolina Kiltman]

I'll throw in my tuppence here too. It is almost impossible to get an accurate measurement on oneself by doing it with out someone else placing and reading the tape! Sort of the Heisenburg (sp?) effect applied to tailoring. The very act of measuring has an effect on the thing being measured. Get someone else to do the measuring and do it to the specifications of the kilt-maker/seller.

Good luck.

[sathor]

I'll throw in my tuppence here too. It is almost impossible to get an accurate measurement on oneself by doing it with out someone else placing and reading the tape! Sort of the Heisenburg (sp?) effect applied to tailoring. The very act of measuring has an effect on the thing being measured. Get someone else to do the measuring and do it to the specifications of the kilt-maker/seller.

Good luck.

well, I have 4 kilts as my goal for this year (at least)

1. Black Watch Thrifty (SWK)
2. SWK standard Gordon
3. SWK heavy Black Watch
4. USA Kilts Semi Trad American Heritage

Since I already have 1 SWK that is a 40 and fits, 2 and 3 will be easy so I don't have to measure, I need to figure out what I need for 1, since I think I am right between sizes, and 4 is going to cost me, but Rocky surprised me with a email (while on vacation no less, and about 1 minute after I wrote it!) so I think 4 might be able to be in my hand by summer. I'd love to have it by my birthday, but that's only 6 weeks from now, even if I pay the rush fee, I don't think I'd have the money in time. Well, I would, but they would turn off my cable and electric. and it's cold out. Too cold to not have lights.

[Barb T]

Sort of the Heisenberg effect applied to tailoring. The very act of measuring has an effect on the thing being measured.

Tee hee - absolutely true.

[fluter]

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.

[sathor]

Yeah, I might on Monday. Already talked to Rocky via email (in a very close to Jerry time of about 90 seconds, and he was on vacation at that) so I know how to go about working towards paying for #4.

that's easy: Email Jerry and ask. Most days, you will get a reply in about 37 seconds.



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.

[Dixiecat]

I want to use what I have to measure rather than use a tape measure,

I won't repeat what everyone else has said, but I do want to point out that if you're trying to use a wool kilt that you've already worn to measure for a new kilt, this is not a good idea. Wool tends to relax over time like leather. So, if for instance, when you bought your kilt, it was a 40" (a measurement which you've promptly forgotten and you've worn it for several years, when you go to measure it you come up with a number like 41.5". You fire that number off to the kilt company and receive a nice wool 42" kilt (cause ya know they'll round up) and within a few wearings, your brand new kilt has 'relaxed' and is now too big.

A good way to avoid the tape measure altogether:
http://uniquescan.com/about