Too short?

[Jerry]

Does anyone know if this kilt can be altered to make it about 2 inches longer?

[mbhandy]

Does anyone know if this kilt can be altered to make it about 2 inches longer?

How much material is in the hem? Probably not that much.

MrBill

[Pleater]

Yes, it is too short - it is out of proportion. It being black is part of the off look - something lighter might look better at that length.

One option might be to change the waist.

It all depends on how the kilt was sewn together, but a wider waist band might be the solution to having the hem as in the 'lower' photograph, but providing more height on the body, and a feeling of greater security.

If there is a waist band it might be possible to use that as a front for the new one. If it has to be mangled for removal then it need only be replaced where visible. If backed with some sturdy material it might not require anything more than the fastenings supplied, but a clip at the very top edge might make it look neater and feel better.

If there is no material to use then something which is less shiny than the original is always less obvious - even if the colour is close, shine seems to be a dead giveaway.

After all that though - maybe the kilt should go back to the maker as a misfit or reject?

[Jerry]

Yes, it is too short - it is out of proportion. It being black is part of the off look - something lighter might look better at that length.

One option might be to change the waist.

It all depends on how the kilt was sewn together, but a wider waist band might be the solution to having the hem as in the 'lower' photograph, but providing more height on the body, and a feeling of greater security.

If there is a waist band it might be possible to use that as a front for the new one. If it has to be mangled for removal then it need only be replaced where visible. If backed with some sturdy material it might not require anything more than the fastenings supplied, but a clip at the very top edge might make it look neater and feel better.

If there is no material to use then something which is less shiny than the original is always less obvious - even if the colour is close, shine seems to be a dead giveaway.

After all that though - maybe the kilt should go back to the maker as a misfit or reject?

Haven't received a reply back from Kiltstore as of yet, but I have a bad feeling about whether they will take it back or not. My wife bought the kilt as a Christmas gift for me, and she made the measurements. I wasn't looking at the picture when she took them, just at a copy of the printed instructions. Those led me to believe that the length measurement was made from a different point than the waist measurement. It seemed strange to measure that way, but I figured that they would add a couple of inches for the rise. Here are the instructions as I saw them, without the pic that accompanies them.

Measuring for a Fashion Kilt

DO NOT try to measure yourself - ask a friend to help
* Take all measurements TWICE - mistakes do happen

1. Kilt Length:
   
   
   
   From the top of the hip to the top of the knee cap: The Fashion Kilt sits on (or perhaps just very slightly above) the normal trousers waistline.
2. Kilt Seat
   
   
   
   Taken around the widest part of the seat
3. Kilt Waist
   
   
   
   Around the actual waist as for trousers, but firmly. The result may be a little under your normal trouser waist
4. Wearer's Height
   
   
   
   Standing fully erect in socks (no shoes)

Well, I just got an email. Since the kilt was made to the supplied measurements, it looks like I'm stuck with a mini-kilt. My wife is quite dissapointed as she now feels that she didn't get me a Christmas present I will think long and hard before I order anything from kIltstore ever again.

[Colin]

I will think long and hard before I order anything from kIltstore ever again.

No offense JerMc, but it is not really the fault of the Kiltstore, nor does it reflect their product or service. I think you would be hard pressed to find any kilt company that will take back a made to measure kilt when all the proper measurement guides are available. If the kilt wa sin fact made to the measurements (have you measured the kilt since) that were supplied but you, they have done their job to a tee.

One inch above the knee is not the end of the world. It seems like people in North America (particularly the US) prefer longer kilts that come mid knee or full knee. I was always taught that top of the knee to an inch above the knee was the proper height for a kilt. With companies like Utilikilts that constantly seem to feature people wearing their kilts well past their knees, we all seem to accept the look and go for that. UK are not Scottish kilts they are American kilts.

Try out the kilt for awhile, get the feel for it and you will soon really enjoy the height. Heck, loosen the buckle one hole and let it find it's own resting spot. It will be a great versatile kilt for you.

If you don't think you can live with it, put it up for sale and get your cash back.

[Jerry]

No offense JerMc, but it is not really the fault of the Kiltstore, nor does it reflect their product or service. I think you would be hard pressed to find any kilt company that will take back a made to measure kilt when all the proper measurement guides are available. If the kilt wa sin fact made to the measurements (have you measured the kilt since) that were supplied but you, they have done their job to a tee.

One inch above the knee is not the end of the world. It seems like people in North America (particularly the US) prefer longer kilts that come mid knee or full knee. I was always taught that top of the knee to an inch above the knee was the proper height for a kilt. With companies like Utilikilts that constantly seem to feature people wearing their kilts well past their knees, we all seem to accept the look and go for that. UK are not Scottish kilts they are American kilts.

Try out the kilt for awhile, get the feel for it and you will soon really enjoy the height. Heck, loosen the buckle one hole and let it find it's own resting spot. It will be a great versatile kilt for you.

If you don't think you can live with it, put it up for sale and get your cash back.

Colin, I'm not trying to blame Kilstore. Because my wife printed out the measurement instructions with out the picture, I misunderstood the measurements. However, with the wife's disapointment, ordering from Kiltstore anytime soon might lead to a costly divorce. I am definitely not advising others not to order. The kilt is definitely well made, just be sure of the measurements. What I was hoping for was that kiltstore could possibly (at my own expense) piece in a piece of fabric at the top to lengthen the kilt about two to three inches. I am still hoping that Mac, Barb, or Jimmy might reply to this thread to tell me if this is possible, and maybe even reccomend a seamstress who might be able to do it. I would rather mail the kilt to someone in the USA to alter it. And no offence taken, Colin.

[Wompet]

Haven't received a reply back from Kiltstore as of yet, but I have a bad feeling about whether they will take it back or not. My wife bought the kilt as a Christmas gift for me, and she made the measurements. I wasn't looking at the picture when she took them, just at a copy of the printed instructions. Those led me to believe that the length measurement was made from a different point than the waist measurement. It seemed strange to measure that way, but I figured that they would add a couple of inches for the rise. Here are the instructions as I saw them, without the pic that accompanies them.
...Well, I just got an email. Since the kilt was made to the supplied measurements, it looks like I'm stuck with a mini-kilt.

JerMc,


On my last kilt purchase, I made a similar but opposite mistake - I gave the kiltmaker my overall kilt length - the fall plus the rise. So now I have a beautiful Locharron kilt in Robertson Hunting Ancient that is two inches too long. So until I shorten this made-to-measure kilt, I'm not wearing it out in public (good thing I have six others to choose from on hand).

[McRod]

Jerry,
How many straps and buckles are on the side.From the photo's i can see only one. If you do wish to lengthen the kilt then adding a waist band seems to be your only option. In that case you could also add another buckle and strap which will keep it all in proportion. If you wore it out in public then a belt and buckle would hide the addition. Though with unikilts i doubt any one would know.Others have said to let it find its own level.Good luck on finding a solution. :grin:

[James]

Better to show a bit more knee & a bit above than cover it-and from what said etc, not really too short.

On can always as said above raise or lower by tightening or otherwise at waist.

James

[calmac]

A Scottish friend of mine told me that when you kneel down your kilt should just be off the floor - about mid knee when you stand.