Question about accurate measurements

[ThistleAndHarp]

Hello:

I'm hoping this is the correct sub-forum for this question. First, let me say that I'd much rather go to a kilt maker to be measured, but the closest one that I'd consider ordering from is an (approximately) eight hour round-trip drive from me, and I'm not able to take the time to do that. So, I have to rely on my own measurements (with my wife's help).

Here's the issue: on my previous kilt (5 yard wool), the instructions were to measure for the waist "just above the navel". My measurements were taken a little loosely that time, but nevertheless that kilt fit me to my satisfaction. Since then, I have lost weight, and now I'm looking to purchase an 8 yard wool from an online kilt merchant (a well-known one based in Scotland).

That different merchant's instructions for waist measurement are a bit different (if a bit vague):"at the navel or up to 2 inches above as the waist straps will be holding your kilt up." The accompanying video states that it should be measured 2 inches above the navel, but that it's a matter of comfort/preference for the customer. (a.k.a. where the customer will normally wear the kilt). I intend to wear this kilt in the traditional manner, i.e. at the natural waist. I'm assuming that the "two inches above the navel" waist measurement is trying to determine just that.

My issue is this: due to my natural body shape (and a little bit of out-of-shape), the measurement for two inches above my navel and just above my navel are quite different. The circumference of my waist around my navel...ahem...flares out quite a bit. So, the measurement taken just above my navel is about 1.5 inches wider than the measurement taken two inches above . Just below my navel, which is the widest part of my waist, the circumference about 4 inches wider than two inches above my navel.

To get to the point, my concern is that, with these new measurements, the kilt I order will fit fine around the upper waist but be too tight around the lower part of my waist. Perhaps I don't understand correctly though, and the seat/hip measurement (which is 4 inches wider than the widest part of my waist) will be sufficiently tapered out to account for my lower waist area?

Thank you for any advice.

[Geoff Withnell]

I would advise following your kiltmaker's directions in taking measurements. It seems just about every kiltmaker has their own measuring methods. And I would communicate any concerns with the method to you kiltmaker (In other words, talk to them - big grin).

[tokareva]

Out of curiosity, if you are satisfied with the fit of your current kilt, with the exception of your change in weight, why not just order from the same company that you know how to measure for? I made a change of 1/2 inch longer in length and wish that I hadn't, it's not a huge deal, but it is not as comfortable as the shorter kilt. It could be partially due to the wool being a heavier weight also, but I'm not sure.

[ThistleAndHarp]

Thank you for your responses. I have contacted the kilt merchant through their customer service. Unfortunately I didn't really get a satisfactory answer. I was advised to see a taylor- but I'm pretty sure that there aren't many taylors around me who know anything about kilt making. If there were, I'd have them make a kilt for me!

As for why I don't go with the former company: even though the fit was okay (though always a bit loose) I don't like the look as much at my navel (where they advise to measure) as two inches above my navel.

[Terry Searl]

Thank you for your responses. I have contacted the kilt merchant through their customer service. Unfortunately I didn't really get a satisfactory answer. I was advised to see a taylor- but I'm pretty sure that there aren't many taylors around me who know anything about kilt making. If there were, I'd have them make a kilt for me!

As for why I don't go with the former company: even though the fit was okay (though always a bit loose) I don't like the look as much at my navel (where they advise to measure) as two inches above my navel.

maybe copy the photo Steve Ashton posted showing the three usual locations where the kilt is worn, Low Rise, Mid rise or Full rise. Mark where you want to wear the very top strap and buckle of your kilt with a measurement taken indicating if you want the kilt at the centre of your knee or above the knee and send that to the kilt maker

[The Wizard of BC]

Always use the measuring system as it is described by the person who will actually push a needle through the fabric.

There is one hard and fast rule about measuring.

- Never, ever, send a set of measurements from one kiltmaker to another kiltmaker. -

Each of us have our own way and are used to working with those numbers. I can look at a set of measurements taken with my system and can tell pretty well if the person made a mistake.

I can also tell instantly if someone has just sent me a set of measurements from another kiltmaker. If the measuring instructions say to take the waist circumference at a certain point on the body, take your measurement exactly where they say. If you choose to wear your kilt differently from that described by the kiltmaker you need to communicate directly with that person. 99% of the kiltmakers out there will not alter how they make a kilt just because someone feels that they do not want to wear the kilt as described.

As Terry said above. Most kiltmakers make kilts that are designed to fit at the anatomical waist.

That is the top strap in this photo.



If you measure at a different place or choose to wear the kilt somewhere other than where it was designed and made to be worn - - well, sorry, you cannot expect it to fit right.

[gealach]

Always use the measuring system as it is described by the person who will actually push a needle through the fabric...

If they can't or won't advise you adequately: Look for another kilt maker.