HELP! Kilt newbie needs advice to keep b***s off chairs!

**Magnus Sporrano** · 2nd November 04, 02:41 PM

OK so I put on my Amerikilt. I decided to try a few common postures in the house first before I go out into the world with confidence.

My first major hurdle: sitting down. OK so the front apron drops down if I'm mindful. But the rear pleats ride up... WAY up. My b***s are right on the chair. Not good. It seems like no matter how I try to sit, I've got direct contact with the chair where there should be no direct contact. Advice?

**Miah** · 2nd November 04, 02:49 PM

you hve to aproach all sitting diffrently or I did atleast.
I had to smoth the pleats before i sit, and most of the time I sit from the side. I make sure the pleats are under me as I sit
It is hard to explain maybe somebody else can explain it better. But where in relation to you knee cap does the kilt land when you are standing up ?

**bikercelt1** · 2nd November 04, 03:02 PM

I've noticed this phenomenon too. I don't have a good answer other than to wear underwear. I know for some that will defeat the purpose but there are some places, such as at a movie theater, that I just don't want to be sitting bare. I'm also curious if someone has some idea I've overlooked.

Jamie

**phil h** · 2nd November 04, 03:05 PM

takes practice, I dunno how to explain.
but sometimes it's b***S on the chair, no other way to do it.
don't do what I did, pull the back down too far, and I ripped the pleats,as I sat on them

only popped a few stitches but p!$$ed me right off.
anyway, better to get sweat on the pub chairs then ur kilt 8)

**Magnus Sporrano** · 2nd November 04, 03:10 PM

It seems I have the wrong size. Too short. I gotta call Mike and get this straightened out. He said it shouldn't be a problem to return it if it doesn't fit right.

**Magnus Sporrano** · 2nd November 04, 03:20 PM

OK here's the deal. I never had a kilt before so wasn't too sure on logistics. Got some advice from Mike@Amerikilt and hoping to get a hold of him to straighten this out.

I measured from top of where I normally wear my jeans down to floor from a kneeling position. Came up with 21". He had 20" and 22" lengths. I ordered 20" thinking a 22" might cover my knees. On the contrary. 20" length really measures 19" and with the belt on it tightens up a little to 18" length.

Couldn't raise Mike on the horn. Left a msg. Hoping to get this resolved amicably.

**Miah** · 2nd November 04, 03:24 PM

Wow 18" yeah unless you are about 5'6" that is way short!

**Magnus Sporrano** · 2nd November 04, 03:32 PM

I'm 6'1" but taking his advice the idea was that I would wear it down on the hip because I have a big belly.

I'm thinking along the lines of just returning it for a refund and seeing Rocky @ USAK (ASAP) since he's got a storefront and can measure me himself so I'm sure I'm getting it right. When I'm sure I have a good set of measurements from a pro kiltmaker that will make me more confident about ordering online again.

**bikercelt1** · 2nd November 04, 03:43 PM

A kilt that short is certainly going to exaggerate the problem, but it seems to me that the problem of contact with hot/cold/unpleasant surfaces can happen even with a kilt the proper length.

Jamie

**Rufus** · 2nd November 04, 03:58 PM

One of my kilts is a little too long, and I've noticed that this can even happen with that kilt if I'm not careful. Like Miah, I've noticed that a good smoothing of the pleats as you sit can be a really good thing. If your wedding tackle is hanging out, notice the back of the kilt while sitting. There's ususally a good 6" of fabric bunched up right behind your butt. If you sweep it down, it'll help cover what you need covered.

I think Blu coined the phrase "butt sweep" when sitting. Just smooth the pleats and kind of hold them down while you sit. It helps tremendously.

Just as a warning, watch out for those cold, hard, plastic benches at fast food places. Brrr!