How snug to snug?

[pdcorlis]

Ok I'm a new guy who needs help. I just received my first kilt - a Stillwater standard in McLeod Hunting. I measured my waist (at the belly button) and the tape said 36" so that's what I ordered. I just got the kilt in the mail, tried it on - with the pleat basting in, and its quite tight in the first set of holes (I think Stillwater says their kilts look/fit best cinched in tight) and looser out a ways but still a bit tight.

I'm considereing exchanging it for a 38" but I'm concerned I might be hiking up my kilt all the time. So my question is - how snug is too snug? Should the apron lay flat from belly to knees? I know this is may be impossible to answer- but I'd appreciate some help.

Thanks!

Phil in Idaho

[Blu (Ontario)]

Hello Phil...

Remember it's better if you have someone measure for you while you stand relaxed and naturally. Measure with a shirt on as the clothing adds to the measurement. The kilt should be snug but not uncomfortably tight. Also, a traditional kilt is worn higher up than your pants. If you're at the last hole on the strap and it's still too tight... best get the larger size.

[flyv65]

First- welcome aboard!

Second- snug is a question of comfort: I wear my Stillwater on the tightest to second tightest holes (depending on my...er..."water retention"...yeah, that's it). I like my kilt snug enough not to fall off, but not so snug that it makes my eyes bulge .

Bryan...just wear it at the point of comfort, OK?...

[auld argonian]

I have a Nightstalker from the previous batch (last year's model) and they have a rather wide waist band...point being that I'm always saying that it's like wearing a girdle...don't get me wrong, it's actually very comortable when you get used to it...very supportive...so snug isn't bad but, hopefully, we're not talking "I can't breathe" here.

I've sort of gleaned the idea that the optimum "setting" for kilts with straps and buckles is with them buckled on the middle hole in the strap...that way if you're having a "skinny day" you can tighten up and if you just drank a half a dozen pints you can loosen it up.

Best

AA

[pdcorlis]

Thanks for your helpful advice. I'm likely going to exchange it if I can - but now that I've seen how nice these Stillwaters are, its tough putting it back in the box!

Phil in Idaho

[mbhandy]

Welcome to the Xmarks. My wife & I really enjoy Idaho Lava Hot Springs and Stanley.

MrBill

[pdcorlis]

Lots of great untouched country here in Idaho, I'm up north in Coeur d Alene. I can't wait to do some kilted fly fishing this spring and summer - once I get this sizing issue ironed out.

Phil in Idaho

[Iolaus]

A little late to the party, but...

I have a 38" and a 40" SWK. The 40" is on the tightest hole, but I like how the the apron wraps around my front. I intend to lose weight to fit the 38" again, but I think I'll just move the buckles & straps on the 40", rather than stop wearing it, because it fits me better now than the 38" did when its waist fit me.

(according to others on this board, it's easy to move the buckles and straps)

[pdcorlis]

Never too late, I can use all the help I can get!

Phil in Idaho

[Jerry]

First- welcome aboard!

Second- snug is a question of comfort: I wear my Stillwater on the tightest to second tightest holes (depending on my...er..."water retention"...yeah, that's it). I like my kilt snug enough not to fall off, but not so snug that it makes my eyes bulge .

Bryan...just wear it at the point of comfort, OK?...

I think my problem is more like Guinness retention. Seriously, Most of my kilts seem loose to me when measured to what I call "snug", so we measured the one my wife ordered me for Christmas to a point I'd call tight. It came out half an inch smaller.. Hopefully the strap adjustment will give me a perfect fit over the Guinness.