Kilt needs to be shortened

[A Douglas]

I ordered a new made-to-measure kilt while in Edinburgh recently. I was physically present to be measured by the vendor. When my kilt arrived it was about two and a half inches longer than my older kilt (which is the proper length). I could send the newer kilt back to the maker (Hector Russel - Edinburgh) and have it shortened, but wondered if anyone has had any experience with a US kiltmaker who could do a competent job of altering the length? If so, I'd appreciate your sharing that information with me.

[auld argonian]

Certainly not trying to be wise guy...

...welcome to the forum, by the way...

...but are you sure that you're wearing it at the correct place on your body? Trad kilts are made to be worn high up...at least a couple of inches above the waist. I always had a reluctance to take the 24 inch length that most off the rack kilts come in thinking that it would be too long but it turns out to be just right. May we ask what all of the pertinent dimensions are? Waist, length, your height? Obviously if it is that much longer than your existing kilt, though, the kiltmaker should make it right. Some of these military kilts are made to be worn up at the base of the ribcage...

Best

AA

[Spc. Scott]

from Ithaca, NY!

In an effort to keep shipping costs down for you where are you located? There may be a kiltmaker right around the bend that could do it for you.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

Assuming that the kilt is being worn "at the proper height" you might want to contact Hector Russel in Canada about making the adjustment in length.

Again, not knowing where you are located makes it difficult to to offer any substantive advice.

[McMurdo]

Would you post photos of you wearing the kilt, it may give people a better idea of exactly what the problem is, as someone else asked are you wearing the kilt at the true waist? Another consideration is where in the US are you located, that will help in giving you advise as to where the kilt should go if in fact it does need adjustments.

[turpin]

If you can avoid it, DON't send the kilt back to Scotland. You could be assessed for customs duty a second time (assuming there was a first) unless H-R carefully notes that this is the same kilt as originally sent and needed a repair. I had a kilt made that was pleated wrong. I sent it back, and got hit for a second round of customs on the replacement. H-R canada would be a better option, but you might also send it to a US-based kiltmaker for hemming properly, if he/she will do it.

[Barb T.]

What weight is the tartan in the kilt? Any kilt can be hemmed if necessary, but you might not be happy with the results if it's 16 oz tartan.

[Carolina Kiltman]

From the Cape Fear River Valley, NC.

Amen to all of the above. Do check to be sure you are wearing the kilt high enough. Over the last 50+ years mens' trousers have shortened in the rise (the distance from crotch to top of the trousers), and we now wear our belts well below the natural waist.

As previously stated, the top strap should be at your true waist, (approximately on a level of your naval if you are a man), and a picture and your geographical location would be a great help to all of us.

Slainte

[highlander999]

OK, just got my new kilt (an ex-rental) from Scotland, and wearing the top of the waist band 3" (I think two is where it was measured from) it's an inch too long. I don't know the weight of the wool. Hemming is an issue?

Who or where can I send it?

Thanks,

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

Years ago I had an old kilt shortened-- James Lannon, a kilt maker in Edinburgh, performed the necessary surgery by taking about two inches off the TOP of the kilt, which had been made to the very high-waisted standards of the early 1930s. You might want to check with Barb T. and see if there is enough fabric on your kilt to do the same.