Ordering a Traditional Kilt

[Colin]

Ok so I am just about set to order my first traditional kilt. I am still deciding on tartan and vendor, Watson Ancient is the front runner

So my question to you guys is in the sizing. I have meaured myself according to the specs on a few sites and have recorded it. Now the buckles on the kilt will allow for any future growth, but what about any decrease in girth? Would I be wise to subtract 2" from the waist and seat so that the kilt fits mid strap right now and still allows for weight loss and gain? I assume the strap allows for 4 inches of movement. For example, my waist measurememt is 46 and seat is 49. If I were to order the kilt at 44 and 47 the kilt would still fit, but would add room to tighten when I get back into walking each day.

I have already heard that the length mesurement is mostly without the rise.

Any thoughts, I have never ordered a kilt that sits up high or has buckles and straps. The velcro always allowed for manouvering.

[Southern Breeze]

I always order mine with room to take up or let out any weight gain.

[Colin]

I always order mine with room to take up or let out any weight gain.

Does 2 inches sound pretty fair than?

[Southern Breeze]

2 inches is the amount I always use. So far it's turned out good.

[Blu (Ontario)]

Pretty exciting stuff there, Colin!

My understanding is that the kiltmaker will use the measurement you provide to set the buckle to secure in the middle hole of the strap... at least this is the way all of my trads were built. If concerned about it, you might inquire and see if they can provide longer straps.

Personally, I love the way a traditional kilt fits. I suspect you will too. I also predict that after trying it, it won't be your last.

Congrats!

[flyv65]

Yes, I try to allow for increase and decrease in girth, but different kiltmakers use different standards: some set the center of the buckles to your measurements, and some set the tightest to your measurements since most people only go up in dimensions (I think Alexis Malcolm does this; Kathy Lare centers the buckles, IIRC). In any case, I'd definitely call whoever you decide to use and discuss your sizing; they'll be more than happy to work with you, or you shouldn't work with them. One more point: if you go with 2 inches less on the waist, I don't know that I'd go 2 inches smaller in the hips. If you put on weight, the buckles will allow for an increase in waist, but you can't let out the hips that easily, and your kilt may feel a bit "snug" when seated. Hopefully, one of our resident experts will chime in soon.

Bryan...you're going to LOVE your traditional, Colin-the tartan looks great... :smile:

[KiltedCodeWarrior]

Great question Colin! I never thought about it, but it definitely makes sense, especially if you know that your weight is at one end of the fluctuation or the other. And verifying where the buckles are buckled when adjusted for the measurements you provide would be valuable to know. That could make all the difference in the kilt size versatility.

I will keep this in mind when ordering my first trad kilt.

[Rob Wright]

Kathy Lare does center the buckles on the straps while others set it to the last one only allowing room to grow, definately call the vendor and find out before ordering.

Rob

[Riverkilt]

Been my experience that about the only way to get the sizing right when working long distance where the kiltmaker can't measure you themself is to talk directly to them, measure as they instruct, then when you get the kilt make adjustments from there on your next kilts. Sort of like artillary fire...gotta bracket, then walk it in

Any kiltmaker, particularly Kathy Lare, would help you. Course, once a kiltmaker has your size its hard to try others...but that ain't bad if you have a great kiltmaker.

Ron

[GMan]

Colin,

All this time I thought that you already had a traditional kilt ( I am a little slow at times) You will definetly love it!

I agree with everyone else, depends on the kiltmaker.