[The Wizard of BC]

If I can expand on Barb's post. Her kilts are designed for a Traditional fit. This means that the top straps are cinched into the natural waist of the wearer. There is then the rise above the top strap. This rise is shaped to be wider than the waist. I know of no casual, contemporary, or MUG maker who incorporates true tapered rise into their kilts. This is one of the reasons that Barb and Kathy's kilts fit so perfectly. The place where the top strap is, is the narrowest part of the kilt. It tapers outward above and below from the straps.

A note on finding your Natural or True waist. Do not use your naval as a guide. Depending on your shape and weight your naval may not be in the same relative position as it is on someone else.
How you find your natural waist is around the back side, somewhere around your kidneys. Place your hands flat against your back with the fingers just touching at the spine. Then bend from side to side slightly. You will feel the place where your spine is bending. That is your true waist. If you have "Love Handles" Those pillows that sit just on top of your hip bones. Your waist is just above those. It is also just below the ribs at the sides and covering the short ribs.

Another way to find your true waist is to put on a t-shirt and then find a wide belt. fasten the belt around yourself just under the ribs. Then walk around for a while. Bend over and side to side a few times. Don't try to move the belt to where you think it should be, just let it find it's own natural place. If you have to, tighten the belt if it becomes loose. The place the belt settles into is your natural waist. And that is where the top strap of a Traditional kilt needs to fit. The flared Rise of the kilt will be above that.

[Bugbear]

That is very good to know. Thank you for explaining it in that way.

[O'Neille]

Visit you kilt maker for a fitting whenever possible. They also get to see your body posture and shape and the finished product will fit even better than just the correct measurement.