Who can shorten my Kilt?

**Sharkman** · 10th February 11, 09:51 PM

I have a Black Watch Kilt that I recently bought and it is 24" long. I'm about 5' 8" and this kilt is too long anyway I try to fit it. I know I'm really new to this kind of thing but I'm sure it has to be shortened. I'm in no way capable of doing this myself so I'm trying to find someone in the San Diego, Ca. area that can do this.

Any help from the group would be appreciated.

**Zardoz** · 10th February 11, 10:17 PM

Any competent alteration shop should be able to do a "blind hem" for you.

**MacMillan's son** · 10th February 11, 10:45 PM

Welcome aboard!

For a used, or inexpensive off the rack, kilt a hem may be fine, but to keep the natural selvage of a quality kilt is a much bigger project. It requires shortening the kilt at the waist and increasing the length of the fell one pleat at a time. A time consuming job best reserved for a qualified kilt maker.

Our member "OC Richard" is from your part of the state and may have a resource for you to contact.

Good luck!

**Rabbi_Pazo** · 10th February 11, 10:47 PM

Shakrman,

A kilt should NEVER be hemmed. Instead try to wear it at its proper height, it being, high at the level of the floating rib, not at the waist. I am also 5'8" and my 23 3/4 inches long Black Watch kilt fits perfectly (in addition to my other 18 kilts; yes I have 19 kilts, all "heirloom quality" and made my a superb Master Kilter).

I agree with the post by MacMilan's'son (right prior to this one). When properly worn, the selvage edge should be exactly one inch above the bent knee. If you are still having problems, contact a qualified, reputable kilter (ask for references and credentials) for professional measuring and re-fitting: not an alteration shoppe.

If you chose to "alter" your kilt , you would the above steps; but only if you are working with a new, quality kilt. It is not an easy process; indeed is quite complicated and you might be better off obtaining a kilt that is custom made, as the kilt should "fit as glove": by that I refer to the fact that is must be meassured by a professional at very particular points of YOUR personal anatomy (see kilt measuring guides provided by many kilters: note - never meassure yourself; have someone else do it for you, and never take meassurements over your "street clothes"). Your kilt may need to be taken appart and once it's opened you never know what you might find inside! Such "alteration" may cost you twice or thrice the cost of a professionally-crafted kilt!

I would advise you to NEVER purchase an "off-the-rack" kilt, if you can help it ( finnancialy, that is). In order to achieve the unique elegance of such a fine masculine garment as the Highland kilt, I highly recommend obtaining a properly meassured and crafted kilt. Ladies kilts are fashioned with the aprons reversed; much in the manner than a gents shit and a ladiy's blouse have the buttons of opposite sides.

I wish you the best of luck with you kilt. Enjoy it and wear it with pride!

Kindest regards,
Cheers,

Rabbi Dr. Raphael Pazo
Rabbi_Pazo

**AKScott** · 10th February 11, 11:09 PM

You really do want the top edge of the waist of the kilt way higher than the waist band on American pants.

It might be a little bit long for you, but maybe not. Put it on with the bottom edge at the middle of your kneecaps and then count fingerwidths of top edge above your natural waist.

Your natural waist is where the skin creases as you lean side to side with arms akimbo.

**paulhenry** · 11th February 11, 01:44 AM

Originally Posted by Rabbi_Pazo

Shakrman,

A kilt should NEVER be hemmed.

.....clipped......

I would advise you to NEVER purchase an "off-the-rack" kilt, if you can help it ( finnancialy, that is). In order to achieve the unique elegance of such a fine masculine garment as the Highland kilt, ....

A kilt CAN be hemmed, and provided it is done well there shouldn't be a problem, of course it would be nice if they weren't hemmed but there isn't anything wrong with hemming per se. I'm afraid this idea about hemming is just another piece of "miss information" they are no "set rules " or "laws" about how a kilt is actually made or indeed worn, just guidelines,

I agree that to have to rework a kilt to make it fit can be a very difficult process and expensive as it often takes longer than starting from scratch, but I have to question the wisdom of "NEVER purchase an "off-the-rack" kilt" often it is the only answer to getting a kilt at a reasonable cost, and providing the measurement are reasonably ok , I'd say go for it!After all we buy suits and jackets that are not always "bespoke" and they still fit!

**Chas** · 11th February 11, 04:33 AM

Originally Posted by paulhenry

A kilt CAN be hemmed, and provided it is done well there shouldn't be a problem, of course it would be nice if they weren't hemmed but there isn't anything wrong with hemming per se. I'm afraid this idea about hemming is just another piece of "miss information" they are no "set rules " or "laws" about how a kilt is actually made or indeed worn, just guidelines,

I agree that to have to rework a kilt to make it fit can be a very difficult process and expensive as it often takes longer than starting from scratch, but I have to question the wisdom of "NEVER purchase an "off-the-rack" kilt" often it is the only answer to getting a kilt at a reasonable cost, and providing the measurement are reasonably ok , I'd say go for it!After all we buy suits and jackets that are not always "bespoke" and they still fit!

I agree 100%.

I wear a kilt made by one of Scotland's best known kiltmakers and it is hemmed. Unless someone gets down on their hands and knees and starts groping at it, the hem is undetectable. If a kilt fits at the waist and hips, why would anyone want to change that to something that will only ever be second best? Whereas altering the waist/hips/fell of a kilt should be left to a specialist, raising the hem of a kilt is really not beyond any of us on this board. If you can use a needle and thread and a steam iron, you can hem a kilt.

When I wear jeans, they are made by Levi. From an upmarket seller they can cost over £100 a pair. When they start a bespoke service, I will use it. Until then I will carry on buying them 'off the rack'.

Regards

Chas

**Pleater** · 11th February 11, 04:45 AM

Shortening from the top?

I can't see that working - it would mean taking the whole kilt apart, resewing all the pleats and reinserting the linings, redoing the waistband and buckles and would take longer than making a kilt from scratch.

Kilts usually have a two inch rise above the waist, and they are worn higher on the body than trousers. It makes for a better appearance, the proportions are more pleasing, and the shape of the kilt is tailored to being worn with the buckles at the natural waist.

Anne the Pleater

**NewEnglander** · 11th February 11, 04:53 AM

I can't give you any advise on getting the kilt hemmed, but I'd put forth the idea that you should wear your kilt however it's comfortable. I once ordered a kilt (made to measure) with a more traditional rise and eventually sent it back to the kiltmaker to have it hemmed. I'm most comfortable wearing my kilts up at my navel and no higher. I'm about 5'7" myself and I'm in the same boat that standard, off-the-rack kilts with their cursed 24" length won't fit me. I've yet to buy one and try to get it hemmed. Good luck and enjoy your kilt!

**Livingston** · 11th February 11, 10:53 AM

I hemmed a Stillwater Black Watch Heavyweight that had the same problem, just too long for my 5' 7" frame. It came out fine and no one can tell.....except for one minor thing I forgot to do. Be sure on the reverse pleat to fold it up enought that it doesn't show under the front apron