Buying a kilt

[Jock Scot]

Best to call USA Kilts in the morning and ask their advice - if memory serves, they recommend you measure belly button to mid-knee, then add an inch. As it is a custom-made garment, I'm sure they could split the difference for you and add the extra 1/4".

A thought occurs when reading the above and I think Steve mentioned it too and this is "measure to the mid knee". Now I dont want to get into too much theory here , but all the bespoke kilts that I have had made (perhaps 7or 8) over a pretty long lifetime have been measured to the top of the knee. Yes, I know! We are heading towards the interminable discussion into the where the bottom of the kilt is worn, but that is not actually what I am asking , or wanting discuss.

As a kilt maker Steve/Rocky/other kilt makers when YOU measure to the centre of the knee is that the place that you actually expect the kilt to be worn? I assume so, or is there a tailoring "trick" involved? Is this then, why kilts outwith the UK seem to be worn too low for traditional thinkers? I notice that Kilt Hire kilts seem to be worn too low as well and I have always assumed that the wearers do not know about the traditional height that kilts are worn, or that they are afraid that they are showing too much leg? And yes, I do accept that the chap who is wearing the kilt is exercising personal choice in how he wears the kilt.

[Balaamsass51]

While the original post was displeased with their purchase of a Pakistani kilt, not all Pakistani kilts are inferior. Stillwater Kilts only carry the higher quality Pakistani kilts. I would prefer not to paint any source with too broad a brush. I purchased a kilt from Stillwater over 10 years ago and am quite happy with it. I alternatively wear it to Highland games alternating with my Matthew Newsome kilt.

[stewmini]

Let me clarify my wording. What I mean by over the top of the belly button is actually above it. Please, please forgive my terminology , though I will be getting a hold of USA Kilts. I did follow their instructions and measured about 10 times(with a tailor tape). My results were the same measurements after several times.

Once I have established my measurement: I do have my tartan picked but, noticed that there are several different options. Such as 13 oz or 16 oz . I think I understand it as lighter vs heavier? Then there is what looks like where the fabric is from? I live in Eugene, Oregon and don't usually have extreme heat or extreme cold and I am leaning towards 13oz. I think, if I am correct in my assumption as it's lighter? I think that would be also personal preference? So if I am correct in my thinking, back to where the fabric mill is from what seems to be the choice or are all good? Men I do appreciate your time and advice with this newbie!

[Father Bill]

Let me clarify my wording. What I mean by over the top of the belly button is actually above it. Please, please forgive my terminology , though I will be getting a hold of USA Kilts. I did follow their instructions and measured about 10 times(with a tailor tape). My results were the same measurements after several times.

Once I have established my measurement: I do have my tartan picked but, noticed that there are several different options. Such as 13 oz or 16 oz . I think I understand it as lighter vs heavier? Then there is what looks like where the fabric is from? I live in Eugene, Oregon and don't usually have extreme heat or extreme cold and I am leaning toward a 13oz. I think, if I am correct in my assumption as it's lighter? I think that would be also personal preference? So if I am correct in my thinking, back to where the fabric mill is from what seems to be the choice or are all good? Men I do appreciate your time and advice with this newbie!

My guess is that you would notice the relative coolness of the cloth less than you would notice the lesser 'swish' when walking. The difference between 13 & 16 is not huge, but it is enough to be noticed.

I have only 16 oz, and while it does get cold here, it also gets hotter than the hinges of hades from time to time, and if you walk or just sway a little, you get quite a breeze. The only spot that gets warm in my experience, is the belly.

[DCampbell16B]

Not to get off topic but that was a nice round post # 9000 for Father Bill!

[stewmini]

Nice catch Campbell! Happy I could take part in such a milestone!

[Father Bill]

Not to get off topic but that was a nice round post # 9000 for Father Bill!

I hadn't noticed to be honest, but thanks for catching that. And now, I go over that with this one!

[stewmini]

I hadn't noticed to be honest, but thanks for catching that. And now, I go over that with this one!

Hey now you were doing good work with helping me

[Jock Scot]

Not to get off topic but that was a nice round post # 9000 for Father Bill!

Nicely done Bill.

Thank you, Jock!

[stewmini]

I got a hold of Lance at USA Kilt this is what he advised below.

If you are measuring 21.75, you would round up to 22". This also can be checked in relation to your height.
For example, someone six foot tall on average would have a length of 24"

To double check if this is correct , you can consult our height / length chart for reference. It can be found on the 5 yard page if you scroll down on the Measuring Instructions section.

It can also be found here: https://www.usakilts.com/information...5yrd-8yrd.html

Hope this helps!

Please let us know if you have any more questions or if there is anything we can assist with.

Cheers!

Lance

Your USAKilts Team,
Lance Katz
www.USAKilts.com

He also stated the me being 5"11 the average length is 23.5 and that within 1/2 inch is acceptable and the kilt can be adjusted if needed. Anyway, my measurement I took , he said would equate to someone being 5'6" and it would be unusual for someone my height to have 21.75 or even 22.