How adjustable is the kilt waist???

[geocanary]

Well I've ordered my first kilts and gotten all the necessary measurements taken so it's time to patiently wait 2-3 months for it to be made. I measured to my current waist & hip size (knowing full well that my will power to lose weight is at best well intentioned... but likely subject to failure).

But it caused me to wonder how much give & take do the straps provide on the overall waist measurement? For example; if you order a 40" waist what are the strap adjustment limits (+/- inches) before you would need to get it professional altered? I can't imagine getting a new kilt every time your waist expand or contracts 1 or 2 inches.

When the kilt is made is it made to fit the last hole in the straps, allowing for waist expansion? How many holes are there in the straps?

Thanks again for all the help!

Geo

[unixken]

Generally speaking, kilt straps have 5 holes in them, spaced about 1 inch apart. Ideally, the kilt would fit you perfectly, with the buckle set to the middle hole. Remembering that there are straps on both sides of the kilt, this would give you a theoretical range of +4 or -4 inches, going in or out two holes (2 inches) on each side. If you ordered it to fit the tightest hole, it should then allow outward expansion by 4 holes on each side, or about 8 inches. Just be sure balance the kilt... don't use the tightest hole on one side, while you use the loosest hole on the other. Split the difference, else the pattern of the kilt's tartan will not be "centered", visually, on your body.

[TRWXXA]

Generally speaking, kilt straps have 5 holes in them, spaced about 1 inch apart. Ideally, the kilt would fit you perfectly, with the buckle set to the middle hole. Remembering that there are straps on both sides of the kilt, this would give you a theoretical range of +4 or -4 inches, going in or out two holes (2 inches) on each side. If you ordered it to fit the tightest hole, it should then allow outward expansion by 4 holes on each side, or about 8 inches. Just be sure balance the kilt... don't use the tightest hole on one side, while you use the loosest hole on the other. Split the difference, else the pattern of the kilt's tartan will not be "centered", visually, on your body.

That would be incorrect. The straps on either side work in conjunction with each other. The strap on the left adjusts the inside apron. The right side straps adjust the outer apron. Both aprons have to be the same length. Whatever adjustment you make to one side, you HAVE to make on the other.

So straps with 5 holes, 1 inch apart will only allow you +/-2 inches from the center hole, or 4" of overall adjustment. Not 8".

[Mike S]

+/- a couple of inches IF that kiltmaker places your ideal measured waist at the middle setting of the straps. Some make that the tightest setting, in which case you won't have any leeway towards tightening the fit. I always make sure that my kilts have that option for both expansion and contraction.

[RockyR]

Ask the kiltmaker you're ordering from how they size and whether they size to the middle or first (tighest) hole.

Generally the straps have 5 holes spanning a total adjustment of 3" (usually 1.5" + / - your measurement).

[Pleater]

Always consult your kilt maker on any aspect of the fit - preferably well before the kilt is being made.

Anne the Pleater :ootd:

[KiltFitz]

Kilt straps come in differing lengths. Hire kilts generally use XL straps these days, and give a range of 4 inches such as 32 - 36. The straps have a tendency to look a little untidy on their tightest fastening however. On the loosest fastening the front apron often is a little further away from the first pleat which is not ideal.

My weight varies greatly, therefore I prefer xl straps to constant re-positioning of straps. I cope with this by having 2 sets of buckles at each side with 2 seperate holes on the left side to allow greater range and keep the straps from flopping about when not wearing a belt. A number of kiltmakers use this arrangement for larger and smaller figure kilts.

[Barb T]

Remember that buckles and straps can actually be sewn on just about anywhere (well, I exaggerate, but you know what I mean), and they can be extended with extenders. What is _really_ critical is letting your kiltmaker know if your weight tends to fluctuate and what your _largest_ size tends to be.

If the kiltmaker makes the kilt to your largest size and puts the buckles on in a position that accommodates both your smallest and largest size, the kilt will look good regardless of whether you have expanded a bit or shrunk a bit.

If, on the other hand, the kiltmaker makes the kilt to fit your _average_ size, and you expand a bit (or need strap extenders), the underapron will show regardless of whether the buckles still buckle or not. And, if the underapron shows even 1/4", it will be obvious that the kilt is too small. By contrast, if you lose weight, and the apron overlaps the pleats by even a couple of inches, it will take close scrutiny for someone to notice that the kilt is a bit big.

If you don't believe the former statement, have a look at this post: http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...oo-much-59745/

[Leprechaun 91]

So my acrylic BW kilt has shrunk ;).

Anyway. I can still use the mid hole on both sides but I have noticed that the corner on the under apron sort of "peeks" out from under the front apron. It's as though the apron is now canted a bit. Is the a result of the kilt being too tight or might there be another issue.

This is a 16 oz acrylic purchased new from a rental shop.

Ideas? ... Potential solutions?

Slainte