kilt fit

**georgeetta** · 22nd July 12, 11:32 AM

I haven't worn a kilt since I was 6, I'm 6' stocky ..do you buckle up like a pair of hiking shorts comfort , THEN use the belt to fasten or do the "real" holding . Also, what belt widths do you likewise stocky fellows like, I'd instended to get a simple belt made by a local fellow in deep chestnut with a brass buckle . Finally the kilt was bought from a shop being an rental as a 4648 how do I check it's not a 4446 my pal wants to make sure it's EXACTLY what was ordered ? Did soldiers hold their kilts up with suspenders Boer War thru WW1 ?

Thank you,
D

**Scout** · 22nd July 12, 12:13 PM

Conventional wisdom seems to hold that your kilt should fit properly without a belt at all and that the belt is essentially decorative rather than functional.

**guardsman** · 22nd July 12, 12:44 PM

well the only time you have to worry is if your belly is bigger than your hips, you fat bastard LOL , only joking

**Father Bill** · 22nd July 12, 12:52 PM

Yup. Your kiltmaker is responsible for making it such that the belt is decorative only.

**MacMillans son** · 23rd July 12, 06:46 AM

I assume as a exhire kilt that the number spread you provided is for the waist adjustment and not the waist and hip measurements. If so, just lay the kilt flat with the lining facing up and measure from the tightest to the loosest hole settings on the waist straps. That should get you close to the numbers you were provided by the seller.

I don't know a thing about military clothing so am not of much help with what was worn back when.

Enjoy your new kilt!

**mookien** · 23rd July 12, 02:53 PM

The kilt belt is mostly cosmetic, but if you cinch it up tight enough, it will help support the kilt. If too tight, however, it might create wrinkles in the wool, which many folks find unsightly.

Personally, I think big guys look better in wide belts, but that is very subjective. You might try both types and decide which one looks best on you.

I agree with MacMillan's son's comment, but if it wasn't obvious from his directions, measure from the hole in the kilt that the belt passes through across the inside of the kilt to the nearest and farthest holes, respectively.

Below are a couple of old pictures, that I pinched from, or through, XMTS postings that show some soldiers in kilts. Note especially the high rise (the distance from their waist up to the top of the kilt). I have a kilt like that and it helps keep me warm in cold weather.

Good luck, and happy kilting!