Waist-hip measurement

**fw_kilt** · 28th August 13, 07:58 PM

I've got somewhat of a "muffin': top. My waist is 38" and hips 40." I have a custom made kilt with those measurements, but the "tummy" bulge causes the sides to distort the fit (pull/bulge at the seam). Would increasing the hip measurement to 42" improve fit? I have not "butt" (40").

**freddie** · 29th August 13, 06:02 AM

I have the similar waist/seat measurements although I have not had the problem you report. My big problem is that the left hand bottom apron edge lifts badly, which I'm sure is 'compensation' for the top of the kilt being pushed out by my belly. To this end I had the lower hip strap removed which does allow the apron to hang better. When measuring for a kilt the seat (hip) measurement should be loose to allow for comfort when sitting down, so maybe a bit more leeway here would help.

**McElmurry** · 29th August 13, 06:29 AM

My kiltmaker had me add about an inch to my seat measurement to account for a bit of a tummy. This allows the apron to hang straight down when I am standing.

**plaid preacher** · 29th August 13, 06:36 AM

Originally Posted by freddie

I have the similar waist/seat measurements although I have not had the problem you report. My big problem is that the left hand bottom apron edge lifts badly, which I'm sure is 'compensation' for the top of the kilt being pushed out by my belly. To this end I had the lower hip strap removed which does allow the apron to hang better. When measuring for a kilt the seat (hip) measurement should be loose to allow for comfort when sitting down, so maybe a bit more leeway here would help.

Freddie has a good point. Don't over tighten the second strap on the apron too tight, or it can pull everything off kilter. (hmmm... is this where the expression comes from???) ON the kilt I own that has the third strap I pass it through the buckle very loosely, which allows for things to hang straight rather than conforming to belly bulges.

**Nile** · 29th August 13, 07:47 AM

Hello FW, and welcome to X Marks.

Does your custom made kilt have a third Strap (lower strap)? I would think, that if your kilt has a third strap, it would be adjustable by an inch or two in either direction allowing for some adjustment near the hips. Therefore, if you added an inch of two to the waist measurement of the kilt itself, you would have the ability to adjust it for the best look with that lower strap.

Another thing you could do is drink less beer (goes right to the tummy) and eat more bacon (goes right to the butt). Never mind, that wouldn't work for me either!

Nile

**The Wizard of BC** · 29th August 13, 09:23 AM

The only real way for us to assist is to see you in your kilt.

Would it be possible for you to post a few photos? We would need to see the kilt on from both the left and right side.

**Pleater** · 1st September 13, 02:48 PM

Photos will help - but my suspicion is that you have a 'bay window' in front which means that the hip measurement is not all that relevant.

To have the aprons fall straight you might have to add four or even six inches to the hip measurement as there is probably quite a bit of fresh air at hip level which the kilt needs to enclose, but check that the top of the kilt is positioned correctly.

If the front of the kilt is not at the level it was expected to be by the maker, that could cause odd distortions.

You'd need to explain this to your kilt maker in order to get the correct shaping if simple adjustment will not work.

Anne the Pleater