Overweight and kilts?

**OC Richard** · 29th June 16, 04:57 AM

I suppose "overweight" is relative, but I'm nearly 100 pounds heavier than I was when I was a runner back in the 80s, my waist almost 20" bigger around. Wow.

To me there are two main issues relative to kiltwearing I'm aware of, being heavier

1) the sporran going down under my belly, making the belly look even worse

2) noticing that the outfit that does the best at hiding the weight is an Argyll jacket, no waistcoat or belt underneath, buttoned.

**RockyR** · 29th June 16, 08:14 AM

Originally Posted by OC Richard

1) the sporran going down under my belly, making the belly look even worse

A trick if you'd like to try it...

IF you wear a sporran chain (or I suppose a sporran strap might work as well), pick the chain up on either side of your body (BEFORE putting on a belt) and let it rest on TOP of the buckles on your left and right side. The sporran will hang down from that high point on the sides of your body, diminishing the "underline" of the belly.

**Barb T** · 29th June 16, 10:19 AM

Personally, I think that a kilt is very slimming on a larger man, provided that the kilt is worn at the right height and the kilt fits well. If a kilt is worn with the top pushed down below the belly, though (like a pair of jeans), it only serves to highlight the tummy. Also, if the hips on the kilt are too small, the look isn't good, either.

Check out the post I made just yesterday - scroll down down to the photos on http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...an-hips-90890/ The photos are of the same guy in two different kilts. Both are worn at the right height, but the hip on the first one is too small. In the second one, the kilt is big enough around the hips that the apron can hang straight down from the waist, making the person look much slimmer!

**Freebooter** · 29th June 16, 10:25 AM

Thanks y'all. I have a pic of me in it (30lbs lighter) but I have tried posting it here and it won't let me. Doesn't say why. Just that my posting of it was unsuccessful.
FB

**Freebooter** · 29th June 16, 10:40 AM

Here is a pic of me in my kilt (I was 30lbs lighter then). I have been told it was too short too.

**Barb T** · 29th June 16, 12:43 PM

Originally Posted by Freebooter

I have been told it was too short too.

Nope - length is perfect.

**Micric** · 30th June 16, 06:27 AM

For what it's worth, a good pal back home always says a kilt looks better on a fellow with a bit of weight about him, rather than on a stick of a lad.

This may be the result of seeing folk in hire kilts, where the thinner chap hasn't much shape, & the kilt hangs too low, but this is just a guess.
I'm very pleased that all seem to agree on the kilt length!

**Sir Didymous** · 29th June 16, 12:28 PM

Originally Posted by RockyR

A trick if you'd like to try it...

IF you wear a sporran chain (or I suppose a sporran strap might work as well), pick the chain up on either side of your body (BEFORE putting on a belt) and let it rest on TOP of the buckles on your left and right side. The sporran will hang down from that high point on the sides of your body, diminishing the "underline" of the belly.

Since I have been on medical leave for a couple of months, I've put on close to 30 lbs. This is the very trick I've been using to keep things going until I can get my weight back in check. And yes, the strap works too. I've never been slim, but I need to wrangle things a bit or I won't be able to fit my armor right.

Back on topic:
I agree that kilts look better on those of us with a built in peascod (renaissance term not botanical) than does Saxon clothing. I think it's the higher waist. Additionally, I have found that great kilts can hid a multitude of sins. Even if they may be classified a sin against fashion by more than a few.

**johnnym** · 4th July 16, 06:14 AM

Freebooter:

A number of years ago, I was outgrowing my wardrobe. Also, my cholesterol level was too high. Rather than re-filling my closet, I decided to lose some of the extra. In addition to making some dietary changes, I started riding my bicycle to work and for recreation. No racing or land speed records, just casual riding. In less than 2 years I went from 185+ pounds down to 155 where I am today. My doctor says to continue whatever I am doing, and that my health is equivalent to someone 10 to 15 years younger. It worked for me. Might work for you too.

JohnnyM

**Freebooter** · 4th July 16, 06:28 PM

Originally Posted by johnnym

Freebooter:

A number of years ago, I was outgrowing my wardrobe. Also, my cholesterol level was too high. Rather than re-filling my closet, I decided to lose some of the extra. In addition to making some dietary changes, I started riding my bicycle to work and for recreation. No racing or land speed records, just casual riding. In less than 2 years I went from 185+ pounds down to 155 where I am today. My doctor says to continue whatever I am doing, and that my health is equivalent to someone 10 to 15 years younger. It worked for me. Might work for you too.

JohnnyM

Thanks all. Actualy I have lost 50lbs. I was up to 350 and cut out about 75% of my carbs and sugars and over the last c0uple of years have indeed lost 50. I still weigh a tad over 300 but working on it. I also joined a gym and work out a few times a week. Slowly but surely is better than fast or so they say.
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