How to measure myself for a kilt; suck in stomach or no?

[Pleater]

Almost every source I've read says to keep your stomach natural when measuring yourself for a kilt. Don't suck it in, don't push it out.

But in this video by kiltmaker Robert MacDonald, he says:



Later he says:


It looks like he's setting the smallest size, with the buckles allowing for growth only.
Conceptually, that seems fine. I don't expect to lose weight over time, only to maintain or gain it.
But I've never seen anyone measure for a kilt like that.
I'd like some opinions on it.
Is that style of measuring only for completely bespoke designs, or would it still be good for more off-the-rack kilts that only use a natural waist and hip measurement without a custom fitting?

I have about a 3 inch difference between sucking in and not. That gives me pause when considering how I should be measuring myself for a kilt.

I suggest you take a fairly narrow belt and put it around your waist - the natural waistline, not the lower level where trousers finish these days, pull it to the tightest you feel comfortable and leave it for a while.
Check to see if it is sitting level front to back - you'll probably need a long mirror or other reflective surface, or a second person. If the front is rising up the belt is probably too tight. If pushing the front down is uncomfortable that circumference, plus the weight of the kilt is going to make wearing it a bit miserable.

You might try tightening or loosening the belt to find a point where it is comfortable to wear for long periods but not going to move down over time. That should be your waist measurement - with any luck.
I make my kilts to be comfortable in the middle hole of the straps with two holes of adjustment either way.

Anne the Pleater