Since starting to wear kilts I have lost about 8 or 9 inches off my waist - I'm down a total of 12 inches since January 2005.

I thought that kilts would be an easy option as I can make my own and just make or remake them smaller as time goes on and the weight comes off. I find that hand sewing is a good idea as it is gentler on the fabric and a kilt can be turned back into a straight length of unmarked cloth quite easily. The time spent in making the pleats a perfect as possible though, is quite considerable.

For non sewers it must be even more of a problem, though kilts are more adjustable than most clothing, with the straps, but do you sell of your non fitting kilts, or save them in case you return to that size in a few years time?

The financial side of purchasing kilts must be a distinct incentive to stay one size, or there abouts.

I find I am already planning how to reduce the size of the kilts I have - fewer deeper pleats, removing the features intended to 'stretch' inadequate lengths of fabric, increasing the fabric in the under apron pleats, increasing the flare of the aprons, and thinking of being able to make up the fabrics not long enough to make a good kilt, yet.

It keeps me eating the salads. No sense in expending all that effort in making the kilt as perfect as possible and not trying hard to look good in it.