measuring shortcut?

[The Wizard of BC]

The only reliable way to measure for a Kilt is to follow that particular Kiltmakers measuring instructions.

If you are ordering an SWK then follow SWK instructions.
If you are ordering from Rocky, then read and follow Rocky's instructions.

Using a flexible dressmakers tape measure isn't hard or complicated. If you seem to be having trouble then take the same measurement three or four times. It only costs you an extra minute or two.
If you are still having trouble call the Kiltmaker and talk to the person who will make your Kilt. It's their product, and reputation on the line, and they want it to fit perfectly so will help as much as they can.

Never, never, use the measurements from one Kiltmaker for a Kilt from someone else. A very good example of this is the difference between SWK and FC.

If you have a Kilt that fits perfectly the outer apron right hand edge should line up with the right edge of the under apron. If you want to measure that Kilt while it is on a table simply measure the distance from the right edge of the outer apron(at the top strap) all the way across the apron, then the pleats, over to the right edge of the under apron. (stop at the right edge and don't include the under apron width.(right and left in this example are as you would see them looking down as you wear the Kilt.)

[ChattanCat]

The only reliable way to measure for a Kilt is to follow that particular Kiltmakers measuring instructions.

If you have a Kilt that fits perfectly the outer apron right hand edge should line up with the right edge of the under apron. If you want to measure that Kilt while it is on a table simply measure the distance from the right edge of the outer apron(at the top strap) all the way across the apron, then the pleats, over to the right edge of the under apron. (stop at the right edge and don't include the under apron width.(right and left in this example are as you would see them looking down as you wear the Kilt.)

Just to repeat: Always follow the kilt makers measuring technique.

I would measure the waist from the apron edge (the one with the fringe) to the belt buckle where the strap would fit and what belt hole you are in. You would also need to measure your hips and drop.

[davedove]

1. Always follow the kiltmaker's instructions for measuring.
2. Don't use the measurements from one kiltmaker for a different one.
3. You're spending some cash for a kilt, make sure you measure it right.
4. Use a variation on the old carpenter's rule - measure twice. Heck measure several times to make sure you've got it right.

Another point: wear what you would normally be wearing when you do the measurments. If you would normally wear underwear and tuck in a shirt when wearing your kilt, don't strip down to bare skin to take your measurements. Some adjustment can be made by adjusting the straps, but why not make it fit how you normally wear it.

[Barb T]

If you have a Kilt that fits perfectly the outer apron right hand edge should line up with the right edge of the under apron. If you want to measure that Kilt while it is on a table simply measure the distance from the right edge of the outer apron(at the top strap) all the way across the apron, then the pleats, over to the right edge of the under apron. (stop at the right edge and don't include the under apron width.(right and left in this example are as you would see them looking down as you wear the Kilt.)

And, if you are having a trad kilt made, this will not be a reliable measurement to give the kiltmaker. Most of us add a bit to the right hand apron edge to make sure that the fringe edge actually covers the underapron. I add a full inch. So, if you measured your kilt as described above, and got 37" at the waist, and sent me that measurement, I would add an inch to that when I made your kilt. And your kilt would be an inch too big. Moral of the story - as Steve and Wally have said, don't dink with the measuring instructions given by a kiltmaker, and _never_ assume that the measurements made for one kilt can just be sent to another kiltmaker. Take the time to measure using the method the kiltmaker asks you to use!