Semi Trad, 5 & 8 Yard Kilts

Waist

A Traditional kilt is worn higher than your pants, just above the belly button (for larger customers, just above the WIDEST part of your belly).  This is where the top of the kilt will sit.

DO NOT HOLD YOUR STOMACH IN. You’ll only going to get a kilt that's too small.  Just relax and stand "at ease".

Make sure to use a good sewing tape measure. If you don't have a sewing tape measure, you can use a leather belt to measure. Wrap it around you, mark it and then lay it flat on a metal tape measure to get the measurement.

The tape measure should be snug – as snug as you will be wearing the kilt.

*Note: It will probably be 2 to 4 inches more than your pants size. This is common.

*TIP: BIG guys with large bellies may want to wear the kilt around the naval, as it gives a more flattering appearance.

With the same tape measure, measure around the absolute largest part of your rear.

Take this measurement a little LOOSELY. You should be able to slide a finger between the tape measure and your body when you measure.

This is your HIP measurement. In most cases, it's about 4-6 inches larger than the waist measurement.

If possible, it’s best to take this measurement wearing shorts and a form fitting shirt.  There are 3 different ways to measure length:

1) With assistance

2) With bath towel assistance

1) Length Measurement with assistance

Stand tall with your back straight. Do NOT look down or bend over as this will change the length measurement. Just stand tall and face forward.

Have the other person measure down the SIDE of your leg. On your side, put the "0" end of the tape measure at the top of where your kilt will be (the same height you took your waist measurement from). Measure from that point down the side of your body to the middle of your knee.

The number on the tape that is right where the bottom edge of the kilt will be is the length.

2) Length Measurement with bath towel assistance

Take a bath towel and FOLD IT so that it is 24" long.

Wear a pair of shorts, so you can see your knees and stand roughly 10 feet back from a full length mirror. Hold the towel up to your waist, putting the top of the towel at the spot you took the waist measurement… just above the belly button.

If the 24" length hits below your knee, shorten the towel by folding another inch or two, so that the bottom edge hits you square in the middle of the kneecap.

If the 24" length hits above your knee, lengthen the towel by unfolding an inch or two, so that the bottom edge hits you square in the middle of the kneecap.

3) Length measurement without assistance

Kneel on the floor with your back straight. You're going to measure down the SIDE of your leg to the floor.

From the top of where your kilt will be (the same height you took your waist measurement from), measure down the side of your body to the floor down the side of your leg. It's easier to put the "0" end of the tape measure barely touching the floor and the numbered end at the top.

SUBTRACT 1" FROM THIS MEASUREMENT to have the kilt sit at the middle of the knee.

Use the following chart for reference. These are typical height / length measurements.