The key to making sure your custom kilt fits properly is to take accurate measurements. Though it is often easier to have someone measure you, many people end up having to measure themselves. This guide will show you how to accurately measure yourself to ensure your kilt fits as well as possible.
Step 1: Decide where your want your waistline to be.
Your first major decision is to decide where you want the waistline (fasteners) of your kilt to line up. Full rise traditional kilts are worn at the natural waist, which is the narrow point below the rib cage. Many people prefer to wear their kilts lower towards the hip. Find a spot that is comfortable, and measure the circumference. The top of the kilt will be a little bit higher than this. If you want a more traditional looking and sitting kilt tell us and we’ll be sure to add the 2″ rise above the fasteners.
Step 2: Measure the hip.
The hip measurement is taken at the widest part of your hips. If your waist measurement is larger than your hips we will use that measurement. You may find it helpful to mark this line at your side ( as shown in the picture ) with a bit of chalk or a pin.
Step 3: Measure the Fell.
The fell is the distance from the waistline to the hip measurement line (where you’ve left a mark from the previous step). This is generally 1/3 the length of the entire kilt. This can, however, be a little shorter depending on where you want the top of you kilt to be. The lower the top of the kilt, the shorter the fell.
Step 3: Measure the Drop.
The drop measurement is taken from the line where you want your fasteners, down to where you want the bottom of your kilt to be. This is generally at the top of the knee but can be anywhere you like, it is after all your kilt!
Take this measurement down the side of your body as illustrated in the photo.
If you are aiming for a traditional look your kilt length will be this number plus 2 inches.
Once all your measuring is complete it would be very helpful to us if you sent a side view photo of your waist line. This photo will tell us whether or not we need to re-shape the top of the kilt to allow for it being worn a little higher in the back and lower in the front. This often happens when the kilt is worn lower than the natural waist line.