When you place your order, there are three simple measurements we will need to ensure a proper fit for your kilt. Measuring for a kilt is not rocket science, but you will need to follow this guide to ensure your measurements are correct.

TIP: Have someone else measure you — attempting to measure yourself can throw off the results, especially when you measure for the length of your kilt.

Grab a cloth measure tape and let’s begin!

1. Waist: The kilt is worn at your natural waist, which is higher than where most men typically wear their pants today. Do not assume your waist measurement is the same as your pants size. Your natural waist is above the hip bone and below the rib cage, at the soft spot where you cannot feel any bones at your side. It should be just above the belly button. This measurement should be taken fairly snug over a regular shirt.

2. Hips: This measurement should be taken around the broadest part of your seat, and can be fairly loose (I like to be able to fit a finger or two between the body and the measuring tape). You do not want the hips of your kilt to be too tight!

3. Length: This is when it really helps to have someone helping you to measure. While you stand erect, back straight, have a friend kneel down at your side and find the top of your hip bone. The kilt has a 2″ rise above the natural waist, so have them place the “2” on the measuring tape just at the top of your hip bone. Then, they can easily measure down the side of your hip to where you wish the kilt to fall at your knee.
Anywhere from the middle of the kneecap (at the longest) and one inch above the top of the knee (at the shortest) is considered appropriate for a kilt.

The dashed lines in the chart above represent where the top and bottom of the kilt should be. Remember, when you put your kilt on, it is a high waisted garment, and the kilt should come well above your belly button. If you try to wear your kilt lower on the hips, where most men typically wear pants today, it will not fit properly.

Many people wish to know how much size adjustment is built into the kilt. The waist size is adjustable using the leather straps and buckles, which have four holes spaces approximately one inch apart. Our kilts are typically made to fit at the second hole in the straps, allowing for a one inch decrease in waist size, or a two inch increase.

There will be a surcharge for any kilts made for hip or waist measurements of 46″ or greater.

If you have any questions about measuring for your kilt, please do not hesitate to contact us and we’ll be glad to walk you through it.