How to Measure Kilt Size

A well-fitting kilt starts with accurate measurements. This guide shows exactly where and how to measure for a kilt, and for a jacket, vest or full outfit. The same instructions appear next to each measurement field on our product pages.

Before you start

• Use a soft tape measure, the kind a tailor uses. A metal builder's tape will not follow your body.
• Wear thin clothes, or measure over a thin shirt. Bulky layers add inches.
• Stand relaxed with your feet together. Don't hold your breath or pull your stomach in.
• Ask someone to help. It is far easier to measure accurately than to measure yourself.
• Our size menus show inches and centimetres. Choose the measurement closest to yours.

Measuring for a kilt

The numbers on the diagram match the steps below.

1. Waist (required)

1. Find your belly button. Your kilt sits at this level, which is higher than where jeans or trousers sit.
2. Wrap the tape around your natural waist at that height, roughly 2 inches (5 cm) above your hip bone.
3. Pull the tape tight, with one thumb tucked under it so there is room for a tucked-in shirt. Tight means firm, not squeezing.

2. Hip (optional)

1. Stand with your feet together.
2. Wrap the tape around the broadest part of your hips and seat, keeping it level all the way round.
3. Empty your pockets first. A wallet or phone adds width.

3. Fell (optional)

The fell is the straight, vertical distance from your waist measurement down to your hip measurement. Measure it down the side of your body, from the tape at your waist to the tape at your hips. It decides where the pleats are stitched flat. If you are not sure, leave it blank.

4. Kilt length (required)

1. Kneel upright on the floor.
2. Hold the end of the tape on the floor and run it straight up to your belly button. It is easier with a helper.
3. Use that number as it is. Adding extra makes the kilt too long, so it hangs low and looks wrong. A traditionally worn kilt just brushes the floor when you kneel.

Kilt measurements at a glance

Measurement	Required?	Where to measure	Tip
Waist	Yes	Belly button level, about 2 in (5 cm) above the hip bone	Tight, with a thumb under the tape. Never use your trouser size.
Kilt length	Yes	Kneeling, from the floor straight up to your belly button	Don't add extra length.
Hip	Optional	Broadest part of the hips and seat, feet together	Empty your pockets first.
Fell	Optional	Down the side, from the waist line to the hip line	Leave it blank if you're unsure.

Does your kilt length look right?

As a rough guide, your kilt length usually falls in these ranges for your height. If yours is very different, measure again. A small difference can simply be down to your build or how you like to wear your kilt.

Your height	Typical kilt length
5'6" to 5'7"	22 to 22.5 in
5'8" to 5'9"	23 to 23.5 in
5'10" to 5'11"	24 to 24.5 in
6'0" to 6'2"	24.5 to 25.5 in
6'3" to 6'4"	26 to 26.5 in
6'5" to 6'7"	27 to 27.5 in

Measuring for a jacket, vest or full outfit

For an Argyll or Prince Charlie jacket, a vest, or a complete kilt outfit, you will need the kilt measurements above plus the body measurements below. The numbers match the diagrams.

1. Neck: around the base of your neck, where a shirt collar sits, just below the Adam's apple. Keep one finger under the tape.
2. Shoulders: straight across the back, from the edge of one shoulder to the edge of the other, where a sleeve seam would sit.
3. Chest: around the fullest part of your chest and across your shoulder blades, with your arms relaxed by your sides and the tape level.
4. Sleeve: from the edge of your shoulder down to your wrist bone, with your arm slightly bent.
5. Back length: from the bump at the base of your neck, straight down the middle of your back to your waist.
6. Waist: at belly button level, the same as for your kilt. Stay relaxed and don't breathe in or out.
7. Height: stand barefoot with your back against a wall and measure from the top of your head to the floor.

Full outfit diagram

Ordering a complete outfit? This diagram shows every measurement together: neck, shoulders, chest, sleeve, back length, waist, hip, fell and kilt length, plus your height.

Common mistakes

• Using a trouser or jeans size. Trousers sit lower and usually read smaller than the right kilt waist.
• Measuring over bulky clothing. A jumper or jacket adds inches.
• Letting the tape sag or slant. Keep it level all the way round, and tight at the waist.
• Adding extra kilt length. Use the kneeling measurement exactly.
• Guessing. Made-to-measure kilts can't be returned for fit, so it is worth checking.

Still unsure?

We would much rather answer a question than remake a kilt. Email support@a1kilts.com, message us on WhatsApp at +92 303 7449648, or use our contact form. You can also read our FAQs and our Refund Policy.