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Measurement Guides · Kilts
How to Measure for a Kilt
Four measurements. Five minutes. Works for every kilt we make — tartan, utility, leather, gothic, hybrid, denim, and camouflage.
Measure at
Navel, not trouser waist
You need
Soft tape measure
Between sizes?
Size up
Custom orders
Made to your numbers
Before anything else
Your kilt size is not your trouser size
A kilt is worn high, at the navel — two to three inches above where trousers sit. Most men measure 2–4 inches larger at the navel than their jeans label. Ordering your trouser size is the single most common kilt-sizing mistake, and it means a kilt that won’t close. Stand straight, don’t suck in or push out, and trust the tape — not the jeans.
How to measure
The four numbers our makers need
1
Kilt waist
Around your body at the navel — where the kilt actually sits. Snug, not tight. Usually about 2″ larger than your trouser size.
2
Hips
Around the fullest part of your seat, tape level all the way round. Back to a wall, ease backward — the first point to touch is the spot to measure.
3
Fell (waist to hip)
Straight down from your waist point to your hip point. The pleats are sewn down along this length — it gives the kilt its swish.
4
Length
From the navel straight down to the middle of your kneecap — mid-knee for most, top of knee for a traditional drop.
Measure over a thin shirt, not over trousers or a belt. Ask someone to help with the length and fell — they’re awkward to measure on yourself. Add order notes for anything specific: how you like the kilt to sit, a longer drop, a fuller seat.
Standard reference
Kilt size chart
Kilts are sized by waist — match your navel-level waist below. If your hips are more than 12″ larger than your waist, send us both numbers and we’ll adjust the fit through the seat.
| Kilt size | Fits waist (in / cm) | Fits hips up to (in / cm) |
|---|---|---|
| 30 | 30–31″ / 76–79 | 40″ / 102 |
| 32 | 32–33″ / 81–84 | 42″ / 107 |
| 34 | 34–35″ / 86–89 | 44″ / 112 |
| 36 | 36–37″ / 91–94 | 46″ / 117 |
| 38 | 38–39″ / 97–99 | 48″ / 122 |
| 40 | 40–41″ / 102–104 | 50″ / 127 |
| 42 | 42–43″ / 107–109 | 52″ / 132 |
| 44 | 44–45″ / 112–114 | 54″ / 137 |
| 46 | 46–47″ / 117–119 | 56″ / 142 |
| 48 | 48–49″ / 122–124 | 58″ / 147 |
| 50 | 50–51″ / 127–130 | 60″ / 152 |
All custom kilts are made-to-measure. The chart is reference only — send your exact waist, hips, length and fell and we build to them, in any size.
Getting the drop right
Kilt length by height
A kilt should end at the middle of your kneecap — kneel down and the hem should just brush the floor. Measure navel to mid-knee for your exact length, or use height as a starting guide.
| Your height | Typical kilt length (in / cm) |
|---|---|
| 5’2″–5’5″ | 20–21″ / 51–53 |
| 5’6″–5’8″ | 22″ / 56 |
| 5’9″–5’11” | 23″ / 58 |
| 6’0″–6’2″ | 24″ / 61 |
| 6’3″+ | 25–26″ / 64–66 |
Not sure on length? 22.5″ suits most men. Traditional tartan kilts sit at mid-knee; utility and gothic kilts are sometimes worn slightly longer — tell us your preference in the order notes.
Common questions
Quick questions
Why is my kilt size bigger than my trouser size?
Because a kilt sits at your navel and trousers sit lower on the hips. Most men measure 2–4 inches more at the navel. This is normal — order by the tape, not the jeans label.
What is the fell, and why do you need it?
The fell is the distance from your waist down to your hip — the section of the kilt where the pleats are sewn down flat before they’re released to swing. Getting it right is what gives a kilt its clean line over the seat and its natural swish. It’s the measurement that separates a proper kilt from an approximate one.
Are utility, leather, and gothic kilts sized the same as tartan?
Yes — all our kilts use the same waist, hips, length and fell measurements. Closure styles differ (buckles, snaps, velcro), which gives some styles a wider adjustment range, but the numbers you send us are identical.
How do I check the length is right?
The kneel test: kneel on the floor and the hem should just brush it. Standing, the kilt should end at the middle of your kneecap. Above the knee looks short; below it drags.
I’m between two sizes — which do I pick?
Size up — kilt straps and buckles adjust inward easily. Better still, send us your exact measurements; every custom kilt is made-to-measure, so the chart doesn’t restrict you.
Not sure?
Send us your measurements.
Want a second opinion before ordering, or an unusual fit situation? Email us — we review measurements every day. Response in 24 business hours, Monday to Friday.