Kilt Measuring Guide
Please refer to this guide to find your ideal kilt sizes.
(Updated January 2026)
THREE SIZES ARE REQUIRED (in inches)
• Use a flexible fabric tape measure.
• Wear light clothing and remove bulky items from your pockets.
• Do not measure yourself. Ask a trusted assistant to help—self measuring almost always leads to errors.
• Include your height.
A Personal Note from Stevie
These photographs show me wearing my North Sea Oil tartan kilt on the Isle of Bute.
Taking accurate measurements really matters. A well-fitted kilt hangs correctly, moves properly, and feels comfortable all day — whether you're standing, walking, or climbing a few steps.
"I always encourage folk to take their time, follow the measuring guide carefully, and ask questions if unsure. The goal is simple: a kilt that fits beautifully and feels like it was made just for you — because it was."
— Stevie, The Tartan Artisan®
This guide is based on the traditional men's kilt, and the accompanying graphics reflect this. However, kilts can be worn by anyone, and female wearers are equally welcome to place an order using the same three key measurements.
Note: kilts traditionally fasten on the right for men, and on the left for women. If this detail is important to you, just let me know when ordering.
Where you wear your kilt is a matter of personal preference, however my kilt-maker recommends the following instructions.
1 / KILT WAIST (for a traditional kilt)
• Do not breathe in or hold your breath.
• Measure snugly around your natural waist. For most people this is at, or slightly above, the belly button. A horizontal line about an inch or two above the top of the hip bone can also indicate the natural waist position. The tape should be firm but not tight.
• A traditional kilt sits higher than your trousers, so this measurement will usually be larger than your trouser waist.
• For those with a broader build, the natural waist may sit higher than the belly button—especially as body shape changes with age. In this case, the kilt waist is secured above the widest part of the torso for a more secure fit. You may then need a slightly longer kilt length to still finish halfway on the knee.
See the images in detail below for an indication of possible kilt fittings on different body types.
2 / SEAT
• With feet together, measure around the broadest part of your hips and buttocks (upper thigh area).
• My kilt maker recommends allowing four fingers between the tape measure and body for a relaxed, comfortable measurement—this also allows for the ideal swing in your kilt.
Note: the seat size cannot be less than the kilt waist size, and should be a number of inches bigger (depending on your hip-to-waist ratio).
3 / LENGTH (kilt drop)
KNEELING METHOD:
• Kneel on the floor, keeping a straight back and looking forward.
• Have your trusted assistant measure from the previously measured kilt waist position straight down to the floor, then deduct half an inch. This should result in a kilt length that sits midway on the knee.
• It is very important that someone else takes this measurement. Measuring yourself will usually make you lean forward and produce an incorrect length.
• For a military-style kilt length, shorten the measurement by a further half inch.
IMPORTANT: Please ensure the sizes supplied are correct and accurate, as custom-made kilt orders to supplied sizes cannot be returned unless there is a defect in the garment or an adjustment is being requested.
If unsure, please seek assistance from an experienced kilt maker.
More on kilt position
• Your length will depend on how you want to wear your kilt—this is personal preference and depends on how high you want it to sit on your waist. This guide follows the recommendation of my kilt-maker.
• Standard kilts are normally worn to the middle of your kneecap, while military kilts can be worn a little shorter, to the top of the kneecap.
• If you plan to wear your kilt with a short jacket such as a Prince Charlie (for example, for a wedding), you may want the kilt to sit slightly higher on the waist—possibly by an extra inch or so. Keep this in mind when choosing your kilt waist position.
Expected kilt lengths
Normally, your kilt length will correspond with the following sizes. If it is significantly different, try taking the measurements again. If it is only slightly different, it may simply be down to preference or body shape.
Height 5'6" – 5'7"
22" to 22.5" kilt lengthHeight 5'8" – 5'9"
23" to 23.5" kilt lengthHeight 5'10" – 5'11"
24" to 24.5" kilt lengthHeight 6' – 6'2"
24.5" to 25.5" kilt lengthHeight 6'3" – 6'4"
26" to 26.5" kilt lengthHeight 6'5" – 6'7"
27" to 27.5" kilt length
Please note again: A wearer with a more substantial build may find that a higher waist position—paired with a slightly longer kilt—offers a better, more secure fit. Refer to the body type illustrations above to see how this can influence kilt positioning.