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Product Description
There are thousands of registered tartans, yet only the top few hundred are held as 'stock' tartans by the different mills in the UK. Many smaller families may have a tartan, but it may not be readily available to order. What if you designed a tartan using a Tartan Designer and want a kilt made from your own design? What can be done in these instances you ask? We can custom weave your tartan!
Working with a network of Scotland's smaller mills, we're able to produce short lengths of rare tartans. The result is a truly custom garment: material woven to your specifics and a kilt made custom to your measurements... a one of a kind, heirloom garment, in virtually any tartan. The only small caveat to this is that we can not reproduce copyrighted or restricted tartans without first being given permission from the designer.
Included in the price of this garment is 13 or 16 oz. cloth (your choice) woven in the pattern desired in the color palette of your choosing (Ancient, Modern, Muted or Weathered) and made into a kilt, tailored to your specific measurements.
Please note that due to the custom nature of this garment, there will be a 12 to 16 week (3 to 4 month) turnaround, depending on the mills' weaving schedule.
We would ask that you measure carefully for our kilts. Since these are custom-made to fit the measurements provided, you will need to be sure of the exact sizing. We will not refund in the case of mistakes in measuring. Detailed measuring instructions can be found in the "Measuring Instructions" tab below this text and in the Measuring Instructions video in the Videos tab under the main product picture.
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Tartans
We will gladly weave any tartan shown in the Scottish Tartan Registry, so long as it is not a copyrighted or restricted tartan (unless you obtain written permission from the designer).
You can search the Tartan Registry by clicking HERE.
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Measuring Instructions
Waist
A Traditional kilt is worn higher than your pants, just above the belly button (for larger customers, just above the WIDEST part of your belly). This is where the top of the kilt will sit.
DO NOT HOLD YOUR STOMACH IN. You’ll only going to get a kilt that's too small. Just relax and stand "at ease".
Make sure to use a good sewing tape measure. If you don't have a sewing tape measure, you can use a leather belt to measure. Wrap it around you, mark it and then lay it flat on a metal tape measure to get the measurement.The tape measure should be snug – as snug as you will be wearing the kilt.
*Note: It will probably be 2 to 4 inches more than your pants size. This is common.
*TIP: BIG guys with large bellies may want to wear the kilt around the naval, as it gives a more flattering appearance.
Hip
With the same tape measure, measure around the absolute largest part of your rear.
Take this measurement a little LOOSELY. You should be able to slide a finger between the tape measure and your body when you measure.
This is your HIP measurement. In most cases, it's about 4-6 inches larger than the waist measurement.
Length
If possible, it’s best to take this measurement wearing shorts and a form fitting shirt. There are 3 different ways to measure length:
1) With assistance
2) With bath towel assistance
3) Without assistance
1) Length Measurement with assistance
Stand tall with your back straight. Do NOT look down or bend over as this will change the length measurement. Just stand tall and face forward.
Have the other person measure down the SIDE of your leg. On your side, put the "0" end of the tape measure at the top of where your kilt will be (the same height you took your waist measurement from). Measure from that point down the side of your body to the middle of your knee.
The number on the tape that is right where the bottom edge of the kilt will be is the length.
2) Length Measurement with bath towel assistance
Take a bath towel and FOLD IT so that it is 24" long.
Wear a pair of shorts, so you can see your knees and stand roughly 10 feet back from a full length mirror. Hold the towel up to your waist, putting the top of the towel at the spot you took the waist measurement… just above the belly button.
If the 24" length hits below your knee, shorten the towel by folding another inch or two, so that the bottom edge hits you square in the middle of the kneecap.
If the 24" length hits above your knee, lengthen the towel by unfolding an inch or two, so that the bottom edge hits you square in the middle of the kneecap.
Once you have the top of the towel sitting at the top of where you want to wear the kilt and the bottom edge hitting the middle of your knee, measure the length of the folded towel from the top to the bottom. That will be your kilt length measurement
3) Length measurement without assistance
Kneel on the floor with your back straight. You're going to measure down the SIDE of your leg to the floor.
From the top of where your kilt will be (the same height you took your waist measurement from), measure down the side of your body to the floor down the side of your leg. It's easier to put the "0" end of the tape measure barely touching the floor and the numbered end at the top.
SUBTRACT 1" FROM THIS MEASUREMENT to have the kilt sit at the middle of the knee.
Use the following chart for reference. These are typical height / length measurements.
If you need assistance measuring, please do not hesitate to contact us: 800.368.8633 or Rocky@USAKilts.com
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Reviews
Add Your Review- Could not be more pleased Tartan Martin
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Price Value Quality I had spent some time designing and registering my own personal tartan with the Scottish Register of Tartans. When it came time to get my kilt made, I researched several kilt makers both in the US and in Scotland. USA Kilts was VASTLY the most responsive. They understood that my kilt will probably be the most custom item of clothing that I will ever buy. And USA Kilts was awesome to work with through the whole process. I could not be more satisfied with my new kilt and vest, each done in my personal tartan. Thank you Rocky! (Posted on 8/26/2016) - Great option for those with a rare tartan John S.
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Price Value Quality I came to Rocky and Kelly after searching high and low for my family tartan which wasn't available from any of the mills. They told me that it could be custom woven just for me. It is only being woven for myself, so the material cost is very high, which makes the cost of the kilt high. However, with no other options available to me, I'm glad they were able to weave this and make me a kilt. (Posted on 10/14/2014) - Phenomenal Bespoke Wool Kilt Jason
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Quality Price Value I'm so happy that I came to USA Kilts with my custom kilt need. They had my tartan woven by DC Dalgliesh and then hand sewn to my exact specification. USA Kilts is a pleasure to work with and they produce an excellent product at a very competitive price. (Posted on 10/14/2014) - Perfectly tailored bespoke kilt in uncommon tartan Robert M
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Price Value Quality USA Kilts delivered a beautifully woven and tailored kilt ahead of schedule. My family name is not very common and I was pleased to see it was possible to get my own kilt in my own family tartan.
Just wore it with pride at a Celtic church service and got plenty of compliments. Looking forward to sending you all many referrals. Fac et Spera !
(Posted on 10/14/2014) - All I had hoped and more Kevin
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Price Value Quality I had been hoping to one day have a kilt in my tartan, the Czech National Tartan. Of course this is not a standard woven tartan so I had to save my pennies for a custom weave. I am sure glad I did. Rocky's work is exceptional. You may have to wait but it is worth every second. Thanks Rocky for a beautiful kilt. (Posted on 10/14/2014) - Surpasses all expectations Gryphon Noir
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Price Value Quality This kilt measures up favourably with any kilt I have ever examined.
The pleating is crisp and accurate, every stitch is perfect. The lining does not look like an afterthought as it does in many kilts. Steeking is smooth and beautifully done. Custom leather straps give a finishing touch that shows justifiable pride in workmanship.
Not only is it wonderful to wear a tartan I designed myself, but to have a kilt so well made that people comment on its beauty--this is something special indeed.
(Posted on 10/14/2014) - Awesome workmanship and customer service Craig
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Quality Price Value Based on a review of several kilt company websites in the US and UK, and after calling a few to talk, I called up USA Kilts. From the first conversation he was patient with my questions and judicious with advice and guidance. I looked at reviews on his site and on a few forums, and decided to have an 8 yard 16 oz. wool kilt made in Jones Modern Colors. It took some months as the tartan is not off-the-shelf and required a special limited run to weave it, but it was well worth the wait. The kilt is beautifully made with excellent attention to detail and fits perfectly. I have total confidence in USA Kilts and I will certainly order from USA Kilts again. (Posted on 10/14/2014)
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Product Specs
Our Premier Kilts are made to the following specs:
- 8 yards of cloth custom woven specifically for this kilt, in customer's choice of 13 or 16 oz wool and in customer's choice of color palette, woven in the UK.- Traditional 'three buckle closure' system
- 'Invisibly" sewn by machine and by hand (for parts that must be done by hand) OR a Hand Sewn Kilt (+ $100)
- Upper portion reinforced with a horsehair canvas lining
- Lined with cotton twill material
- Top grade leather straps
- Double fringe on the front apron
- Two 4" loops on the back to accommodate a traditional kilt belt
- Made to the customers measurements
You do not have to go to Scotland to get a custom tartan kilt! We source fabric for our kilts in both 16oz cloth and 13oz cloth from the tartan mills of the UK. This includes ordering custom weave for special projects.
If you want a formal kilt in your family colors or in an unusual tartan but cannot find it in our tartan gallery, just let us know. If you have a link to the Scottish Register of Tartans, that is helpful. If not, don’t worry. We can help backstop your research.
Regardless, the traditional kilt you receive will be custom made to your measurements and specifications -- an heirloom family kilt suitable for use as a wedding kilt or for any other formal function.
Can I design my own tartan?
Yes. However, it is wise to get expert advice when designing a custom tartan. For instance, we advise against simply taking a tartan you like and changing one color or one thread count. This can lead to confusion and even hurt feelings.
What is a build tartan or DIY tartan kilt?
This is another way of saying the kilt is made from a custom-designed and/or custom-woven tartan. If you have designed a new tartan yourself, we can look at it and tell you if it will “kilt up” nicely. And if you want to pursue it as a custom weave, we’ll make it happen.
How can I get a custom tartan for my group?
Just contact us directly. It’s pretty much the same process as for a single custom tartan order. We can even assist with tartan design. And if you have a large group of interested people, such as extended family or a bagpipe band, better pricing may be available. Once the tartan sett is designed, we will provide thread samples you can share with your organization.
Are custom weave tartan kilts appropriate for traditional highland wear?
Yes. There are no rules about what tartan you may wear as part of your Celtic heritage. And most custom tartans will be made into premier kilts suitable for any function. There’s no point in going to the trouble and expense of doing the custom weave for any lesser kilt type (unless it is for a large group like a competition bagpipe band).
Product ID:937
