Every parent dreams of passing down their traditions to the next generations. Scottish parents are fortunate here because they get multiple opportunities to make their dream come true. A very popular opportunity is to wear a traditional dress known as a “kilt outfit.” Every Scot proudly wears his cultural dress and promotes it among his kids, even though this trend is becoming popular among non-Scots. Parents new to kilts are seen making some mistakes, and a common one is choosing the wrong-sized kilt outfit. This article is meant to help them and let them help as a sizing guide for kids’s kilts. First, let’s understand why the proper sizing matters!
Why Proper Sizing Matters
Wearing kilts is a bit different from dressing up in other garments. Scottish attire has a unique design and varied length from pants and trousers. If we explore the importance of wearing proper-sized kilts, they offer multiple benefits. First of all, their open design adds a uniqueness to the attire. Second, the accurate size of kilts keeps the wearers comfortable. Last but not least, wearing the right size means respecting the attire. Conclusively, no matter whether you wear a kilt yourself or are attiring it to your kids, proper sizing should be the primary concern.
How to Measure a Child for a Kilt
The importance of proper sizing must be clear to you now; the next thing is to see how to get the accurate measurement of a child. Surprisingly, there is no difference between getting a measurement for your own or your baby’s kilt. Ensure you use a measurement tape for precise calculation. Ask the child to stand straight and relax into a natural posture.
Waist: Measure your child’s waist at the navel and leave a finger space to tuck the shirt into it.
Hip: The next step is measuring the hips. So, measure hips at the fullest part so the kilt may be wide enough to stay comfortable.
Length: Standing straight is crucial for calculating the length for a kid’s kilt. Get a measurement from the navel to the mid-knee, as it is the exact place to wear a kilt.
Understanding a Kids’ Kilt Sizing Chart
| Age | Waist | Seat | Length |
| 0-2 Years | 9″ – 20″ | 48-50cm | 22″ | 55cm | 11″ | 28cm |
| 3-5 Years | 21″ – 22″ | 53-55cm | 24″ | 61cm | 14″ | 35.5cm |
| 6-8 Years | 23″ – 25″ | 58-63cm | 26″ | 66cm | 17″ | 43cm |
| 9-11 Years | 26″ – 28″ | 66-71cm | 28″ | 71cm | 20″ | 51cm |
Common Sizing Mistakes Parents Make
Parents, especially non-Scots, are seen making some mistakes while measuring kilts for their kids. These mistakes are common but easily avoided with a little care. It can happen because of a lack of information. So, we find it crucial to discuss this point here so the kids may stay comfortable in their attire.
- The traditional way of wearing kilts is to set them on higher than standard trousers, and parents unintentionally measure their kids to pant length.
- Accurate width size is essential, but parents choose the tight ones so the kilt may not fall down. They often overlook the availability of adjustable waistbands.
- The exact length of a kilt falls to the middle of the kneecap. However, many kids are wearing apparel that is too long or too short.
- Even though it’s not a sizing mistake, children are usually seen with sporrans hanging very low, which causes discomfort and impacts the visuals.
Features That Ensure Room to Grow in Kids’ Kilts
What should be your top concern when measuring a kilt for your child? It is to leave some room, as they are always growing in age as well as size. Ignoring this can limit how long your child can wear the kilt. So, to ensure an extended companionship of kilts with your baby, align the given features.
- Prefer buying a kilt with an adjustable waistband because they allow you to insert elastic, resulting in flexibility of the kilt.
- Many well-made kilts come with additional fabric in the hem, allowing for lengthening as your child grows taller.
- Kilts with side straps that feature multiple notches can easily be adjusted to fit a growing waistline. This adaptability allows the kilt to be tightened or loosened as needed.
- Pleats not only give kilts their traditional look but can also provide extra room when needed. Skilled tailoring can let out the pleats slightly, giving the garment a better fit as your child grows.
How to Ensure Long-Term Fit for Growing Kids
Children keep themselves busy in different physical activities such as playing, running, and jumping. The chances of facing wear and tear remain higher, which shortens the lifespan of kilts. That’s why it’s important for parents to ensure a long-lasting fit by following these tips.
- Choose a slightly larger kilt or one that can be adjusted over time.
- A large or loose kilt slips down, but you can use suspenders or belts to hold up a larger kilt early on.
- Prioritize choosing a flexible material or design so the kilt may not tear when your kid is playing.
- TFinally, preserve the fabric quality through proper care and storage.
When to Consider a New Kilt
Parents often ask when their child is old enough to start wearing a kilt. They should know there is no particular age to wear kilts, and even infants and toddlers are seen wearing kilts. However, parents should dress up their children in traditional attire when they start to walk. Some schools, such as Queen Victoria School in Dunblane, have kilt outfits as uniform, which means that student age is the perfect age to wear kilts, as it also seeds the love for tradition.
Where to Buy a New Kilt for Your Kid
Buying a kilt outfit for your child is an outstanding idea to make him aware of culture. However, your top priority should be to buy a high-quality kilt. To buy such a product, you need to search for a reliable store, and none in this domain is better than Scottish Kilt Co.
FAQs or Quick Tips Section
What fabrics are best for kids’ kilts that grow with them?
The opinion of experts in this scenario is to choose medium-weight wool fabric. This fabric is neither difficult to carry nor does it tear easily.
What are the pros of elastic waistbands for kids' kilts?
Kids’ kilts are easy to put on and take off thanks to elastic waistbands. They allow kids to wear the same kilt longer as they grow. They don’t require buttons or belts, are comfortable, and stretch when kids move.
Are adjustable kilts comfortable for long wear during events?
Yes, adjustable kilts for kids are pretty comfortable, while the only condition is being well-fitted and composed of breathable materials.
What are ideal events for children to wear kilts?
Every event where men or women wear kilts is suitable for children to dress up too. While specifying some particular ones, consider cultural celebrations like Highland Games, family gatherings, and Burns Night Supper. Likewise, formal events include weddings, Hogmanay, and Christmas Eve.
