When TO and when NOT to wear a sporran?

**GreenDragon** · 12th August 08, 01:21 PM

When is it proper etiquette to wear a sporran and when is it not? Or when do you have to?

**Nick** · 12th August 08, 01:26 PM

If you're dressed formally it would be inappropriate to not wear a sporran. Casually, you could wear it or not depending on your preference. I think a traditional kilt looks incomplete without a sporran, personally.

**davedove** · 12th August 08, 01:28 PM

I would say that when going casually, you can make your own decision.

When dressing up, especially formally and in a traditional kilt, the sporran is part of the outfit and needs to be worn.

On the practical side, the traditional kilt does not have any pockets, so the sporran is where you would keep your stuff.

**Retro Red** · 12th August 08, 01:32 PM

I have a pretty simple standard. If I'm wearing a kilt that has pockets, like the UK I'm currently wearing, I don't wear a sporran. If I'm wearing a more traditional kilt that doesn't have pockets, then I wear a sporran because I've got to have somewhere to put my wallet & keys. I also agree that a trad kilt looks incomplete without a sporran.

.

**cessna152towser** · 12th August 08, 01:36 PM

I normally wear a sporran with a traditional kilt and no sporran with a modern style single colour kilt which has pockets. The sporran, as I see it, is part of the overall traditional Scottish tartan kilted look, while going without a sporran is OK for "millenium man wearing a skirt, thick socks and boots". Having said that there have been occasions when I have worn my Freelander sporran with a non trad. style of kilt for extra carrying capacity.

**Monkey@Arms** · 12th August 08, 01:51 PM

I'd also factor in the weight of the kilt. With some lightweight kilts, a sporran helps maintain modesty.

Best regards,

Jake

**sharpdressedscot** · 12th August 08, 02:14 PM

I wear it for casual and formal, but if I had like a UK I don't see a need for one.

**ardchoille** · 12th August 08, 03:03 PM

This is what I follow:
Formal attire = dress sporran required
Casual attire = semi dress or day sporran required
modern kilt (utilikilt) = no sporran

But, that's just me.

**Rex_Tremende** · 12th August 08, 03:05 PM

I often take my sporran off when I am being entertained in my friends' homes, so long as it's a small affair. If it's a bigger shindig, I keep it on. If I'm kilted at home, I don't wear one unless I'm just about to pick up my keys and walk out the door.

Regards,
Rex.

**Big Mikey** · 12th August 08, 04:12 PM

Originally Posted by davedove

On the practical side, the traditional kilt does not have any pockets, so the sporran is where you would keep your stuff.

Ahh, how soon we forget. A traditional style kilt CAN have pockets if you know the right maker.

I still wear a sporran with this kilt but removed it for the photo. As many have already said "casual kilt with pockets, no sporran needed, traditional kilt when dressed up, sporran required, traditional kilt with pockets dressed casually, your choice."