Saggy sporran solution

**David Thorpe** · 20th November 12, 11:54 AM

As discussed in another thread, some of us gentlemen of substance have an issue with sporran straps when a vest or sweater is worn in lieu of a kilt belt. The sporran strap inevitably slips downward in front, causing an unsightly bulge above it, bunching of the kilt front and or the sporran hanging too low.
Understanding that it may have been done before by someone else, I gave the problem some thought and arrived at a (not necessarily unique) solution.
I did a quick prototype in two versions for testing on my lunch break from kilting.
sporran-clips.jpg
The holster clips slide down over the kilt waistband and the sporran strap is fed through the rings. This replaces the support of rings attached to (absent) belt keepers.
Constructive feedback welcome.

**Tobus** · 20th November 12, 12:20 PM

Interesting idea! It would be nice to see it on the kilt with the sporran. Do you think a square or rectangular set of rings might work better? Or even just extend the leather tabs down further to support the sporran strap and dispense with the metal rings entirely?

**David Thorpe** · 20th November 12, 01:15 PM

Originally Posted by Tobus

Interesting idea! It would be nice to see it on the kilt with the sporran. Do you think a square or rectangular set of rings might work better? Or even just extend the leather tabs down further to support the sporran strap and dispense with the metal rings entirely?

I don't see any reason why either of those ideas wouldn't work fine. D-rings would work too. I didn't think about not using rings at all. I may try that. Come to think of it, I guess the rings on the belt keepers might not be necessary either.

I'll model it on Thursday and try to get a couple of photos.

**Truitt** · 20th November 12, 04:19 PM

That is a great idea. I will definitely be trying out some version. Thank you for posting, and I'm looking forwar the to photos.

**shooter102** · 21st November 12, 04:58 AM

That's a great idea. I also have the same problem with bunching and was trying to find a way to correct it. Thanks.

**opositive** · 21st November 12, 10:05 AM

another *** for a great idea. it always good to wear more leather.

one of my ebay kilt specials has a couple of loops about a quarter of the way in from either side of the apron for this purpose. the "sporran chain loops" are of the same fabric as the kilt. no, they are not hanging loops--the kilt also has them.

**Zardoz** · 21st November 12, 10:43 AM

OK, am I missing something here? I don't experience any difference with how my sporran strap 'acts' if I'm not wearing a belt. Maybe the pictures would help

**sydnie7** · 21st November 12, 12:31 PM

Originally Posted by Zardoz

OK, am I missing something here? I don't experience any difference with how my sporran strap 'acts' if I'm not wearing a belt. Maybe the pictures would help

OP mentions "absent belt keepers" which seems a ref to some GoS' practice of supporting the front of the sporran belt/chain with the kilt belt keepers. Kind of a makeshift combo of sporran belt with the sporran hanger concept. OP's new gizmos are kind of like sporran hangars for use without a kilt belt. . . Bob is far from GoS, but tried some hangars and found that all they did was pull his kilt belt out of position. As the belt is (I'm told by many on this forum) supposed to be decorative rather than functional, putting additional weight on it just doesn't fly.

Another solution that's been shown here is to loop the sporran belt through your kilt side strap/buckles, assuming you have one on each side (and not the hidden left-side design a la Mr. Newsome).

Be interesting to see how the OP's gizmos fare. I'm seeing some waistband rolling/folding happening. . . but I've been wrong before!

**JohntheBiker** · 21st November 12, 12:32 PM

I get the theory, I think, but it would certainly help to see these sporran "accoutrements" in action.

**David Thorpe** · 21st November 12, 08:12 PM

Originally Posted by sydnie7

As the belt is (I'm told by many on this forum) supposed to be decorative rather than functional, putting additional weight on it just doesn't fly.

That has not been the OP's experience. At all. I don't depend on the belt to keep the kilt up, but I do wear it snugly enough to (partially) support the weight of the sporran. I seldom carry a boat anchor in mine. It doesn't weigh as much as, say, a dirk, which is also supported by the belt.

Be interesting to see how the OP's gizmos fare. I'm seeing some waistband rolling/folding happening. . . but I've been wrong before!

Also not a problem. The holster clips are small, light, and have just enough height (about 2") to make "rolling/folding" a complete non-issue.

I'm not trying to sell anything here. Simply sharing a possible solution to a problem for some kilt wearers. I'll try to get some photos of the "gizmos" in use after the grand kids go back home.