WWI Seaforth's Kilt - Interesting fastening

**figheadair** · 22nd December 16, 07:03 AM

WWI Seaforth's Kilt from the STA's collection - Interesting fastening.

Click image for larger version.

Name: Seaforth Highlanders Kilt - WWI.jpg
Views: 51
Size: 226.5 KB
ID: 29710

The quality suggests that this was an officer's kilt and the fastening persumably a personal preference or the form used by his kilt maker (no label) but probably privately made rather than by the regimental stitch. I've seen this method of fastening on a few late 19th and early 20th century kilts.

**The Q** · 22nd December 16, 07:13 AM

Do you know if the kilt had the full stabilser in it's build? That method of wearing a kilt would seem to be a good way of reducing stress in the waist area of the fabric of the kilt. (I'm assuming the belt went round the front under or over the apron of course).

**figheadair** · 22nd December 16, 07:39 AM

Originally Posted by The Q

Do you know if the kilt had the full stabilser in it's build? That method of wearing a kilt would seem to be a good way of reducing stress in the waist area of the fabric of the kilt. (I'm assuming the belt went round the front under or over the apron of course).

It appears to have stablising material. I haven't measured the length but would be surprised in there was eight yards of material, probably closer to six. The strap is attached to the edge of the inner apron so would only go around the sides and back, not the front as well.

**tundramanq** · 22nd December 16, 07:47 AM

I bet you are correct Q. With a belt loop on the front of the left under apron to hold that edge up and another slit near the right top aprons edge, this would be all secure with a full belt and leaving stress off the wool.

**Steve Ashton** · 22nd December 16, 08:37 AM

I've seen a couple kilts with this type of belt fastening too. I posted about it about three years ago.

It seems to have been quite common and possibly a transition before the three buckle arrangement we know today.

Strangely the kilts I saw were also Seaforth military kilts of about the same period.

Perhaps we are seeing the signature of a single kiltmaker or a school of kilmaking for this Regiment.

**plaid preacher** · 22nd December 16, 09:56 AM

I seem to recall seeing an article by Matt Newsome on this as well. And now... the belt keepers on the back of the kilt make sense.

**Steve Ashton** · 22nd December 16, 11:05 AM

I would say that only if there is the long strap would the loops in the back be intended for the strap. The large loops you see on most kilts today are to keep the sporran strap from sliding off the hips.

**tundramanq** · 22nd December 16, 11:54 AM

I agree Steve, this kilt has loops sized for that narrower belt and not much else. I'm thinking it's a very early version of the little kilt.

**figheadair** · 22nd December 16, 12:46 PM

Originally Posted by tundramanq

I agree Steve, this kilt has loops sized for that narrower belt and not much else. I'm thinking it's a very early version of the little kilt.

A WWI era kilt is definitly not an early version of the little kilt, they had been been around over 100 years by then.

**Jock Scot** · 22nd December 16, 01:05 PM

Having never worn the kilt with that sort of fastening I do wonder if that fastening was easier to operate when the owner was "in the line"? I am wondering if the owner, perhaps with advice from the tailor, took a conscious decision to have that style of fastening for practical reasons? Who knows?