Belt Loops on Kilts - Why?

[MACKAY]

I have several kilts, and all have belt loops (2.5 to 3 inches). However, I have been told to NOT put my kilt belt through the loops, but rather over them. And to use the belt loops only to hold the sporran strap.

Were all kilts traditionally made with a belt loops? Or is this a recent evolutionary item on the kilt? Just curious if that is correct. I don't understand why belt loops would be 3 inches wide if they were only for a sporran strap?

BTW: The wife just gave the okay to order the new SWK BlackWatch Heavy Wool Kilt for my birthday. I am quickly placing the order before she comes to her senses and wants to pay the electric bill instead :-)

Brian Mackay

[M. A. C. Newsome]

I don't put belt loops on my kilts unless the client just has to have them. I don't think they serve a real purpose, though I know some people disagree.

Matt

[chasem]

From what I've heard and read (including Barb T.'s book) you don't use them for a belt, just the sporran strap (as you said.) I'm not sure why they'd be so large either, but who knows.

[macwilkin]

At one time the belt loops were used in the Highland Regiments of the British Army to hang kilts up on pegs in the barracks, if I remember correctly.

Cheers,

Todd

[sav]

Todd,
You've got it right! The large belt loops were first used widely on military kilts during the First World War, as most Highland troops fought kilted in the Great War. Not only did this allow for easy storage in barracks, but also allowed for the webgear belts to be threaded into the kilt belt loops. The general issue model P-1908 webgear belt, issued to all Tommys at the outbreak of the Great War, fits perfectly into most modern belt loops on a kilt. As to why they have continued to be produced on civilian kilts....beats me! :confused: At any rate, sorry to lecture y'all with a history lesson...
~Sav

[arrogcow]

I've gotta say, I've tried it both ways with the belt. First I think it looks weird with a belt going over the loops (think missing a belt loop on a pair of - pthooy- pants).

Second, if I am wearing my tank (not so much of a problem with the my light weight Stillwater) the belt will eventually ride up (or the kilt slide down). As a result I tend to use the belt loops as belt loops.

Adam

[Mr. Kilt]

I've gotta say, I've tried it both ways with the belt. First I think it looks weird with a belt going over the loops (think missing a belt loop on a pair of - pthooy- pants).

Second, if I am wearing my tank (not so much of a problem with the my light weight Stillwater) the belt will eventually ride up (or the kilt slide down). As a result I tend to use the belt loops as belt loops.

Adam

I agree with you 100% on this, Adam.

[bubba]

I never used the belt loops on any of my kilts. I either wear a 2 1/4 inch or 3 inch belt and never had a problem with the belt riding up or the kilt slipping down.

[Bob C]

I've gotta say, I've tried it both ways with the belt. First I think it looks weird with a belt going over the loops (think missing a belt loop on a pair of - pthooy- pants).

Second, if I am wearing my tank (not so much of a problem with the my light weight Stillwater) the belt will eventually ride up (or the kilt slide down). As a result I tend to use the belt loops as belt loops.

Adam

Exactly.

[Hamish]

I have worn the traditional kilt for over fifty years and have ALWAYS threaded my kilt belt through the loops at the back, as have most kilt wearers I have ever known. This was how I was taught to wear it by the maker of my first kilt and I am sure the majority of present day Scottish kiltmakers would advise the same. (The hanging loops are attached inside the waistband on the left and right-hand sides).

Additionally, I have NEVER worn my sporran strap through the belt loops, as I have explained many times both on this Forum and elsewhere. There is no need for this to be done since the sporran strap sits perfectly well and comfortably, loose and just below the kilt belt.