Sporran chain advice needed

**MizzouScotsman** · 16th May 13, 01:00 AM

I have what may be a silly question. I have done some looking and can't find an answer. It concerns sporran chains. I have seen some places that say it's ok to wear the sporran chain through the belt loops in the kilt and some places that it is a definite no no to wear it through the loops.

As always, the rabble is the place to go to find a definitive answer. So is it proper to wear the sporran chain through the belt loops? I have not done it but to me it would seem to put undo stress on the loops. But then again, it would secure the sporran a bit better, according to some.

I have moved away from my sporran hangers as they tended to sling the sporran a bit low and when moving at a good clip, the sporran tended to beat up the family, if you get my meaning. So I have started to use a chain, have not graduated to a belt yet, and wish to make sure I not only wear it properly but that I don't do damage to my precious kilts.

Thanks guys and gals, in advance.

**Downunder Kilt** · 16th May 13, 01:49 AM

If the kilt I am wearing at the time has belt loops i wear my sporran belt through them, only because they are there. I think you are mixing up stories of kilt belts being put through the loops and possibly damaging the kilt. I have never heard of a concern about threading sporran belts through them. As I said, if they are on the kilt I use them, if I am wearing one of my kilts with not belt loops the sporran belt stays in roughly the same spot anyways. The only damage that you are likely to cause to your kilt with the scenerio you post about is using chain. Unless you ensure that all the links and their closures are super smooth. along the any attachment clips (to attached to your sporran) there is a chance that threads on your kilt could be caught or worn through. When metal and fabric rub together, metal wins. I would suggest getting the all leather sporran strap ASAP.

**Manxstralian** · 16th May 13, 01:58 AM

On a similar(ish) note, do any of the rabble know of, or have a suggestion for a high-quality sporran chain retailer? I need one only for formal occasions (once or twice a year), but I think it's a good investment. I'm not looking to spend hundreds, but $100 or thereabouts sounds feasible.

Cheers,

Cameron

**MacCathmhaoil** · 16th May 13, 03:05 AM

My only concern with chains is that the cheaper ones may have a tendancy to snag on the kilt causing some damage. Cheaper chains may not have welded links. I have a sterling silver set with the links all welded and polished so there is minimal chance of any snagging or damage. Generally for day wear I prefer leather sporran belts.

**KiltFitz** · 17th May 13, 07:46 AM

Originally Posted by Manxstralian

On a similar(ish) note, do any of the rabble know of, or have a suggestion for a high-quality sporran chain retailer? I need one only for formal occasions (once or twice a year), but I think it's a good investment. I'm not looking to spend hundreds, but $100 or thereabouts sounds feasible.

Cheers,

Cameron

Cameron,

Some fancy chains on here which won't break the bank.

http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Kilts-Wi-Ha...4.l1581&_pgn=2

**MacCathmhaoil** · 17th May 13, 08:54 AM

Again, be careful of chains with sharp edges, square corners or open unwelded/ unfinished links as they can quickly abrade the wool. I went out and bought a heavy 20" sterling silver chain, the type you'd wear around your neck, and had eyelets silver soldered on the end. The eyelets were large enough to thread a strap through, a neck chain was used because the links are all smooth and polished to prevent the chain saw effect on one's neck. All in all it cost less than $150. and you have your choice of chain styles, significantly cheaper and better quality than some being sold by many Scottish shops. I went one step further and I'm having a couple of straps made in different leather, stingray to match sporran etc, makes it very versatile.

**alsrx** · 17th May 13, 03:05 PM

Where does one find leather sporran straps? I haven't seen any listed anywhere.

**ThistleDown** · 17th May 13, 06:38 PM

Originally Posted by Manxstralian

On a similar(ish) note, do any of the rabble know of, or have a suggestion for a high-quality sporran chain retailer? I need one only for formal occasions (once or twice a year), but I think it's a good investment. I'm not looking to spend hundreds, but $100 or thereabouts sounds feasible.

Cheers,

Cameron

Visit http://houseoflabhran.com.

**jgcunningham** · 19th May 13, 04:23 PM

You can also find leather purse straps with clips on each end at thrift shops. You will probably have to buy the purse to get the strap, but then you have some leather that you might be able to convert into a sporran.

**Grizzly** · 16th May 13, 04:11 AM

Originally Posted by Downunder Kilt

If the kilt I am wearing at the time has belt loops i wear my sporran belt through them, only because they are there. I think you are mixing up stories of kilt belts being put through the loops and possibly damaging the kilt. I have never heard of a concern about threading sporran belts through them. As I said, if they are on the kilt I use them, if I am wearing one of my kilts with not belt loops the sporran belt stays in roughly the same spot anyways. The only damage that you are likely to cause to your kilt with the scenerio you post about is using chain. Unless you ensure that all the links and their closures are super smooth. along the any attachment clips (to attached to your sporran) there is a chance that threads on your kilt could be caught or worn through. When metal and fabric rub together, metal wins. I would suggest getting the all leather sporran strap ASAP.

Yep what Mike said.

In addition to threading my sporran belt through the belt loops I also tuck in the strap above and behind the kilt buckles. This tends to keep the sporran raised and prevents it lowering itself to where it is decidedly uncomfortable.