Belts?

[David Thornton]

Currently I do not wear a belt with the kilt, don't even own one. I note that most people do wear one. Back when wide belts were cool with slacks I didn't wear one either. I tried one and found it very warm in the summer.
So, is that a matter of prefrence, or do I really need to buy one?
Thanks
David

[Shay]

If you're going with the whole formal kit, it's a good idea.

Other than that- I say wear what makes you happy. I've noticed a couple members have posted their backs didn't hurt as much after wearing the wide kilt belt, but that's more a side benefit than a reason.

[David Thornton]

I appreciate that, now thw nay sayers can jump on.
But... with the full formal, meaning with waist coat, the belt isn't seen anyway.
David

[Shay]

Isn't the sporran on a full formal hanging from a belt, not a waist chain, for proper placement?

[Canuck]

Full formal, no belt. Dress Sporran with chain belt. Casual wear belt is optional. Day sporran with a thin (3/4") leather belt or in some cases with a sling.
I make a belt with a round braid instead of the chain portion on the sporran belt

[Bob C]

Just as a personal preference, I don't like the way kilts look without belts. Even with a waistcoat, it just looks "unfinished." Without a waistcoat, a kilt without a belt just looks bad.

I'm not sure what Shay is talking about with the sporran. It should be on its own chain belt with formal and on its own leather strap with casual/day dress.

I've seen those sporran hangers that attach to a regular belt. They look like Hell.

Just opinions, of course. That's what most of this stuff is.

[arrogcow]

I know many say no belt when formal, but...

When I wear my Tank properly at my "True waist" (whatever that means), there is no way that it will stay on. My real waist (you know the skinniest part of my body) is much smaller than my gut and without a belt my kilt would drop about 4 inches and end up hanging off my hips (like low rider jeans).

Adam

[Ranald]

Currently I do not wear a belt with the kilt, don't even own one. I note that most people do wear one. Back when wide belts were cool with slacks I didn't wear one either. I tried one and found it very warm in the summer.
So, is that a matter of prefrence, or do I really need to buy one?
Thanks
David

Hi David, my own opinion for what it's worth is depending on what your wearing will depend on the need for a belt.
If it's winter and your wearing a jumper or top that would cover the area of a belt then no.
if it's summer and your wearing shirt or t shirt then yes..why because it's look over function.
Saying that though, if your confident in the fit of the kilt I don't see the need, but I would adopt the idea if it looks right then it is right.
Maybe you should be thinking outside the box here if your really set on no belt, like having a dummy belt sewn on to the kilt for summer, which would serve no practical use but would look right.
This is sort of like wearing garters or flashes as I know them, only the elastic serves a porpose but the flashy bit just for the looks !
There are other examples of things that get carried over that are of no practical use but because of tradition (here's that word again) some of use carry on using them.
I hope my thinking is clear and gives you something to think about.
My best Richard.