Belt etiquette?

[Bryan]

Apologies in advance if this has been asked before. Is there any rule concerning belts? Not width, but appearance. Is it okay to wear a belt (one designed with a kilt in mind, of course) that is embossed with, say, knotwork and a buckle with the same knotwork to a semi-formal event or is a plain belt in order? I've seen advertisements for "Dress Belts" that are just plain.

Thoughts?

Bryan

[Mr. MacDougall]

I'd say that it's a matter of personal choice, other than the guideline about not wearing a belt with a vest.

[cavscout]

It is really personal choice. If your outfit is fairly simply detailed (not a lot of bling-bling and accessories) I think a fancier belt can look really nice. If the outfit already has a lot of bling-bling and accessories, then you may want to temper the belt and leathers a bit so as not to appear cluttered and "busy".

[billmcc]

This type of belt and waistplate is intended for semi-formal to formal wear:
http://www.tartanweb.com/shop/highla...s/dress_belts/

This type of belt is intended for casual every day wear:
http://www.tartanweb.com/shop/highla...aywear_belts/#

Embossing and such is a matter of personal taste.

[pipesndrumsnun]

I personally would suggest not wearing a belt that looks so unusual that it distracts from your kilt!

[ccga3359]

I personally would suggest not wearing a belt that looks so unusual that it distracts from your kilt!

Like that could happen .

Bryan the only thing I've heard re belts for formal is don't if wearing a waistcoat. I say wear it if you choose.

[JRB]

There are times when a belt isn't warrented. Wearing a waistcoat, for instance, precludes the need for a belt. When I wear a sweater that isn't tucked into my kilt I won't wear a belt. A sporran, on the other hand, is always a good idea (at least with a traditional kilt). On the topic of types of belts, I like to wear a prong type buckle belt (or my herne belt) when going casual and a plate type buckle belt when dressing up.

[Big Homestead]

Personal choice.

Cheers

[KiltedDawg]

Additional Belt Question:

Do you wear you belt inside of the belt loops (if your kilt has them) or outside?

I was taught to use the belt loops for my sporran strap and wear the belt over the loops. However, I do see a ton of pictures from some very seasoned kilties who wear their belt and sporran strap inside of their belt loops.

Comments/suggestions?

[James MacMillan]

Additional Belt Question:

Do you wear you belt inside of the belt loops (if your kilt has them) or outside?

I was taught to use the belt loops for my sporran strap and wear the belt over the loops. However, I do see a ton of pictures from some very seasoned kilties who wear their belt and sporran strap inside of their belt loops.

Comments/suggestions?

I think it's a matter of personal preference. Sometimes, if I know that I am going to be very active, and getting in and out of the truck, or sitting down and standing up a lot (and the kilt has belt loops that are large enough) I use the loops. Other times, I don't.

Of course all my kilts don't have belt loops.

Overall, it doesn't seem to make much difference - in or out. Some say that the kilt will sag if you use the loops - one of my oldest kilts 50 - 60 years, has belt loops, and I have never noticed (and I have looked) any sag.

Of course, your experience may vary.

In general, I like usable belt loops. So normally, if the kilt has them, I'll use them.

I know, I know - - I didn't answer the question. But everybody is different. I don't think anyone is going to walk up to you on the street and say.

"Hey Kilted one, you forgot to put your belt through the loops."