What Are the Two Loops on Kilt Belt?

[Galb]

I am just curious. When I bought my original belt, it had two leather loops on it. I am sure you all know what I am talking about. You can see them on any picture that is labeled as a kilt belt. Perfect Example Notice the loops on the one side of the buckle and the other at the connecting end? What are these SUPPOSED to be used for? I'm curious what their real purpose is.

So far I've used them as loops to run my sporran chain through. I simply slide the loops back beyond halfway on both sides so that the sporran hangs naturally, yet has the extra support of the loops. But that is what I've used them for. I could be totally incorrect in the usage. Then again, others may say do it cause there are no real "rules". Regardless, now that I've been wearing my kilts more and more, I am real curious as to what these are supposed to be.

[Galician]

Those belts are usually adjustable as regards the length. I find that they are helpful in keeping the adjusted leather in place after any change.

[cavscout]

I use them in the same fashion as Galician. I like them flanking each side of the buckle to "frame" it. They also assist in keeping the folded over leather from bulging at the bend.

[JS Sanders]

I believe the technical term for these loops is "keeper".

Slainte yall,
steve

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

I believe the technical term for these loops is "keeper".

The very term. And they are there to "snug down" the belt to keep the buckle and tab (the part the belt buckles through) in place. On really expensive belts the buckle and tab were two separate items (usually of silver) and were removed when the belt was cleaned or polished. Nowadays the buckles tend to be chrome plated brass and the tab is a bit of twisted wire stitched in place on the belt. Two keepers are provided; one to locate the buckle and the other to provide visual balance.

[James MacMillan]

The very term. And they are there to "snug down" the belt to keep the buckle and tab (the part the belt buckles through) in place. On really expensive belts the buckle and tab were two separate items (usually of silver) and were removed when the belt was cleaned or polished. Nowadays the buckles tend to be chrome plated brass and the tab is a bit of twisted wire stitched in place on the belt. Two keepers are provided; one to locate the buckle and the other to provide visual balance.

I have two black belts that have this fold back adjustment and came with tow keepers each. The keepers are very similar leather but the belts are very different in quality. What I do with the keepers, and I really don't care if it's what they were designed for or not, is to use them to keep my sporran belt in place, and the right hand one also holds my key ring, when I don't put the keys in the sporran.

I don't put the keepers on each side of the buckle, as they are un-needed. But they do function very well to keep the sporran strap positioned! My leather keepers then tend to be on each side of my body, and maybe a scosh to the rear.

Works for me, and I like the functionality of it.

[ChattanCat]

I have two black belts that have this fold back adjustment and came with tow keepers each.

Hey Jay, what is a tow keeper? Are you planning on towing your wife around?

[Galb]

I have two black belts that have this fold back adjustment and came with tow keepers each. The keepers are very similar leather but the belts are very different in quality. What I do with the keepers, and I really don't care if it's what they were designed for or not, is to use them to keep my sporran belt in place, and the right hand one also holds my key ring, when I don't put the keys in the sporran.

I don't put the keepers on each side of the buckle, as they are un-needed. But they do function very well to keep the sporran strap positioned! My leather keepers then tend to be on each side of my body, and maybe a scosh to the rear.

Works for me, and I like the functionality of it.

This is what I've been using them for so far. I may instead try using them in a way in which they were designed, especially considering the sporran seems to balance itself nicely with or without the keepers.

Thanks for the replies all.

[Jack Daw]

After you decapitate a sassenach with your claymore, tie its locks of hair to the loops and allow the trophies to dangle and sway like the tassles of your sporran.

[Galician]

After you decapitate a sassenach with your claymore, tie its locks of hair to the loops and allow the trophies to dangle and sway like the tassles of your sporran.

Excuse me??