2 VS 3 Straps

[Spuggs]

I'm sure this has been talked about, but do you prefer 2 or 3 straps? I have 2 with 2 straps and one with 3. Personally I prefer the feel of the 2 and it seems to drape better. Love the look of the 3 though. So folks, what's your preference?

[Couper]

Interesting thread for this kilt newbie to follow. I have a [very] recently acquired Sportkilt and am about to order a kilt from another source where I may have these strap choices to consider.

[JSFMACLJR]

I prefer two. I've never seen the point of the third strap, and to my eyes it looks out of place.

[creagdhubh]

I prefer two. I've never seen the point of the third strap, and to my eyes it looks out of place.

***

I agree with Sandy. All of my kilts were originally tailored with 3 straps, but I had Matthew Newsome remove the superfluous third strap on all of them. I like the look (especially when wearing a coatee) and feel much better!

[Alan H]

2

(shortest post, ever!)

[piperdbh]

2

(shortest post, ever!)

and best, too

[denmcdough]

Personally, I prefer two straps and no belt loops. Two hand made kilts, by Wally Catanach, are this way, as is one made by Bonnie Heather Green.

Not sure why the third strap came about but, on my other kilts with three, it tends to pull, at least on me, the sett out of position if it's too tight.

[usonian]

I made my 8 yard tank with 2 straps after reading in The Art of Kiltmaking that the 3rd is basically superfluous (and can potentially interfere with the natural hang of the apron) on a kilt with a non-military, 2-inch rise. From my perspective it was less cost and less work.

[California Highlander]

I've found the third strap something of a help in strong wind. I was at an outdoor, evening scotch tasting and the wind and fog kicked in. I have a 16oz 4yd. By tightening up the hip strap, it helped keep things feeling more secure.

Most of the time it's just decoration. If I had a 8yd tank, probably wouldn't need it, especially since I usually wear a belt. I do like the look of the extra strap when you don't wear a belt.

[Tobus]

Yeah, we've discussed it before but since threads get locked down after six months (grrr...) it never hurts to start the discussion anew.

I like 3 straps, both for the look and the fit. I could see how our "substantial" brethren may not care for it, depending on body shape. But for me, the lower hip strap helps the fell portion of my kilts conform to my body in a (hopefully) flattering way as opposed to just hanging loosely below the top straps. The trick is to buckle it loosely, so it just helps the kilt hug the hips without pulling on the front apron. But again, I would imagine that it works differently for each body shape, and varies by the preference of the wearer.

When ordering a kilt, I figure it's better to have them put the 3rd strap on there. If for some reason I don't like it, I can always take it off. But adding one isn't so easy if you don't have the strap, buckle, or tartan material at hand. I have the same mentality for the belt loops on the rear as well.