Two buckles vs three?

**Stan** · 1st January 13, 08:42 PM

I'm preparing to order a nice 5 years casual kilt (16 0z.) from Scotweb, and I see that they only offer they're casual kilt with 2 straps instead of three.

In the postings I read about 13 oz. vs 16 oz. but I haven't read about 2 straps vs three, or casual kilt (made with tartan) that's measured like pants, vs traditional kilts that are measured at the navel.

I own three traditional kilts (two MacGregor moderns in 13 oz. and one black watch in 16 oz.) and all have three straps.

Looking for any opinions regarding two straps vs. three, and casual "cut" vs. traditional.

Thanks
Stan L.

**flyrod6057** · 1st January 13, 09:00 PM

I own a number of kilts in various weights. Some have two buckles; some have three, depending on who made them. I have personally stitched kilts with both options: two versus three buckles. I have noticed no difference between the two options. As many would tell you, you only NEED two buckles. However, you may prefer three. (I put a third strap/buckle on my last kilt to showcase the brass buckle and brown leather straps I chose.) It's up to you.

As for casual versus traditional cut: I prefer a traditional kilt. Wearing the kilt like a pair of jeans just feels wrong to me. I prefer the rise myself, but to each his own.

Regards,

Brad

**Spartan Tartan** · 1st January 13, 09:06 PM

There actuall have been discussions ver 2 v 3 buckles before. However, my search fu is terrivle and I can never find old threads. Personally, have kilts both ways and much prefer 2 buckles. The third has never been an issue but seems to interfere with my sporran strap. Perhaps, "much" is a tad overstated. I do happen to prefer the cleaner look of only 2 buckles.

**madmacs** · 1st January 13, 09:29 PM

2...

Just got my first kilt with 3... Just doesnt feel right... Of course if you ask someone who has only had 3 buckles, then they will probably say the same about 2...

If it's made to your waist and hip measurements, then either should be fine

**California Highlander** · 1st January 13, 09:33 PM

This thread was from this past October, fairly fresh.
http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...-straps-76659/

Both sides make a case. I have a 3 strap/buckle casual from Burnett and Struth and as Jock suggests, keep the third strap looser so the kilt hangs right. I like the third strap on the lighter casual if you are in windy situations. Tighten it a bit more and it keeps things down better. But other than that, unnecessary. I also like the look of three.

**hector** · 2nd January 13, 01:22 AM

The third buckle is more for the optical aspect of wearing kilts. It does not really serve any other purpose.

**TheOfficialBren** · 2nd January 13, 02:24 AM

I remember that thread, California Highlander. It was an interesting read.

**Stan** · 2nd January 13, 10:01 AM

Thank you for your observation and opinion. It seems that (in general) your opinion of the "third buckle" is shared by most responders.

As a "new guy" to the kilt world, I've learned something today that's filling in a void in my (newly acquired) kilt information bank. I'm suspect that "now that I know" my future purchases may be a bit different than they would have been.

Thanks

**Stan** · 2nd January 13, 09:52 AM

Information noted, and appreciated. I'm begening to come to the same conclusion, but for some reason I seem to be (slightly) hanging onto the "it needs to have 3" idea.

Thanks again for your opinion and help.

**Stan** · 2nd January 13, 09:42 AM

I appreciate the feed back, and information. These three kilts are my first ones, but so far I think that I'm leaning towards the traditional kilt too. I had so much fun with the first kilt (13 oz. Macgregor modern in a traditional cut) that I bought a kilt for a cousin of mine. For him I purchased a sports kilt, and when it came (and prior to my passing it on) I tried it on and while it WAS a kilt, it didn't feel any thing like, my kilts. It was "cut low", and (I've come to figure) about a 10 oz. fabric.

Being a "new-be" to kilt wearing, and at the time pretty unfamiliar with fabric weights, while the sports kilt was going to make a nice gift, I knew that it had a very slight resemblance to the feel and look of a 13 or 16 ounce traditional kilt. After the "gift" was opened by my cousin (who wasn't expecting any thing any way) I sent him an email telling him that in my opinion if he wanted a "real" kilt experience he should go and try on a 16 oz'er.

So, again, thank you for your opinions regarding (A) 2 vs 3 buckles, and

sports / casual cut vs. traditional. It was a big help.....