Does a Kilt Need a Belt?

[BoClark]

I am very new to XMTS site and to kilts. I am looking for a good kilt maker to make me a good traditional kilt, (recommendations welcome) but there only seems to be one in the San Diego area. Anxious to get my first kilt and begin practicing in a kilt for the upcoming highland games, I ordered a kilt from sport kilt. I followed their measuring instructions and measured 3 times. I ordered the kilt, and it fit, I think. Basically, if feels very loose and would not require much assistance to fall.

Is the belt required to help keep the kilt in place or is it more for appearance? Should a well-made and properly fitting kilt feel snug enough that I'm not concerned with it falling down without a belt?

Thank you
Bo

[Father Bill]

Hi Bo!

The belt is basically to support a dirk, which is extremely unusual, usually inappropriate, often a problem, and inevitably a nuisance. Other than that it's decorative.

Your kilt should fit without it. Consider having your kiltmaker move the buckles/ straps an inch or so and letting him/her know that s/he missed the mark.

Beyond that, you can do that yourself and if you use the search engine here you'll find instructions, or add buttons for suspenders which are quite appropriate with a kilt as noted in another current thread, and invisible if you're wearing a sweater/ jumper/ pullover or vest.

You can always wear the belt decoratively and tight. It does help in a situation like yours.

Meanwhile... good question, and glad you're on board!

Bill+

[craigclan]

I am yet to wear a belt with my kilt , Actually i don't own one and have yet to find a reason to buy on . Aslong as your kilt fits well i don't see a need for one

[McMurdo]

No need for a belt with a well made and properly measured for kilt. I would suggest at least getting your measurements from the local kilt maker, and always get your measurements done from the kilt maker of your choice wherever possible. Alternatively be careful to get your measurements taken by someone else, trying to measure yourself will throw off the measurements.

As far as kilt makers go for a traditional kilt I would recommend Barb Tewksbury Her ad is on the right side of the page. I have 2 of her kilts and they are the best in my collection.

Here is my first from Barb, when I picked it up, I did not need a belt, though in my haste to get the photo I did have my sporran a bit low:


Here is the second kilt from Barb, again no belt needed.

[Kilted Cole]

Hello and Welcome!
As others have already stated, there really is not requirement unless your wearing a dirk, or wearing specific types of doublets, example would be a Montrose, I'll load a pic of that for you. But for day to day wear, there is really no need unless you wish to have it. Before I realized this, I used an old web belt, Army belt used for holding canteens and other gear. Works great, looks great, but......I lost my ability to remain skinny, and the belt no longer fits.
What it all boils down to is personal taste. If you want to wear it, go for it. Just don't feel as though you MUST wear it.

IMG_20131205_153606.jpg

[JohntheBiker]

As Father Bill has said, you should not require a belt to hold up your kilt. However, you should probably fix the fit.

A belt is an accessory that gives you some room for expression when you are not wearing a sweater or a vest. There are lots of threads on belts that you can research if you wish. Plenty of pictures illustrating a real variety of belts and buckles.

[jhockin]

another point about wearing a belt, with a kilt, is made in Barbs book: do not wear it through the two belt loops, that one usually finds on the back of your kilt. these are made to support the sporran belt, not a kilt belt. wearing a wide kilt belt through them actually does damage to the kilt (see barbs book).

[artificer]

Welcome aboard!

As others have said the 'kilt belt' is technically a Dirk Belt, and isn't at all required (and shouldn't be with a proper fitting kilt).

I tend to wear one if I'm not wearing a jacket or sweater (jumper) over it. I think it lends a slightly more 'finished' look.

That said, the belt I wear casually isn't a waistplate style belt (which really doesn't look terribly good when worn casually IMO)
but a Sam Browne style buckle and matching one-piece leather sporran strap instead of a chain.

DSC09607.JPG

ith:

[pn1scott]

another point about wearing a belt, with a kilt, is made in Barbs book: do not wear it through the two belt loops, that one usually finds on the back of your kilt. these are made to support the sporran belt, not a kilt belt. wearing a wide kilt belt through them actually does damage to the kilt (see barbs book).

This brings up a question I've been meaning to ask. If the sporran belt is under the kilt belt, how is one supposed to turn the sporran easily to use the restroom? I've begun to wear my kilt belt through the belt loops, then the sporran on top of the belt. This leaves the sporran belt loose enough to turn easily when needed. It may not be "traditional" but it works for me. Thoughts?...

[Kilted Cole]

It's alot and I mean a LOT easier to do when you have an all leather sporran belt. I personally don't wear chains any longer because of how much more comfortable I find the leather to be. So, it just slides to what ever side you wish when using the rest room.