Sporran Suspenders?

[cupojava1]

Any opinions on using sporran suspenders as opposed to the belt chain?

I'm pretty sure they are not traditional but they look like they would be less cumbersome to use.

[Bruce Scott]

There was some earlier discussion about sporran suspenders / hangers here:

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...-anyone-68224/

[thecompaqguy]

I had a pair like these knocking about somewhere, they don't look bad, but I prefer using a leather sporran strap instead as it prevents the metal clips rubbing too much on the kilt, which can wear away at the material. There are loads of variations of these out there

[cupojava1]

There was some earlier discussion about sporran suspenders / hangers here:

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...-anyone-68224/

Thanks for this. I tried using the search function but all the results seemed to be about belt suspenders.

[Terry Searl]

Any opinions on using sporran suspenders as opposed to the belt chain?

I'm pretty sure they are not traditional but they look like they would be less cumbersome to use.

When I first got my kilted attire I didn't like how the sporran sat below my tummy...I am what might be called a "Portly gent" and the suspenders did just what I wanted....Kept the sporran at a more comfortable level......but you have to wear a belt. When wearing a jacket with a waistcoat I find the belt especially if it is a heavy belt with a large buckle it makes the bottom of the waist coat protrude and so I am forever adjusting the bottom of the waistcoat. If you carry a lot of things in the sporran and the sporran becomes heavy then it pulls the belt down to a point where it is bothersome and needs adjusting. If you have the belt in belt loops it can pull the outer apron down distorting it and that then needs adjusting. I had my wife sew an 8 inch strip of velcro between the top edges of the aprons so now they stay in line.
In my newest Sporran it came with a belt and chains but I have to have it fairly snug to keep the sporran from droppings to low for my comfort. I also have a sporran belt that is very adjustable with a slip buckle ( it was a shoulder strap from a lady's handbag) and that seems to work very well....... I have been told that chains can wear or chafe the kilt fabric and that is terrible for the kilt . You are likely right when you say the suspenders aren't traditional but I think in the old days people may not have been so concerned about tradition (maybe the toffs were more concerned than the regular folk) ..comfort was more important. They may even have thought the suspenders were quite clever........In my opinion it is comfort that is more important and if any body else doesn't like like well to use an expression I had never heard before and read here in another posting....they can pound sand! heh! heh! With this kilt and sporran I wear a leather belt and it seems to work as well as the suspenders do

[Jock Scot]

I don't think any sand pounding needs to be done, Terry. If hangers work for you and others then there is really nothing more to be said. However, you describe in your post exactly the problem of wearing a belt with a waistcoat. Careful tailoring and forethought can alleviate the problem somewhat and you appear to have solved the problem to your satisfaction.

There is no rule to say you can't wear a belt with a waistcoat, but long experience does tell us that if you want to wear your kilt attire to best advantage, then best not wear a belt with the waistcoat. Of course if one needs, wants even, to wear a belt with a waistcoat, then exerting the grey matter can help.

Whilst reading your post two random thoughts , connected though, occurred to me.

One, I cannot ever recall seeing anyone wearing sporran hangers here in Scotland, that is not to say that they don't of course.
Two, it was not until I joined this website was I aware that some kilts are made with belt loops. I suppose I must have worn a dozen, or more, kilts(same Clan tartans) in a pretty long lifetime and have been surrounded by countless more, worn by family and friends and I never saw a belt loop!

[figheadair]

Depending on what one means by a belt and sporran hanger then there is a tradition in Scotland.

Here's my c1740-50 sporran with a belt loop (hanger).


And me wearing a modern copy with a waistcoat. The belt is a simple leather one about 1" wide.

[Jock Scot]

I hadn't thought of that style Peter!

Although, I doubt that I have seen many of those either.

[Liam]

I wear sporran hangers all the time.

[OC Richard]

You guys all beat me to it!

I hadn't heard of those contraptions until joining this site. They stand outside of modern Traditional Highland Dress per se. Yet I was certainly aware that that was how sporrans were originally suspended. So they could be regarded as a revival of a historical thing, though in different form. They certainly solve the belly issue Terry describes so well.

If I went with those I would make straps out of leather, without chains. About the chafing, well-made traditional sporran chain straps are smooth as glass on the reverse and don't chafe at all. It's all about being well made, with no burrs or sharp edges.

I do wonder when people began wearing sporrans on a separate dedicated belt.

Terry, your outfit is wonderful! I love the contrasting tweeds between jacket and waistcoat. It's something I see other people do so well, that I admire, though I've not managed it myself.

Might I have permission to copy that photo of you, to keep handy for reference and/or as an example for future discussions?