I live with the gut bigger than hips problem and recognize many of the things people have said. I always wear my kilt on true waist, which is quite high by modern trouser standards, but that way the kilt happily stays up.

There is a strain on the buckles and straps but my kiltmaker used extra strong threads and put some additional support into the inside to avoid any damage to the cloth. He has also started to use his own hand spun linen thread for additional strength in attaching the straps.

I do tend to prefer a waistcoat with the kilt, that gives me quite a "trad" look but in the heat I think twice about it. When I am wearing a belt, although I don't particularly like them, I do use belt loops on the kilt which help prevent slippage. I do have some sporran hangers and they do stop the problem of the sporran dropping in below the gut, but they have a habit of pulling the belt down, also you can't sweep the sporran to the side when at table or dancing.

These are all compromises one way and another but I accept that I'm a big bloke and have to live with it.