I am sympathetic to your feeling on the wear and tear, and at the same time, I agree with David... this is both a success and to a bit of a bummer.

(I have perhaps mentioned this story once before, sorry if I am repeating myself.)

I used to live in a community of contemplatives, we were the 2nd floor of the building while the SSF (Franciscans) were the 1st floor. One of the old friars used ask me to practice my piping outside his window, (I played on the sidewalk next to the building into the traffic at 5pm.) One day a package came for him, and he asked me to bring it in. Big box of stuff. He had two kilts and a mess of highland this and thats in there. One was a MacLeod of the Isles his family tartan the other was a Clergy tartan in Modern, which looked relatively new (he was a priest though went by Br.) The MacLeod was a bit frayed at the bottom, he said he used to be a Boy Scout. I mention how the Clergy Tartan was in such nice shape and he mention, "This one is the second. The one I was ordained in; under my cassock, under my alb, under my vestments ofcourse... it wore out." I asked him how it had worn out, he said, "By wearing it ofcourse." He then warned me of the struggles of wearing a kilt under the cassock... "it kills the selvedge, but is good for the soul."
He's never in them anymore due to wearing the habit and infirmity... I'd bet he'd be wrapped up in one of them under his habit if he could.

Thanks for the heads up on belts and finishes everybody.

peace,
justin