How important is a belt?

**Semiomniscient** · 5th May 11, 12:06 PM

Originally Posted by M. A. C. Newsome

Certainly we all have different body types and you need to take that into account. But I will point out that Tom Mungall in my previously posted image is no string bean. :-)

I know many men of substance who do just fine with no belt, so long as their kilt is well fitting.

Matt, I'll let Dad know. ;-) lol

To the OP,
I personally prefer wearing a vest instead of a belt and rarely wear one at all. I'm in the picture between Matt and my dad, Tom. I picked up that vest/waistcoat from a thrift store for about $3 US. I hear you can go to a uniform store and grab a plain black one like many pipers in pipe bands wear.

For those of you gents who have trouble keeping your kilt up without a belt, try wearing a vest/waistcoat with suspenders/braces underneath.

**English Bloke** · 5th May 11, 04:21 PM

If you're after a well constructed and good value, custom made, plain brown 2" kilt belt with a brass prong type buckle (phew!)
try this bloke on eBay UK. He does ship to the States and he does have other 2" options.

They look like this when worn.

The sporran in the photo above is a brown leather cargo sporran from Stillwater Kilts.
It's the best and most versatile day sporran I have and suitable for all daytime occasions. I whole-heartedly recommend them too. Far better and more useful than a semi-dress sporran of any description.
Obviously if you're attending a wedding, don't follow my lead on shirt and jacket choices.

The Stillwater brown belt with brass plate buckle works nicely with the cargo sporran too (in my "Johnny come lately" opinion

).

Not the same supplier but very similar style of belt and buckle.

I'd also suggest if you opt for wearing a waistcoat (vest), skip the belt.

**Carolina Kiltman** · 1st June 11, 05:32 PM

I can only second strongly the point that the belt keepers on the back of the Kilt are sporran straps, at a recent games, I saw a sad case of a torn kilt, as a result of putting the belt through those loops!

I do wear a belt, but onlt because I think the kilt looks incomplete without it. But only when I'n not wearing a waistcoat. It is, however tottaly a natter personal taste

**josephkirkpatrick** · 8th June 11, 08:06 AM

I wear only a thinner (1 1/2 inch) ring belt with my kilts. It's necessary for the great, but not so much the moderns... I just like the way it looks.

**lukeyrobertson** · 11th June 11, 01:59 PM

My kilt is has a 3" rise. I have a belt and waist plate. I wear it when I'm not wearing my waist coat. But, I find it uncomfortable and with the rise of the kilt, it's hard to find the right place for it. I'm really thinking about wearing it even less.

**creagdhubh** · 14th June 11, 04:17 PM

Originally Posted by lukeyrobertson

My kilt is has a 3" rise. I have a belt and waist plate. I wear it when I'm not wearing my waist coat. But, I find it uncomfortable and with the rise of the kilt, it's hard to find the right place for it. I'm really thinking about wearing it even less.

That's exactly what eventually happened to me. I began by normally not wearing a belt, then I only wore the belt when not wearing a waistcoat, typically with a twee jacket, then I stopped wearing the belt entirely, because I began to wear the waistcoat no matter what - just a smarter look in my opinion. Now, I have since sold the only belt I ever owned and am currently working on selling the buckle too, which is on sale on xmts by the way! No more belts and waist plates for me - unless it is evening attire and I am wearing a dirk.

Cheers,

**The_Tailor** · 2nd September 11, 02:39 PM

I wear one, it looks good with my kilt and the celtic knotwork buckle cements that it is in fact a kilt, and that I'm not some 'fruit in a skirt' (a common occurrence in this area). I've tried going out sans belt and it just doesn't 'feel' right. I've worn a belt most of my life so maybe that's where that comes from. I also find that because I've had this belt for about 8 years, and that it is now formed to my body, it helps to provide a certain shaping where needed. Nothing special, just a 1.5 inch black basketweave belt (police standard).

**GMcNab** · 2nd September 11, 03:21 PM

Originally Posted by GMcNab

I have taken to wearing an old Sam Browne belt with my kilts...with out the cross strap, of course.

Having got myself a decent kilt belt (plain smooth brown leather), I've beeswaxed it and it has come up a treat. As someone who has always worn a belt, whether it's in uniform, kilt or casual trousers, I feel only partially dressed if I'm not wearing a belt (or a watch).

**John_Carrick** · 3rd September 11, 12:58 AM

I like the look of them either when one is trying to be smart without a jacket and/or waistcoat or to hold your dirk. I just can't get one to look right on me: it distorts the shape of the kilt or you see the bright red inside. i don't bother and don't miss one.
John

**Seanmadra** · 7th September 11, 07:57 AM

A related question somewhat off the intent of the original post.

I've read all the suggestions of when to wear a belt, type of buckle, and personal choices, and I think I even read a comment that the belt is not supposed to go through the loops. My question is why doesn't the belt go through the loops? Or did I misread something?