Two buckles vs three?

[creagdhubh]

The third strap and buckle serves absolutely no purpose, and is a more recent addition to the Highland kilt. I don't include it on any kilt I make, and have, in fact, had clients send me kilts from other makers so that I could remove the superfluous third strap and buckle from their kilts.

I did a blog post on this topic a few years ago, so if you want to read more...
http://kiltmaker.blogspot.com/2005/0...lt-straps.html

Yep, I am one of those clients! I completely agree with Matt. The third strap and buckle on the kilt is superfluous and purely decorative, in my opinion.

Cheers,

[Stan]

I appreciate the feed back, and information. These three kilts are my first ones, but so far I think that I'm leaning towards the traditional kilt too. I had so much fun with the first kilt (13 oz. Macgregor modern in a traditional cut) that I bought a kilt for a cousin of mine. For him I purchased a sports kilt, and when it came (and prior to my passing it on) I tried it on and while it WAS a kilt, it didn't feel any thing like, my kilts. It was "cut low", and (I've come to figure) about a 10 oz. fabric.

Being a "new-be" to kilt wearing, and at the time pretty unfamiliar with fabric weights, while the sports kilt was going to make a nice gift, I knew that it had a very slight resemblance to the feel and look of a 13 or 16 ounce traditional kilt. After the "gift" was opened by my cousin (who wasn't expecting any thing any way) I sent him an email telling him that in my opinion if he wanted a "real" kilt experience he should go and try on a 16 oz'er.

So, again, thank you for your opinions regarding (A) 2 vs 3 buckles, and sports / casual cut vs. traditional. It was a big help.....

[Stan]

Thanks for your reply, and opinion. I think that I'm coming to the conclusion (at least for me) that the number of straps (two vs three) is really probably less of an issue influencing the "feel of the kilt" than is the "casual vs. traditional", and fabric weight and yardage.

I'm beginning to lean (again) towards my next kilt being another traditional cut.....

Thanks for your help. It's much appreciated...

[Stan]

Information noted, and appreciated. I'm begening to come to the same conclusion, but for some reason I seem to be (slightly) hanging onto the "it needs to have 3" idea.

Thanks again for your opinion and help.

[Stan]

This is really interesting. It seems like the vote is swinging to the use of two straps rather than three. I'm new to the forum, and just want to thank you for your time and opinion.

[Stan]

Thank you for your observation and opinion. It seems that (in general) your opinion of the "third buckle" is shared by most responders.

As a "new guy" to the kilt world, I've learned something today that's filling in a void in my (newly acquired) kilt information bank. I'm suspect that "now that I know" my future purchases may be a bit different than they would have been.

Thanks

[Woodsheal]

Move thread from "historical" to "advice"...?

[cessna152towser]

Thread moved to Kilt Advice where it will more likely be seen by those to whom it will be of interest.

[MacCathmhaoil]

Having grown up I'm military kilts I do admit I prefer three. I agree that the third strap is useless however having only ever worn kilts with three straps I prefer the look. As well the kilts that the female pipers and drummers wore only had two straps so that may also have tainted my view.
It really only matters as to what you prefer!

[Stan]

I (now) have three kilts, and they all have three straps, and so it seemed like three straps (like your own) is my "bench mark" as well. It would be nice to go some where and try on the two strap to see how it is. Actually my reason for asking is because several kilt makers offer kilts in the tartan that I like with two straps, instead of three.

Thanks for your thoughts.