Does a Kilt Need a Belt?

**McMurdo** · 28th February 14, 08:27 AM

My first kilt sewn in 1950 has small loops on the back, to the untrained eye these could be mistaken for use with a belt. They are actually for the sporran belt not the kilt belt. When I have a kilt maker do up a kilt for me I do not add belt loops. When I first started on wearing the kilt I did wear a kilt belt often, however the longer I wear one the less importance I place on the belt.

**creagdhubh** · 28th February 14, 10:28 AM

Originally Posted by McMurdo

When I have a kilt maker do up a kilt for me I do not add belt loops.

Same here.

**Jordan** · 28th February 14, 10:49 AM

I did the same, when I got my last kilt made I asked for no belt loops. I got funny looks and had to explain why but I got my kilt how I wanted it

**OC Richard** · 2nd March 14, 11:04 AM

Originally Posted by Jordan

I got my last kilt made I asked for no belt loops. I got funny looks and had to explain why

That's interesting, because my last three kilts I told the makers (three different ones) "no loops, no 3rd buckle" and their responses were, as best as I can remember

1) oh, aye
2) fine
3) OK, that's how I prefer them too

No surprise or concern was expressed.

I didn't even get any surprise when I ordered a kilt to match those of Black Watch pipers, MOD weight, with green binding. They said "oh we just did one like that."

**Jordan** · 2nd March 14, 11:29 AM

Originally Posted by OC Richard

That's interesting, because my last three kilts I told the makers (three different ones) "no loops, no 3rd buckle" and their responses were, as best as I can remember

1) oh, aye
2) fine
3) OK, that's how I prefer them too

No surprise or concern was expressed.

I didn't even get any surprise when I ordered a kilt to match those of Black Watch pipers, MOD weight, with green binding. They said "oh we just did one like that."

Interesting, my last kilt was made for me by one of the students at Keith Kilt School and it was the instructor I dealt with. She understood why I didn't want the loops but apparently the student didn't get it.

**DyerStraits** · 2nd March 14, 11:30 AM

Originally Posted by OC Richard

That's interesting, because my last three kilts I told the makers (three different ones) "no loops, no 3rd buckle" and their responses were, as best as I can remember

1) oh, aye
2) fine
3) OK, that's how I prefer them too

No surprise or concern was expressed.

I didn't even get any surprise when I ordered a kilt to match those of Black Watch pipers, MOD weight, with green binding. They said "oh we just did one like that."

Exactly right. No side straps are needed, strictly speaking, but if you forgo them, it simply means you must always wear a belt. The side straps provide the option of not wearing a belt which, as discussed elsewhere, does have advantages...

**DyerStraits** · 2nd March 14, 12:05 PM

Originally Posted by Jordan

Interesting, my last kilt was made for me by one of the students at Keith Kilt School and it was the instructor I dealt with. She understood why I didn't want the loops but apparently the student didn't get it.

Always wearing a kilt belt is perhaps a more traditional "purist" approach, with reference to the Great Kilt or Belted Plaid which requires a belt to hold it in place, unless it's removed and being worn as a cape or shawl, or used as a blanket, etc. A traditionally made, un-tailored Small Kilt, like the Great Kilt, also does not have sewn-in pleats or belt loops (or adjustable side straps) and therefore also requires a belt. It's a bit like tailored dress shirts, which, traditionally, do not have a pocket. I think it's admirable to be "Old School" about it, but To Each His Own.....

**Jordan** · 2nd March 14, 12:15 PM

Originally Posted by DyerStraits

Always wearing a kilt belt is perhaps a more traditional "purist" approach, with reference to the Great Kilt or Belted Plaid which requires a belt to hold it in place, unless it's removed and being worn as a cape or shawl, or used as a blanket, etc. A traditionally made, un-tailored Small Kilt, like the Great Kilt, also does not have sewn-in pleats or belt loops (or adjustable side straps) and therefore also requires a belt. It's a bit like tailored dress shirts, which, traditionally, do not have a pocket. I think it's admirable to be "Old School" about it, but To Each His Own.....

Sorry what?

I was talking about the belt or sporran loops on the back. While I do prefer to wear a belt it's just because I like to have it as a break between the kilt and my top half. I am certainly not being a "purist" or "Old-School" I have not worn and currently have no desire to wear a Great Kilt, they look a bit too costumey to me.

**gwynng** · 2nd March 14, 01:00 PM

Myself, I like the look of a belt when wearing a kilt without a jacket or waistcoat. It finishes it off. Of course it helps that my favorite way to wear a sporran is with a sporran frog or hangers. I just find it a lot easier to get in and out of a car and maneuver in general without a sporran belt. That said, if I am going to an event where I have to sit for hours on end, then a kilt belt can get a little uncomfortable, so may not wear one then. But oft times if I'm sitting for a long time it probably means I am going to a dinner, theater, opera, wedding, somewhere I'd be wearing a jacket and no belt anyway.

I have one kilt that fits just a tiny bit on the loose side. It was my first attempt at making my own kilt and it is just a smidge larger in the waist, so usually wear a belt with it. Not loose enough to bother moving the straps and if I gain a pound or two, there is no crisis!

Also on another note, I don't always wear a proper "kilt" belt. I have a couple of nice wider belts (1.5-2" or so) that I like to wear sometimes. Mostly because I have some specialized buckles (a Navajo sand cast sterling buckle of exceptionally tasteful design and a way cool brass Harley buckle) that look good with particular kilts. When traveling to Scotland last year, I took only one belt: a 2" wide two prong work belt that I got on Amazon. The great part was it looked good with jeans and with a kilt, so did double duty. And when you are lugging home a new Crail jacket and 8 yards of 16 oz Holyrood tartan for your next kilt, every ounce in the luggage counts!

**DyerStraits** · 2nd March 14, 01:30 PM

Originally Posted by Jordan

Sorry what?

I was talking about the belt or sporran loops on the back. While I do prefer to wear a belt it's just because I like to have it as a break between the kilt and my top half. I am certainly not being a "purist" or "Old-School" I have not worn and currently have no desire to wear a Great Kilt, they look a bit too costumey to me.

Yes, I know what you were talking about. I wasn't suggesting anything about running out any buying a Great Kilt, etc. My point is simply that the loops are not necessary--for either a sporran belt or a kilt belt--but, as with a traditional, untailored Great Kilt or Small Kilt (which I was citing as examples)-- the belt itself IS necessary, unless yours is a more modern, tailored Small Kilt fitted with adjustable side straps, in which case the belt, and loops for it, are both optional. While I do often wear my kilts without a belt, I also just as often wear them with a belt, for the same reason as you--and because, as others have stated, it looks more "traditional".