Kilt belt, does it interfere with kilt straps?

**RSHAW** · 8th December 14, 06:40 PM

I have a USA casual kilt with does not have kilt straps, rather velcro and it is quite comfortable to wear with a belt. However, more traditional kilts, like the semi-traditional model from USA kilts have kilt straps. It would seem like a kilt belt would cover the kilt straps. Would this require a larger belt, and would the extra bulk be less comfortable? I would want to use a double prong belt as a kilt belt. thanks for advise

**Dughlas mor** · 8th December 14, 07:07 PM

Yes, the kilt belt goes right over the top of the kilt straps, and a standard 2.25" kilt belt covers them nicely, as would a 2" or whatever, down to 1.5"or up to 3." Not uncomfortable at all.

**MacGumerait** · 9th December 14, 12:53 AM

RShaw , as Dughlas mor has stated , the kilt belt goes nicely over the kilt straps and I would agree that it's not at all uncomfortable .

One thing to remember if you are ordering a kilt belt or choosing to wear an existing belt would be the size needed when wearing the belt over a kilt . The size of a kilt belt is larger than one's normal belt . It's best to strap on the kilt then use a cloth tape measure to get your correct " kilt belt size " .

For example : my jeans waist size is 32 " , my kilt waist size is 34 " (worn higher than jeans ) , my kilt belt size is 38 " when worn over the top of an 8 yd kilt .

If one wears an adjustable traditional kilt belt it's generally not a problem . However , if you chose your double prong belt ( which I do like ) just remember it will have to be larger than your " kilt waist size " .

When selecting an existing belt or ordering a custom belt for a " kilt " , it's a common mistake to get the size wrong . A person often thinks .... my kilt waist is 34 " so I need 34 " belt , while not taking into account that the belt is going over top of the fabric .

Hope this helps a bit . Cheers , Mike

**RSHAW** · 9th December 14, 04:54 AM

Thank you for the comments, both make perfecy sense and I appreciate the advise.

**OC Richard** · 12th December 14, 10:05 AM

None of my kilts have those loops, and I rarely wear a belt.

I know I'm being an arch-traditionalist, but there was never such a thing as a "kilt belt". They were called "dirk belts" and their purpose was to support a dirk.

This being the case, kilts didn't have loops. These loops are a fairly recent introduction and were intended for the sporran belt only, not for the dirk belt.

Shoving a waist-belt through the sporran-belt loops, and relying on the waist-belt to hold up an incorrectly fitted kilt, will eventually distort the back of the kilt (the backs of some kilts coming to resemble the Golden Gate Bridge).

But that's with traditional wool kilts. I know that Utilikilts and other modern canvas kilts are designed, like blue jeans, to be supported by a belt (rather than by proper fit, like traditional kilts are).

**RSHAW** · 12th December 14, 01:33 PM

Thank you for the information. Old habits die hard. Relying on a belt all one's life is a hard habit to break, thanks again

**kiltedtom** · 13th December 14, 01:24 PM

RShaw,

You are very correct. "Old habits die hard." And for some of us, wearing a belt is not an option. I have to wear one because, I lost about 15 pounds between when I ordered my kilt and when I received it. I have the straps on the inner most hole, and I can still get the kilt on and off without unhitching the straps. If I do not wear the belt, I do not wear the kilt for long. I do not wish to be arrested, again, for Public Indecency (that is a story from my younger, not as brilliant, college days.)

My only other option is to regain the weight. I prefer not to do that for health reasons. So belited it is.

Hope you all have a great holiday coming up!

Tom

**RSHAW** · 13th December 14, 02:21 PM

Thank you, a Merry Christmas to you.

**Riverkilt** · 13th December 14, 06:39 PM

I've come to not wear kilt belts with my kilts that have kilt straps. Kind of like wearing a belt and suspenders with bifurcated wear. Also found that the sporran strap does just fine to help hold up USA Casuals. Do wear a kilt belt with my Utilikilts.

**DyerStraits** · 13th December 14, 11:39 PM

Originally Posted by MacGumerait

RShaw , as Dughlas mor has stated , the kilt belt goes nicely over the kilt straps and I would agree that it's not at all uncomfortable .

One thing to remember if you are ordering a kilt belt or choosing to wear an existing belt would be the size needed when wearing the belt over a kilt . The size of a kilt belt is larger than one's normal belt . It's best to strap on the kilt then use a cloth tape measure to get your correct " kilt belt size " .

For example : my jeans waist size is 32 " , my kilt waist size is 34 " (worn higher than jeans ) , my kilt belt size is 38 " when worn over the top of an 8 yd kilt .

If one wears an adjustable traditional kilt belt it's generally not a problem . However , if you chose your double prong belt ( which I do like ) just remember it will have to be larger than your " kilt waist size " .

When selecting an existing belt or ordering a custom belt for a " kilt " , it's a common mistake to get the size wrong . A person often thinks .... my kilt waist is 34 " so I need 34 " belt , while not taking into account that the belt is going over top of the fabric .

Hope this helps a bit . Cheers , Mike

Excellent guidance from a Fellow Hoosier. And, as others have mentioned, kilt straps on the sides of a properly sized kilt mean that a belt is completely optional, as they allow for a) a confidently snug yet comfortable fit and b) the lack of a "lumpy" appearance at one's mid-section from a belt (and buckle) while wearing a sweater/jumper (not tucked in) or vest/waistcoat. A notable consideration since the comfort of wearing a belted kilt is arguably exceeded only by the comfort of wearing an unbelted kilt.