Kilt Straps

**Maryp** · 14th January 15, 05:39 AM

Where is a good place to get high quality Kilt straps. I need some for a women kilt, and some for a men's traditional kilt.

Also should a women's kilt apron open on the left?

Thanks
Mary

**Riverkilt** · 14th January 15, 06:47 AM

You are wise to seek a good source for kilt straps. Sadly, there are some "not so fine" ones being offered. I have two quality kilt straps, one brown, one black, that I love - but just can't remember where I got them and they're not imprinted.

Only other suggestion would be checking quality leather makers - folks that make tack. And check with Robert at RKilts, he makes top quality belts...guessing sporran straps too maybe.

No clue on the kilt apron... Don't much like the word "should".....do what you like.

**Father Bill** · 14th January 15, 07:15 AM

Contact Robert at sales@rkilts.com I'm sure he won't mind me sharing his E. I'm a great fan of his work!

**plaid preacher** · 14th January 15, 07:43 AM

...and Robert @ Rkilts does indeed - or at least used to - sell his straps. They are heftier than most of the rest you will find, so you need to be prepared for that. The beauty of working with Robert is he makes his own straps in the shop, and therefore if you wanted a slightly thinner strap for the ladies kilt, I suspect he would be happy to accommodate.

**Stephan** · 14th January 15, 08:46 AM

Mary,

I agree with contacting Robert at Rkilts. He's made a few for me and they're special because he'll even emboss them with a celtic pattern. You can get them black or brown or probably any colour you fancy but make sure to enquire.

Also, try L & M Highland Outfitters located in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. They can send you any quantity you want and they sell the buckles as well. However, they seem to only sell them in black.

Stephane

**The Wizard of BC** · 14th January 15, 09:30 AM

Why not buy them from the same place that the kiltmakers buy them? Highland Xpress

http://www.highlandxpress.com/patterns.html

**ASinclair** · 14th January 15, 10:18 AM

Originally Posted by The Wizard of BC

Why not buy them from the same place that the kiltmakers buy them? Highland Xpress

http://www.highlandxpress.com/patterns.html

That's where I bought the straps for my kilt that my wife made for me. It's also where I bought my Scottish Country Dance gillies. Beth is great to work with.

**ratspike** · 14th January 15, 10:38 AM

If you want inexpensive and acceptable quality, any of the premade kilt straps and buckles are fine. I used Highland Xpress and Henderson's before I started working with leather and they're okay. Not awesome, but completely adequate. The buckles are unimpressive but again, adequate. Considering the price these are probably unfair criticisms.

R Kilts will set you up with *very* nice straps. Alternately, any capable leather leatherworker can do the same and give you choices other than 4oz chrome tanned leather.

**Benning Boy** · 14th January 15, 12:03 PM

I'd avoid L&M like the plague. When I wanted to order kilt straps for Kilt Kamp 2014, I first went to Highland X Press, but they were closed for vacation or something, so I tried L&M. The price of the straps was higher than Highland X Press, and on top of that, they wanted to charge me $80 to mail them. I've received large boxed orders from other vendors in Canada, and probably never paid more than $25 in shipping costs. L&M is charging rip-off prices to mail things that can be packed in a small padded envelope. In the end I contacted Highland X Press when they were back in action, and received good quality straps at a reasonable price, and for just a few dollars in mailing costs, and they arrived in two days. To top it off, I've been told by an authoritative source L&M get their straps though Highland X Press to start with, they're selling the identical product. I'll never, ever, for any reason do business with L&M again. And see my money go to them indirectly with only great reluctance.

As for buckles, buckles here are nicer than the ones that come with the Highland X Press straps.

http://www.buckleguy.com/center-bar-buckles/

I've seen Plaid Preacher's straps from Rkilts, and they are very nice.

**Canuck** · 14th January 15, 12:25 PM

I can make you a number of sets no problem. Yes I use heavier leather but they can be pre-punched for sewing. As for the ladies kilt if you wish the straps to be made narrower I can do that.
As for the ladies apron closure, if it's a long cocktail kilt I would tend to go for a female closure, if it's to the knee I would go with the male closure.
Cheers
Robert
I can be contacted via sales@rkilts.com