Sporran belt sizing?

**Profane James** · 2nd October 15, 07:13 AM

Belt/chain/strap....
Seeng a lot of measurements and sizes, but not seeing specifics as to whether the measurements relate to the actual waist size or the waist size with the added sag. I've discovered here that usually the strap/belt/chain is waist size + 4 inches, simple enough, but I can't seem to translate that to websites selling them...
Please advise!

**Wareyin** · 2nd October 15, 07:38 AM

I don't know what the sizes are, but both sporrans I bought came with (cheap) chain belts that seemed universal. The chain lengths are adjustable by moving the hooks, and the belt sections have about 6 inches of adjustment.

I made my own strap by buying a strip of leather, 2 hooks, and chicago screws to mount the hooks. I measured by holding the sporran where I wanted it, then marking the leather strip where it would give me that with the hooks attached. I think my strap looks better than the chains.

**tundramanq** · 2nd October 15, 09:36 AM

All the chains I have gotten as part of my "off the rack" sporrans are of poor quality with rough edges that will eat any kilt alive. Leather with beveled and burnished edges or smooth, well made chain is the only way to keep from ruining your kilt and it's belt loops.

**Profane James** · 2nd October 15, 09:47 AM

This makes sense. Where would I find such a belt (preferably belt rather than chain)? And how would my measured waist size correlate to the advertized belt size?

Originally Posted by tundramanq

All the chains I have gotten as part of my "off the rack" sporrans are of poor quality with rough edges that will eat any kilt alive. Leather with beveled and burnished edges or smooth, well made chain is the only way to keep from ruining your kilt and it's belt loops.

**Dughlas mor** · 2nd October 15, 10:04 AM

USAKilts has one for $20.00. They ask for your waist size, so I assume they factor in the extra length.

http://www.usakilts.com/sporran-strap.html

The other nice thing about a continuous leather strap is the sporran can be easily moved to the side for whatever reason.

**tundramanq** · 2nd October 15, 10:08 AM

I like Wareyin's custom size idea with no buckle at the back to catch on things or show under a waist coat. But most off the shelf straps are sold by waist size and adjustable within a range. Actual strap length will be longer - how much exactly I don't know as I went the route of using sporran hanger straps off of my belts. Most online retailers have toll free phone numbers just for these kind of questions. Find one you like and give them a call as I suspect "the extra" varies a lot from various merchants.

**Profane James** · 2nd October 15, 10:15 AM

Originally Posted by tundramanq

Most online retailers have toll free phone numbers just for these kind of questions. Find one you like and give them a call as I suspect "the extra" varies a lot from various merchants.

Good point
LoL - when all else fails...

**JohntheBiker** · 2nd October 15, 10:22 AM

Originally Posted by Profane James

This makes sense. Where would I find such a belt (preferably belt rather than chain)? And how would my measured waist size correlate to the advertized belt size?

Just about every one of the X Marks Partners showcased above can sell you a leather sporran strap and would be more than happy to help you out. I much prefer a leather strap over a chain, even for dressier occasions.

**tundramanq** · 2nd October 15, 10:36 AM

I looked at the three straps I have and dug through my records. The one I got from USAK ( same as the link above ) is smooth on both sides and beveled at the edges. I would only need to smooth the belt keeper loop's edges and replace keepers staple joining with smooth thread through the staple holes.
The other two are made in Pakistan, rough backed with no bevels. No record of where I got them - Drat!

UPDATE: It just took me some sandpaper, burnisher ( see below ), my leather sewing awl and 10 minutes to correct the rough edge issues on the keeper loop. Remove staples, lay flat, bevel and smooth edges then stitch thread through staple holes and tie. It's holding my sporran now.
http://www.amazon.com/Leathercraft-S...N%3DB00F07MH40

**Todd Bradshaw** · 2nd October 15, 11:37 AM

Hmmmmm....interesting. Not having a clue how long my sporran straps really are, I lined mine up and measured their lengths - all just left adjusted to whatever length they were at the last time I wore them, and with a variety of sporrans. My natural waist measurement that I send to Barb for kiltmaking is about 38" and hips about 41". I guess I figured that they would logically be somewhat longer than the waist due to their angle, etc. but this is what I got.