Sporran belt vs chain

[slothead]

I recently decided to purchase a sporran belt to use instead of the chain belt that came with it. it arrived today and all I can say is WOW! What a difference. The chain belt caused my sporran to dip just low enough for my "man girth" to cause my kilt to bunch. Using the belt, however, my sporran stays where I put it and doesn't cause the "man of substance bunching". SOOOOO much better. If you are on the fence about whether or not to use a belt rather than chain, I can tell you to chose the belt now!

PS - Not sporran hangers from a kilt belt, but an actual sporran belt. I ordered mine from The Scottish Trading Company.

Happy New Years to all!

Any chance we could see a photo of the result? (And Happy New Year to you too!)

[Canuck]

I prefer leather belts as well. For my evening sporran I use a braided leather sporran strap, the braid mimics the chain portion of the strap and is much friendlier to your kilt than a chain.

[Leprechaun 91]

I prefer leather belts as well. For my evening sporran I use a braided leather sporran strap, the braid mimics the chain portion of the strap and is much friendlier to your kilt than a chain.

I have always liked this. It amazes me how few sources there are for these. I am planning on using paracord (550 cord) to make one for use with my "Sports Utility Sporran" and my utility kilts.

With the tartan or utility kilt though, the braided leather sporran strap is brilliant and looks quite smart.

[Canuck]

I have always liked this. It amazes me how few sources there are for these. I am planning on using paracord (550 cord) to make one for use with my "Sports Utility Sporran" and my utility kilts.

With the tartan or utility kilt though, the braided leather sporran strap is brilliant and looks quite smart.

Sounds good.
I'm the only one that makes them with a round braided leather component.

[Pleater]

To minimise the damage, try attaching a slender satin ribbon to the back of the chain - it is easily sewn in place and will keep a poor quality chain from wreaking havoc on the kilt.

It also makes it easier to slide a fixed belt.

If you can get a ribbon which is a dark colour toning with your kilt it should be just about invisible.
Sew just to the side of the spot where the links meet or the movement of the chain will wear through the thread.

Anne the Pleater :ootd:

[Profane James]

I prefer leather belts as well. For my evening sporran I use a braided leather sporran strap, the braid mimics the chain portion of the strap and is much friendlier to your kilt than a chain.

I have a black version and brown version of this - really like the look.

[tpa]

I wear both because I have both. the only thing I'd say is it is marginally easier to swivel the sporran round to the side when it only has to slide round the belt, than when the whole belt/chain combo has to rotate. I find it more comfortable to wear it at the side when walking uphill, an occupational hazard around here. Conversely the sporran can move off centre much more easily when threaded on a continuous belt. I have never felt the need to invest in sporran hangers; the (non-sporran) belt is usually worn to hold phone, knife pouch and small camera. I never thread either sporran belt or chain through the belt loops.

[Todd Bradshaw]

I have both, though I originally hated the chains. Then I made my own, starting with a decent hunk of chain, instead of the cheap stuff used on a lot of typical sporran chains. It also allowed me to make the leather parts that would match my other leather items, and it has worked well. When I get the energy I'll make a full length strap with the same leatherwork, which I think may look better for more casual wear.

[Father Bill]

Absolutely love the leather work, and it's smashing on that kilt too!

[Nathan]

I always wear a leather sporran strap for day wear and a smooth, high quality chain for evening wear. Just my preference.