Hi Michael.

Yes, the sporran is a required accessory - in as much as a Sgian Dubh or a pair of flashes are required accessories - but they are by no means essential when considering the kilt as an every day garment. If you are dressing formally, even semi-formally sometimes, or you're wearing any form of kilted uniform you should wear those accessories, but otherwise there is no obligation. We each have our own ideas on the matter of accessories!

As Ron tells us, jackets or waistcoats/vests with pockets render sporrans unnecessary when we are dressed casually. In all my years of kilting, I don't believe I have ever worn the sporran unless I either wanted to or was obliged to - certainly I have never done so for effect, or because I thought it would emphasise to everyone who saw me that I was wearing a kilt and not a s---t!

I agree with those who have already commented: it does appear that you might be wearing your sporran too low if you are 'troubled' in the way you describe.