Belt Loops

**SnakeEyes** · 30th January 07, 03:58 PM

I've noticed that Stillwater advertises that their kilts have belt loops "that actually fit a wide kilt belt!"

Now I was told that if a kilt does have belt loops, they're intended for the sporran chain, and that the belt is mainly decorative anyways so it doesn't need loops.

So whats the deal? Are you supposed to put your belt through the loops, or is it just something people have started to do, or what?

**McMurdo** · 30th January 07, 04:00 PM

I use the loops for my sporran strap, if I am wearing a belt it just goes around me and I cinch it up.

**JimB** · 30th January 07, 04:06 PM

I am told they are for the sporran straps but Soooo many people use them for belt loops, that I think that whatever way you want to wear it is fine.
Ideally though, you shouldn't need a belt if the kilt fits properly.

I wear a belt through my loops and when I make a kilt I make the loops with that in mind. That's just my choice.

**Colin** · 30th January 07, 04:08 PM

I used the belt looks on my old PV casual kilts, but my traditional kilt doesn't have loops. I have have found that you really don't need them except with the hip hugger kilts. I have not had a problem with my sporran straps not being in the loops.

I don't know if I would use them for my sporran, unless it was just the two fair sized loops in the back of the kilt. After all, you want to be able to swing the sporran sideways when need be.

**chasem** · 30th January 07, 04:16 PM

I don't use the loops at all. Well, I don't currently have a kilt with loops, but when I did I didn't use them, and everything was fine as far as fit was concerned.

**cessna152towser** · 30th January 07, 04:22 PM

I use the loops for belts and sporran straps. Most of my kilts have two belt loops, but I have a modern acrylic kilt which has three - one at each side and one at the middle of the back and I find this arrangement a bit awkward when trying to strap up the sporran once the belt is already fastened.

**gilmore** · 30th January 07, 04:24 PM

Originally Posted by SnakeEyes

I've noticed that Stillwater advertises that their kilts have belt loops "that actually fit a wide kilt belt!"

Now I was told that if a kilt does have belt loops, they're intended for the sporran chain, and that the belt is mainly decorative anyways so it doesn't need loops.

So whats the deal? Are you supposed to put your belt through the loops, or is it just something people have started to do, or what?

This was discussed at length on an earlier thread that you could find by searching for it. Several kiltmakers weighed in.

It seems that wearing belts through the loops is a recent development, and a problematic one, since over time the belt can cause the pleats to hang in a wrong way, in an inverted V rather than straight down. The belt is said to be correctly worn over the loops, which are for the sporran belt. The kilt belt is said to be purely ornamental.

**Retro Red** · 30th January 07, 04:39 PM

It's true that a properly fitted kilt doesn't need a belt, but to me a kilt looks unfinished without a wide manly kilt belt (except when wearing a Prince Charlie when a belt is excessive). And it's true that you don't need belt loops on a kilt, but I find they help keep the belt from riding up & keep it in place, so I prefer to use them. Really though, they're not essential, but a lot of folks like them, so kilt makers have gotten into the habit of including them. Just like a 3rd kilt buckle isn't really needed - you really only need one buckle on either side to secure a kilt - but a lot of folks like them, so they're commonly considered "standard" now on most kilts. (IMHO, I find the 3rd kilt buckle superfluous & a needless constriction of the kilt around the hips; can't stand them.)

.

**ScottInNewHampshire** · 30th January 07, 05:12 PM

I agree with Retro Red that putting the belt through the loops does help to stabilize it a bit. But I've worn the belt both ways. Most of the kilt I have, have loops (including the one's I've made myself).

**Robin** · 30th January 07, 05:27 PM

Some use them...some don't.

I don't use them at all on my traditional kilts...not for the belt nor for the sporran strap.

It might depend on body shape, but in my case the belt stays where it should be without the loops. Regarding the sporran strap...it's just not handy to put it through the loops (think bathroom visit).

When I now order a (traditional) kilt...I ask for...no loops.

The "3rd strap" has maybe no purpose, but it's mostly the only visible strap (other 2 underneath the belt) and I like the look of it.