False Lower Strap?

[Bugbear]

Had an idea. There has been a lot of discussion about the lower, third strap of a kilt causing problems when too tight, and possibly damaging the stitching and top apron of the kilts. I don't see how a stabilizer could be used for this strap and buckle.

Have any of the kilt makers ever used a non-functional, third strap that is attached to the underapron rather than top apron, and a loop of elastic from the top apron to a button in that area?

The elastic and button would be to gently hold the top apron against the false strap, but perhaps some other kind of flexable closure could be used.

[Kiltman]

Why would one use a non-functional third strap? If the kilt is made properly there should be no need of the third strap in a tank at any rate.

[ChattanCat]

A well fitted kilt, of any material, does not need a third strap. The strap is a left over from when the kilts had a higher rise, when the rise was lowered to the current 2", there was not enough room above the waist to put the second strap. Some want a third belt so it was put below the waist and tugs on the aprons.

I have made kilts from 10 oz, 13 oz, 1nd 16 oz wool, PV, and wool/blends. The fit is from tapering from the waist to the hips and you don't even need a belt to keep the kilt up. Nor do you need the extra belt and buckle.

Do kilts that are not fitted from the waist to the hips require the third belt? Or, is the top buckle enough to keep the kilt snug at the waist?

[Bugbear]

Why would one use a non-functional third strap? If the kilt is made properly there should be no need of the third strap in a tank at any rate.

Some people want the lower strap for the look of it. Yes, it has no use on a kilt. I am using the term "non-funtional" to mean a strap that is passed through a buckle, and sewn to the underapron with no tension on it. This would be done to give the appearance of having a third strap (because someone wants the appearance of a third strap), but without putting the stress on the stiching and apron of the kilt.

I was asking if any of the kilt makers had ever tried this.

* I guess the question or description is unclear, but I don't know how else to ask it... *

[pdcorlis]

Hi Ted

I understand your question and in theory I can think of no reason why it couldn't work. I know of no kilt makers that use the technique but then I don't pretend to know them all. Having said that - It seems to me the problem is best solved by (a) simply not over-tightening the strap in the first place or better yet (b) getting rid of the third strap - but then I'm a form follows function kind of guy.

[Barb T]

I can't see what you'd gain by having an internal 2nd strap. The second strap on a kilt is truly decorative only, and, frankly, all kilts hang better if they don't have that second strap.

The only kilts that actually need a second strap on the apron edge are dancer's kilts, and it's only to add some control to the kilt edge during dancing. Highland dancers don't wear kilt pins, and they do a lot of leaping around. The second strap just keeps the apron from flapping around quite so much.

[Bugbear]

I can't see what you'd gain by having an internal 2nd strap. The second strap on a kilt is truly decorative only, and, frankly, all kilts hang better if they don't have that second strap.

The only kilts that actually need a second strap on the apron edge are dancer's kilts, and it's only to add some control to the kilt edge during dancing. Highland dancers don't wear kilt pins, and they do a lot of leaping around. The second strap just keeps the apron from flapping around quite so much.

Barb, for some reason I can not see what it is in my original post that is leading to this response.

I am saying take the strap off of the top apron edge. It is decorative and can actually damage the kilt if tightened too much.

Instead, attach that strap, to the underapron after threading it through the buckle. It then just sits there without pulling on anything, but looks like there is a lower strap. I thought maybe a loose closure like a elastic loop and button of some sort might bee needed to keep the top apron from moving too much away from the strap; maybe not.

You say, "The second strap on a kilt is truly decorative only, and, frankly, all kilts hang better if they don't have that second strap."
I agree and that is exactly why I thought take it off the top apron and just attach it there as a false strap that does not do anything but look like a strap. Somehow, it seems like I am not comunicating this.

Perhaps this is just a very bad idea.

[ChattanCat]

Ted,
Must have misunderstood. I think, for decorative reasons only, that attaching the third belt to the underapron will work well while standing,. When sitting is another story. The end of the strap may be exposed when you sitt and let the aprons splay, unless you restrict the movement of the apron with your patented "loose closure".

Experiment on...

[Barb T]

I misunderstood, too.

[Bugbear]

I'm sorry about that. There has to be something in my first post that is throwing everyone off, but I don't know what it is.

Anyway, Wally seems to understand it now, so he can have the idea. It was one of those things that kept bothering me until I brought it up.