Proper Sporran Wear Question

**Riverkilt** · 19th September 09, 09:58 AM

I purchased a $300 L&M Dress sporran in beaver through Matt at STM. I know its a dress sporran. Don't know that I'll ever find a true dress occasion to wear it at out here in the canyonlands - but its mine and I love it.

I don't much like the chain though. Both for looks and for potential fabric damage.

My question of the experts is, should I happen to encounter a true formal occasion somewhere would it be "wrong" to wear the dress sporran with a leather sporran strap rather than the chain?

Thanks

Ron

**Chas** · 19th September 09, 10:10 AM

Wherever and whenever you wear that sporran Ron, you'll be the only one who would know the difference. I don't wear chains any more, it's a belt every time.

By the way - that's a really nice sporran - it looks every penny that you paid.

Regards

Chas

**BEEDEE** · 19th September 09, 11:16 AM

I wear either a sporran belt or hang it from my waist belt with hangers. Hate chains!

Brian

**Canuck** · 19th September 09, 11:29 AM

might I suggest a braided leather sporran strap

**Macman** · 19th September 09, 11:49 AM

Ron, I always wear my formal sporran with a chain and leather strap. I think it looks dressier, and that's how I've seen most people wearing them in my lifetime. I don't know whether it's "wrong" to wear leather straps only when formal; I'll let an expert chime in! I know it just doesn't look right to me; sort of like wearing a regular tie with a formal rig.
FWIW, I sometimes wear some of my dressier sporrans with chain and leather straps, because I just like the look. I've never had any damage to my wool kilts from this.

**Paul** · 19th September 09, 12:08 PM

Originally Posted by Riverkilt

I purchased a $300 L&M Dress sporran in beaver through Matt at STM. I know its a dress sporran. Don't know that I'll ever find a true dress occasion to wear it at out here in the canyonlands - but its mine and I love it.

I don't much like the chain though. Both for looks and for potential fabric damage.

My question of the experts is, should I happen to encounter a true formal occasion somewhere would it be "wrong" to wear the dress sporran with a leather sporran strap rather than the chain?

Thanks

Ron

I think a strap looks just as good. Traditionally - even on formal occasions I know civillians and soldiers wore straps with their large horse hair sporrans. If the strap matches the leather of your sporran and the leather matches your shoes I think it'd look even better!
I don't like regular chains anymore so I've just purchased a higher quality, thicker Saltire-patterned chain. It shouldnt tear up my kilt and I think it gives a nice edge to my outfit with good attention to detail.

Enjoy wearing you sporran!

**sydnie7** · 19th September 09, 12:55 PM

I have seen first-hand an expensive, patterned sporran chain chew up the kilt beneath it. Bob wears belts, no matter the occasion. This is one of those times I will stand behind the "I know the rule [assuming chain=formal is a rule], but will break it in full understanding."

**Zardoz** · 19th September 09, 01:49 PM

I use my leather strap with formal kit, I don't think anyone notices..

**HeathBar** · 19th September 09, 01:58 PM

You could always go with a fancy chain like one of these.
http://www.scotweb.co.uk/sr_glnsk_fa..._chain_antique

Unless you are going to be doing something that would cause the chain to move ALOT, I don't think you will see any wear for occasional use.

**JSFMACLJR** · 19th September 09, 02:46 PM

Okay, I have to ask: how is a chain harmful to the kilt? I have worn the kilt for some 45 years now. In the evening for dressy events, and often during the day, I have worn a chain strap with my sporrans. My kilts have never been damaged. What am I doing right that so many of you are doing wrong?

I'm really curious...what are you guys doing?