Sam Browne belt

**Rogerson785** · 13th January 08, 04:35 PM

David,

Thanks, the Oconee Leather Works was just what I was looking for in belts, and to save myself from the group I was only quoting the Bianchi Law Enforcement site, I would never attach the shoulder strap while kilted, that would look foolish, unless of course that was some military or group uniform.

http://www.bianchi-intl.com/product/...?TxtModelID=B2

**Yaish** · 14th January 08, 10:02 AM

Modern vernacular tends to call what appears to be the Garrison belt a "Sam Browne".

The shoulder strap would just look silly kilted unless part of a uniform, but the belt itself works well.

**Nervous Jock** · 14th January 08, 10:06 AM

Loads of Sam Browne's on ebay, normally pretty cheap too.

**Nervous Jock** · 14th January 08, 10:12 AM

Originally Posted by davidlpope

The current Sam Browne is Corfram, basically patent leather,

"cringe"

**davedove** · 14th January 08, 10:18 AM

Originally Posted by davidlpope

I think part of the reason that non-kilt wearers see the kilt as a "costume" vice an article of clothing is because of "accessories" that are often paired with it. I haven't seen anyone walk around with a military dirk while wearing a business suit, the same goes for the Sam Browne. By going with a "kitchen sink" accessories approach you often overwhelm the beauty of a kilt.

I would have to agree with this. Unless you're in a situation where a uniform is appropriate (pipe band, military, etc.), wearing too many uniform items makes it look like you're playing dress up.

This isn't quite as bad if you are dressed formally, but even then it can be overkill.

Specifically the Sam Browne belt, I think it looks really sharp in the right circumstances, but it definitely has a military look to it. So, if you're not wearing it as part of a military style uniform, it wouldn't really look right.

**Streetcar** · 14th January 08, 01:33 PM

In (American) law enforcement circles, the belt in question is commonly (though technically incorrect) called a Sam Browne, or a pistol belt. You'll find that most modern versions have a stiffener inside, to support the gear that it's called upon to carry.

In those same circles, a Garrison Belt is the slightly thinner (1 1/2" - 1 3/4") trouser belt that goes underneath the pistol belt.

They are usually offered with or without the basket weave pattern.

Personally, I think the width of the pistol belt makes it great for casual kilt wear - especially with Utilikilts. If I were going to match it with a tartan, I'd probably want a plain finish, to avoid the "costuming" look that Dave Dove and Davidlpope referred to.

**Retro Red** · 14th January 08, 03:06 PM

Originally Posted by Streetcar

Personally, I think the width of the pistol belt makes it great for casual kilt wear - especially with Utilikilts.

Aye, I'm wearing my garrison/Sam Browne belt right now with my postal blue Utilikilt. As others mentioned, it fits well with a Utilikilt, which is undoubtedly why Utilikilt at one time was selling Sam Browne belts - that's who I got mine from.

I'm also wearing my SB with my XMTS kilt in this pic (though you have to look close to see it). I don't think it looks the least bit "costume"-y.

Personally, I don't feel any constraints about it's history or origin. I think it's just a good looking belt & wear it any time I d**n well please.

.

**macwilkin** · 14th January 08, 03:22 PM

I'm also wearing my SB with my XMTS kilt in this pic (though you have to look close to see it). I don't think it looks the least bit "costume"-y.

Personally, I don't feel any constraints about it's history or origin. I think it's just a good looking belt & wear it any time I d**n well please.

Ah, but Red, you're not wearing the part that "makes" it a Sam Browne, namely the strap that goes over the shoulder. I think that's what most of the objections are about, since a true Sam Browne is an article of military kit.

This extra strap was specifically designed to carry the weight of a side-arm, hence its association with military & law enforcement uniforms. Without said strap, it looks completely different.

T.

**Raphael** · 14th January 08, 04:22 PM

Thanks Todd and other to clear things up. Lots of Xmarkers, including myself, are mislead by the suppliers of these belts.

**woodard** · 14th January 08, 04:24 PM

Having worn one for 6 years prior starting my driving career, would you mind if I told you that both terms are incorrect? In a uniform configuration, it is a duty belt. A duty belt, worn over a uniform blouse or jacket, with a shoulder strap for support, is a Sam Brown rig. A duty belt, attached with keepers or hook-and-loop, to a garrison belt which is looped through the belt loops on your trousers, is a Garrison rig.
Without the shoulder strap or garrison, it really is just a belt.