I've got three tartan kilts, and none of them have straps. One is a SWK Thrifty (so it just has velcro) and the other two just don't have straps. I just kinda' hold 'em up and use the belt to keep them on.

Since I've never owned a strapped kilt, I can't say which I like better, But I know my two are nice and comfortable, provided I have a belt to wear them with

~Yeti