Kilt belt loops?

[unixken]

When I was first measured for a kilt, my tailor told me my size around the butt was 48", to which I replied "Thanks... now when someone calls me a fat-a$$, I'll know exactly how fat."

My kilts fit me well enough, and stay put well enough, that I've gone without a belt a few times, as with this pic of my 5yd casual-cut Aberdeen, worn at the p@nts waist.


So I know I don't need my belt to hold the kilt up. Likewise, I've seen photos of the type of pulling of the fabric that can occur when belt loops are continually stressed. As a consequence, I simply ignore the loops that are there, and don't even use them for the sporran strap.

[Piobair]

In 25 years or so in pipe bands in both the US and Scotland in every grade level (except grade III I think) I've never owned a kilt without belt loops - maybe a dozen + kilts including ones purchased for solos. I definitely think piping styles vary when compared to non-piper kilt wearers. For instance, were I to see a belt worn over the loops (or a sporran strap throug the loops with a belt worn over), I'd think newbie for sure. Not to say pipers set a particularly good standard - I think some of the more egregious highland wear errors have come out of the pipe band community (spats, epaulette covers, marching brogues, etc.). Interesting to see what's normal for kilt wearers from other traditions.

Whatever the answer - I have to think that loops are a relatively new addition, as the tradition in the 19th century appears to have been jacket and waistcoat with the kilt or some sort of belted jacket or doublet. Maybe when trends changed and sporran straps were added, it was before belt wearing was particularly wide spread. Then, as belts became more commonplace, the straps were lengthened to include both waist and sporran belts, as wearing a belt over a sporran strap can be a little uncomfortable.

Just as long as kilts don't cover the knee, I don't really have an opinion about belts, other then I guess I don't really like them, under loops or out of them.

[revbook]

"For instance, were I to see a belt worn over the loops (or a sporran strap throug the loops with a belt worn over), I'd think newbie for sure."
Piobair, I too have suffered through the wearing of band kilts but find your perspective interesting and believe just the opposite of what you posted. To me, and the majority of replies, seeing the belt worn through the loops is indicative of a newbie. This indeed appears to be one of those subjects that has believers in both camps. Don't get me started on the kilt covering the knee!

[Dale Seago]

There may be some misunderstanding of what the kilt belt was originally for in the first place. If I recall correctly it was to hang things from, hence the other name by which it's often called: a dirk belt. Nothing to do with keeping one's kilt up in the auld days, hence I don't think wearing one outside/over the newer-fangled belt loops should be considered unusual.

[MizzouScotsman]

Ok, if my kilt has small loops (I ordered them that way for my regular belt) but now I have a full sized kilt belt, would it be best to just remove them altogether? Right now I am wearing the kilt belt "over the loops". You can't see the loops as the width of the kilt belt hides these tiny loops.

I await the great Rabble's opinion.

[David Thorpe]

Why bother with removing them? Use them for your sporran strap if you wish.

[TheOfficialBren]

My kilt has loops large enough for a 3-inch belt. I use them for my belt and on occasion, my sporran strap.

I do not always wear a belt and I do not always run my sporran strP through them.

I don't have an opinion one way or another. Use them or don't. It's your kilt and your body.

If you are spending that much time examining the minutiae of another man's clothes with the intention of passing "drumhead judgement" then you are either completely insecure with yourself (and your own knowledge and execution of THCD) or in excruciatingly boring surroundings among absolutely daft people (and should avoid all of these things).

[Carlo]

Aye! I said and then realised that just today I told someone that he wasn't using all of the beltloops on his p@nts.
Not insecure and not bored but cursed by sometimes speaking faster than I should

[gwynng]

This got me thinking, so had to run to my closet and see which kilts had loops and which didn't. Note, I didn't say "sporran" or "belt", just loops. Out of 5 kilts only two have loops: my first tank, custom from Scotland and the one I made myself. Now when I wear the loop-less kilts I do have a concern about keeping my sporran up since I have a flat butt. My solution is to thread the sporran strap through the kilt straps on the sides. Keeps it all in place.

Now, those of a cynical frame of mind would ask, "why did you put loops on the kilt you made?" Why, because Barb told me to in TAOK! That's why!

[TheOfficialBren]

Gwynng,
And whom among us has the stones to argue with such a source?