Kilt braces, or to use the non-British term, suspenders

**Lallans** · 28th July 22, 07:34 AM

Following relocation of the straps to what is probably the full extend possible, I have a kilt that stays in place if I continually tug on it with it with the usual belt cinched up as tightly as doesn't look ridiculous, but what I long for is a set of braces that will do the job without a struggle. On rare occasions I've seen young members and cadets of kilted regiments, kids with no butts or hips, wearing them but have never ever found anything suitable on the civilian market. Are there any suggestions?

**Father Bill** · 28th July 22, 09:05 AM

I sewed brace buttons on myself. Just be sure that the needle goes all the way through. I found a pair of fairly wide plain black braces that to me were appropriate, particularly with my black clergy shirt, or covered by a waistcoat.

**ShaunMaxwell** · 28th July 22, 11:36 AM

My favorite uncle, Gene McDougald, always wore suspenders with his kilt. I got him a pair in MacDougall tartan and he wore them ever after. Here's the proof from a decade ago:

Cheers,

SM

**Lallans** · 28th July 22, 12:05 PM

Originally Posted by ShaunMaxwell

My favorite uncle, Gene McDougald, always wore suspenders with his kilt. I got him a pair in MacDougall tartan and he wore them ever after. Here's the proof from a decade ago:

Cheers,

SM

OK, and I see those are clip-ons and presumably didn't tear the material. I guess I know where to buy that type of braces.

**ShaunMaxwell** · 28th July 22, 01:32 PM

Originally Posted by Lallans

OK, and I see those are clip-ons and presumably didn't tear the material. I guess I know where to buy that type of braces.

Yeah, but I'd think the button on type would be a good deal heartier and more visually appealing!

Cheers,

SM

**Father Bill** · 28th July 22, 01:39 PM

Originally Posted by ShaunMaxwell

Yeah, but I'd think the button on type would be a good deal heartier and more visually appealing!

Cheers,

SM

Were I using clip-ons, I'd be looking for very, very wide ones to support the weight across more of the material too.

**figheadair** · 28th July 22, 10:39 PM

Based on surviving 19th and early 20th examples braces were commonly worn. Like those for trousers, there were commonly four at the front and two at the rear.

**Lallans** · 30th July 22, 02:39 AM

They not commonly seen in my experience but I do have some button style braces on the trousers I wear for hunting. I'm sure they have an outdoorsy look but my tartan is Forrester after all. I'll take a look at using them on the kilt. And for dressier ones, I suppose there's always Amazon.

**PiperPadre** · 3rd August 22, 07:19 PM

Originally Posted by Lallans

Following relocation of the straps to what is probably the full extend possible, I have a kilt that stays in place if I continually tug on it with it with the usual belt cinched up as tightly as doesn't look ridiculous, but what I long for is a set of braces that will do the job without a struggle. On rare occasions I've seen young members and cadets of kilted regiments, kids with no butts or hips, wearing them but have never ever found anything suitable on the civilian market. Are there any suggestions?

I've also seen pictures of soldiers in my uncle's regiment (Essex Scottish) in WW2 who had braces on their kilts. One of my kilts, from a more generous iteration of my past self, requires braces.