tartan casual kilt: no belt no sporran?

[kilted_brewer]

I'm new to kilts, but just got my first tartan kilt (SK "Works" in "Hunting" tartan), and want to wear it out and about, but am not fully "accessorized." My two UKs look fine with a belt and no sporran, but their snaps do pretty good stand-in decorative duty, and I never wear them without a belt.

Long story short, the excellent buckle

I thought would work with the kilt belt I ordered doesn't, so I find myself both beltless and sporranless. I could use the 1.5" belt that works with the buckle, but there's no nearby belt loop to receive the excess belt and as a result it juts out (and looks skinny).

Would you go out without a sporran and without a belt?

[MacMullen]

Lots of people go without a sporran. As for the belt, wear something that covers up the waist, like a sweater or sweatshirt. After all, you are going casual.

[auld argonian]

Agreed that you can just wear a sweater and a "normal" belt and that belt will be covered up...

But I've come to the conclusion (after having gone sporran-less in the beginning of my kilted kareer) that the sporran is de rigeur. If nothing else, consider a Stillwater Nylon Nightstalker sporran as a reasonably priced and extremely practical possibility. Not only is the sporran traditional and what folks expect to see hanging on the front of the kilt, it is also damn near indispensible if you want to carry anything (like your wallet and keys) with you and just feels right sitting there on the kilt.

Best

AA

[Big Dave]

You can get away without a sporran when you wear a UK, because of the pockets. But a traditional style kilt without a sporran just doesn't look right, nor feel right. Once I got my SWK Nightstalker Sporran, I use it with all my kilts, even my UK's.

[Panache]

kilted_brewer,

I'm with auld argonian. I think a tartan kilt just doesn't look quite right without the sporran. At my Scottish Country Dance class the gentlemen often forgo the belt, but never the sporran when dancing (when they wear kilts at all.)

If you are going to get a sporran and are looking for a good deal, I suggest getting a Buzz Kidder sporrran. They are sturdy and well made for under $60.
You can get a cheaper one easily, but you will likely find that in a year's time you will be looking at it and wonder "why did I buy this thing?" Do yourself a favor and get one that you will still be using 5 years down the road. Also get yourself a leather sporran strap (Cavscout* makes some nice ones, or you can just go to the Ladies Accessories section of a department store and get a simple cheap leather 3/4" belt)

Cheers

* He also makes belts, maybe he could make one that would work with your cool buckle, if a standard kilt belt doesn't work.

[beloitpiper]

I never go without a sporran. Not only is it your only pocket, but it makes it clear to people that you're wearing a kilt and not a skirt.

[Bob C]

Would you go out without a sporran and without a belt?

No, I would not.

[Kilted KT]

I'm with everyone else..sporran required.

the only times I don't wear a sporran is when there is obvious risk of it getting ruined, such as serious backpacking, swimming, soccer, or other such rigorous activities.

[kilted_brewer]

Thanks for the voices of reason. It was how I was leaning anyway, but the urge is strong to wear the new kilt in public

Note to self: make more money so you can everything you want all at once.

Panache, I like the Buzz Kidder sporrans: they look very nice and are in my price range. I should have got one before the tartan kilt. That way I could have worn them with the UKs.

Maybe a PM to Cavscout regarding my buckle dilemma is the way to go, too. Hmmm...I s'pose the UKs won't mind being pressed into service for another couple of months while I get my 'kit' together.

It's funny, though: I used to wear the same pair of jeans several days in a row, and now I'm feeling self-conscious--not about the kilt so much as the lack of variety.

BTW, I figured out (duh) how to put on the 1.5" belt so that the excess belt is hidden, so it will do in a pinch, but it's still too skinny.

[McClef]

I always wear a sporran in public and usually a belt too.

But when hanging around the house I often don't wear them.