What is a kilt belt/buckle?

**Geoff Withnell** · 22nd February 09, 07:50 AM

Just was is the difference between a kilt belt and buckle and any wide belt with a removable buckle? I square dance, and have several wide belts, and different buckles, some of which might be used with kilt belts, but I am reluctant to spend the money without knowing how interchangeable they might be. From what I can gather, there is something about the closure.

Geoff Withnell

**McMurdo** · 22nd February 09, 08:09 AM

Here are some pictures of my kilt belt and buckle, I hope they help out.

**ForresterModern** · 22nd February 09, 08:46 AM

Kilt belts tend to be adjustable by either velcro or smaller buckle set on the inside at the buckle end (I can't tell from Glen's pics above if his is adjustable or not). The belt is folded over the large flat metal loop in the buckle (left side of first picture in Glen's post above) then back on itself to the adjustable attachment---either velcro or small buckle. Then the hook at the other side of the buckle (right side of first picture in Glen's post)attaches to the similar metal loop at the other end of the belt (Glen's third picture). That means in general no holes in the leather. Some styles do work like a standard belt though, particularly those for casual kilt wear (see Ham's new belt in this recent post:

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/n...914/index.html

In my experience western wear belts tend to be a single size at the buckle end and are only adjustable at the other end by choosing different holes to hook the buckle into, a kind of cross between Glen's and Ham's demonstrated styles. Big buckle with backside loob that attaches to the belt by a foldover section with a snap or two to hold it in place, then multiple holes at the tongue end into which a hook on the back of the buckle goes with teh tongue hiding behind the buckle and rest of the belt.

**MacMillan of Rathdown** · 22nd February 09, 09:06 AM

A belt's a belt and a buckle's a buckle. If you wear it with your kilt, it becomes a kilt belt or kilt buckle.

Generally kilt belts (which are properly called dirk belts) are considerably wider than those worn with trousers, and the buckle is distinguished by some sort of Scottish motif (thistles, rampant lions, etc.). By and large the dirk belt looks "right" to most people when worn with the kilt while thinner belts, especially for larger size guys, don't work as well.

Given the cost of dirk belts, you would probably come out ahead if you have something made by a local craftsman that would allow you to use your favourite buckle. Just make sure that he understands you want the buckle to be easily removable.

**Riverkilt** · 22nd February 09, 09:14 AM

Don't need no stinkin' badges...I mean buckles...or belts...with kilts...they got straps...

Ron

**sarge** · 25th February 09, 09:57 AM

Most kilt belts/buckles are a hook in loop type fastener. Most other belts are secured through holes in the belt.

I find most of the more affordable kilt belts and buckles to be of mediocre quality and appearance. I went to a western store and bought the widest belt they sell with only one row of holes, I think it's either 1 3/4 or 2 inches. There is a huge selection of buckles available for these belts and I find they look great with a kilt. Plus you get a better quality belt for the money

**The Wizard of BC** · 25th February 09, 10:25 AM

A Kilt belt is derived from the military "Waistbelt & Waistplate". These were worn over and outside of the tunic. Examples can be see on many military uniforms of the WWII and earlier variety.

The difference between a waistbelt and today's trouser belt is the way it fastens and adjusts.

A Kilt Belt is latched with a bale and hook as seen in the pictures above. The size adjustment is in the body of the belt as described above with a small buckle or velcro on the inside.

A trouser belt is latched with the buckle fitting through holes in the body of the belt.

Because of this the two belts are not interchangeable. You cannot use a trouser buckle on a Kilt belt and vers visa.

And please remember....The Kilt Belt is worn over and outside as decoration only. It DOES NOT go through any loops. On a Traditional Kilt you do not use the belt to hold the Kilt up. The straps do that.

If you have a Traditional Style Kilt with two long loops in the back, those are sporran loops to keep the sporran strap from falling down over your hips.

Putting a waistbelt through the sporran loops will eventually distort the Kilt and create two pulled up areas in the back of the Kilt causing the Fell area to show a sort of "W" in the stripes. After awhile this distortion will be permanent and your Kilt will not hang straight.

**piperdbh** · 25th February 09, 10:31 AM

Some kilt belts are used to suspend the sporran from. I prefer an either/or approach to belts and sporrans. But that's not what this thread is about.

My kilt belt from L & M Highland is about 3" wide, and adjusts and fastens as described a couple of times above. I think it gives a "finished" look to the waist of the kilt, but a sporran gives an equally "finished" look.

**Phogfan86** · 25th February 09, 11:44 AM

"A belt's a belt and a buckle's a buckle. If you wear it with your kilt, it becomes a kilt belt or kilt buckle."

No more calls, please. We have a winner.

**slohairt** · 25th February 09, 01:18 PM

Besides the above well-made points, a trouser belt is too narrow and will migrate to the top of the kilt. (Where it should not be). As you know, a kilt's waistline is located two inches down from the top, so a belt that is wider than two inches stays put. A trouser belt is often 1.5 or 1.75 inches. I suppose it would stay if cinched tight enough, but there would be a wide expanse of kilt showing above it. In any case, the belt is merely decorative.