"Adding" Belt loops!

**Kilted Rogue** · 24th March 10, 11:19 AM

I have read many a post on the topic of not wanting or wanting belt loops on "your" kilt. Most ppl will agree that if the kilt is made to measure and measurements were done correctly. then the need to wear a belt is simply an accessory. I do not have a made to measure kilt, Its a WPG kilt and i enjoy wearing it. Jerry at WPG didnt have my exact size,(there is a longer story here not getting that deep in to it) and the kilt is not being sold there any longer,. So i opted for what i got. Now the kilt does fit, but it slides down a wee bit as the day goes on. my belt slides up as the daily motion of walking and sitting changes. So as there are not any belt loops on this kilt. Is it possible to add them to it. with out visually altering the look of my kilt.

If said alteration is possible and any of our talented kilt makers can undertake this. PLease PM me with the details of.

in the mean time shall we converse on the topic, has anyone done this? or am i alone in this quest?

**mrtackytn** · 24th March 10, 11:38 AM

As has been advised previously on this FORUM, belt loops on a properly-fitted kilt are for the sporran belt and NOT the kilt belt. The operative word here of course is: Properly-Fitted. For ready-made and casual kilts - this might be a different matter.

Three out of four of my kilts came with sporran belt loops - while my Black Stewart "thrifty" from SWK did not. I added two hand-made loops in the back for the sporran belt by making them from material the same dark blue shade in the tartan - strategically positioned so as to blend in the the pleats near the waist line. They have worked very well - and look like they were original to the kilt.

**Pleater** · 24th March 10, 03:48 PM

To correct the movement of a heavy garment which was wandering from its proper place I have taken a sturdy tape or strip of webbing and carefully placed it inside the garment at the right height and sewn it in place - it has to be exactly on the waist and exactly the right size.

As you sew you can ease in the garment to the correct size, it is easy to take out an inch or so to add shape and ensure the garment doesn't wander from the waist. With a kilt I would sew the tape along the pleats as the aprons are not shaped in three dimensions. The ends of the tape should be connected firmly at the fastenings.

However - a tight waistband can become very uncomfortable - how about wearing braces and a waistcoat - suspenders and a vest in US speak, I think - to keep the kilt in place?

Anne the Pleater :ootd:

**dfmacliam** · 24th March 10, 04:00 PM

Is it possible to have the straps adjusted and make the kilt fit you a bit more snug? and possibly keeping it from sliding down? I know you are asking about belt loops, but the thought crossed my mind.

**Mike in Dayton** · 24th March 10, 04:26 PM

If you have bit of a belly then the kilt is going to be at the widest part of your mid section. Any movement of the kilt down will result in a looser fit. I don't have that much of a belly but I have enough of one that the kilt has to be very tight if I don't have a belt. How nice it would be to be 20 again and have a real waist.

Mike

**Kilted Rogue** · 24th March 10, 05:17 PM

I dont have much of a gut. I did think about moving the straps to allow a snugger fit.. the straps are a bit warn and there are 3 of them.. i need to replace them anyway with new ones. I may go that route. i think i would rather have some one do it for me. I tend to mess up the 1st time. and i would rather not have to do it twice.

**ccga3359** · 24th March 10, 05:43 PM

Yes adjusting the straps whould probably be your best bet to size your kilt correctly and yes I suggest getting someone to do it as it involves sewing through rather thick leather and several layers of wool. belt loop would be easier to add if you have a swatch of matching tartan. Kilt belt loops are for sporrans and should never be used for a belt as overtime those little loops supporting all that weight, and those WPG kilts are heavy, will allow the tartan to sag exceprt at those loops. From the back your kilt will look off kilter with no repair.

The third strap is superfluous and leaving it off might help eliminate some unwanted movement.

Brace yourself, as our lovely and vivacious Anne the Pleater said use suspenders. A kilt will move throughout the day no matter bespoke or off the rack. A belt with or without loops will lessen this but not eliminate. Now real men (like McMurdo and myself) use pnuematic nail guns to keep our kilts in place!