Two buckles vs three?

[Stan]

I'm preparing to order a nice 5 years casual kilt (16 0z.) from Scotweb, and I see that they only offer they're casual kilt with 2 straps instead of three.

In the postings I read about 13 oz. vs 16 oz. but I haven't read about 2 straps vs three, or casual kilt (made with tartan) that's measured like pants, vs traditional kilts that are measured at the navel.

I own three traditional kilts (two MacGregor moderns in 13 oz. and one black watch in 16 oz.) and all have three straps.

Looking for any opinions regarding two straps vs. three, and casual "cut" vs. traditional.

Thanks
Stan L.

[flyrod6057]

I own a number of kilts in various weights. Some have two buckles; some have three, depending on who made them. I have personally stitched kilts with both options: two versus three buckles. I have noticed no difference between the two options. As many would tell you, you only NEED two buckles. However, you may prefer three. (I put a third strap/buckle on my last kilt to showcase the brass buckle and brown leather straps I chose.) It's up to you.

As for casual versus traditional cut: I prefer a traditional kilt. Wearing the kilt like a pair of jeans just feels wrong to me. I prefer the rise myself, but to each his own.

Regards,

Brad

[Jock Scot]

I can tell you nothing about casual kilts, but some kilts have two straps and some have three and I don't think there is any "right" or "wrong" here. I do know of some members here who have cut off the third(bottom) strap as they have found them unnecessary. I think the one downfall of the third strap is that there is a tendency for some people to do them up too tightly and cause the kilt not to hang properly. Really though, I would not loose any sleep over it , one way or the other.

[Spartan Tartan]

There actuall have been discussions ver 2 v 3 buckles before. However, my search fu is terrivle and I can never find old threads. Personally, have kilts both ways and much prefer 2 buckles. The third has never been an issue but seems to interfere with my sporran strap. Perhaps, "much" is a tad overstated. I do happen to prefer the cleaner look of only 2 buckles.

[madmacs]

2...

Just got my first kilt with 3... Just doesnt feel right... Of course if you ask someone who has only had 3 buckles, then they will probably say the same about 2...

If it's made to your waist and hip measurements, then either should be fine

[California Highlander]

This thread was from this past October, fairly fresh.
http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...-straps-76659/

Both sides make a case. I have a 3 strap/buckle casual from Burnett and Struth and as Jock suggests, keep the third strap looser so the kilt hangs right. I like the third strap on the lighter casual if you are in windy situations. Tighten it a bit more and it keeps things down better. But other than that, unnecessary. I also like the look of three.

[hector]

The third buckle is more for the optical aspect of wearing kilts. It does not really serve any other purpose.

[TheOfficialBren]

I remember that thread, California Highlander. It was an interesting read.

[John_Carrick]

The gentleman that owns the Highland House of Fraser kilt emporium in Inverness advised me that two can be better and looks neater with a Prince Charlie.
I find the third buckle a nuisance myself and it can pull the front apron up to reveal the inner apron unless I leave it very loose.
John

[M. A. C. Newsome]

The third strap and buckle serves absolutely no purpose, and is a more recent addition to the Highland kilt. I don't include it on any kilt I make, and have, in fact, had clients send me kilts from other makers so that I could remove the superfluous third strap and buckle from their kilts.

I did a blog post on this topic a few years ago, so if you want to read more...
http://kiltmaker.blogspot.com/2005/0...lt-straps.html