belt width for different kilts?

[apack]

Hi all,

What's the minimum reasonable width of belt to use for a) a féileadh mhor, and b) a modern kilt? It seems to me that anything wide enough to look good should be OK for a modern version, as the belt isn't really needed for structural support. However, wearing an overly narrow belt with a belted plaid would seem to be somewhat...um...risky.

I would appreciate hearing from those who have some experience wearing different types of belts with kilts!

p.s., I have resolved to get a good belt from Cavscout, but that will have to wait for a bit...I'm just looking for something that will work in the meanwhile.

[McMurdo]

If you just want something for now than may I suggest that you just go down to your local hardware store and buy a tool belt I did that and it has worked out great. Here is a picture of it:



I think it works fine for what it is

[JamesA]

Hi all,

What's the minimum reasonable width of belt to use for a) a féileadh mhor, and b) a modern kilt? It seems to me that anything wide enough to look good should be OK for a modern version, as the belt isn't really needed for structural support. However, wearing an overly narrow belt with a belted plaid would seem to be somewhat...um...risky.

I would appreciate hearing from those who have some experience wearing different types of belts with kilts!

p.s., I have resolved to get a good belt from Cavscout, but that will have to wait for a bit...I'm just looking for something that will work in the meanwhile.

I have wore a belted plaid off and on for the last 10 or so years in the SCA, and have found that at least a 2" belt is a the best choice. Anything narrower, and by then end of the day I started to feel like I was being cut in half. One of the most comforable days spent in a great kilt though, was wearing a converted weight belt. It had been tooled and was quite comfy. The least was a 1" belt.

As for modern wear, I only have the belt I got from SWK, which is 2.25" wide, and so far has been quite comfy.

As always, YMMV.

James

[Mr. MacDougall]

For a modern kilt, I'd say 2" / 5cm is the minimum to look right. I've worn a 1.5" belt with a casual kilt, to hold my sporran up, and it just didn't look right, at least to my eyes.

[Irish in Tacoma]

A lot also depends on your size. The bigger your waist, the smaller the same belt will look. I've got a 40" waist, and I hate wearing dress belts (with pants) becuase they are usually 1" wide and look out of proportion. My casual 1.5" belt I wear with jeans looks more correct. I'd like to go even a little bigger, but they won't fit through the belt loops.

The kilt belts and buckles all seem to be 2.25" wide, but you will be hard pressed to find an alternative buckle for that width. But there are other choices such as tool belts.

[Phil]

My kilt belts are 2" and 2.25" which seem the standard widths. If you go much different you might run into problems with getting buckles to fit. I don't think anything narrower than that would look right with a kilt anyway and as JamesA says it just isn't as comfortable.

[James MacMillan]

I agree with the general rule of two inches.

As to the question of buckles - Some western "cowboy" style buckles work for me. The kind that some companies make to mimic the rodeo award buckles.

[Riverkilt]

I really like the feel of wearing no belt at all with my hand sewn traditional kilts my Freedom Kilt Dress Model, and my USA Kilts semi-traditionals.

Do need a belt for my USA Kilts casuals, AmeriKilts and Utilikilts. Then I use the 2" belts AmeriKilt offers. A great value.

Whenever you order up a new kilt you HAVE to be sure to check with the kiltmaker to get the width of belt/sporran loop you want/need. Surprises lurk if you don't double check and get it clear.

Ron

[DTrain]

I recently saw a great belt in the mens dept at a big discount store (Target)--about 2", black, with a large buckle and bottle opener right on the buckle! Great for a party or trip to the pub . . .for a dressier occasion, not so much

[escherblacksmith]

I wear about 2-2.5, for the reasons listed above.

But for my belted great kilt, I have a 4" that serves my purposes.