Stitching down those 3" belt loops!

**longshadows** · 2nd April 06, 10:34 AM

I've previously goused about the fact that UK (and others) seem to think if you have belt loops, they must be 3". Even if one likes the look of a 3" belt, they are not that easy to find. Most "kilt belts" sold on the Internet are 2 - 2 1/2" wide.

That leaves an inch or so of excess waistband, which usually ends up above the actual belt. If you don't happen to be 25 and have abs like Brad Pitt, if your midriff has gone soft as you've aged, that excess waistband will roll over the belt and your whole outfit will look like "sh*t".

Even on the UK "Mockers" which are supposed to replace Dockers, they think that a 3" belt is the norm. I beg to differ and would like to fix mine.

Has anyone tried stitching down the excess lower portion (1" or so) of their UK or other belt loops? That way, the belt stays at the tops of the loops, restaining the "jelly roll" behind the waistband. What sort of luck have you had? Any other ideas?

Thanks,

**bubba** · 2nd April 06, 10:41 AM

Personally, I'd just cut the lower end loose and shorten the loops and restitch the lower end. If you don't feel you can do it yourself take it someplace that does alterations and have it done. It'll look much cleaner than just sewing down part of them.

**Pour1Malt** · 2nd April 06, 10:45 AM

Langshadoo-

yer richt... aye yer richt....

I boucht wan o these tae solve the problaim...

it's a 2 7/8" wide wan....

fraim Oatmeal Savage....

http://www.oatmealsavage.com/item461572.ctlg

the big belt also heps hold the jellyroll in....

**longshadows** · 2nd April 06, 10:55 AM

Originally Posted by Pour1Malt

Langshadoo-

yer richt... aye yer richt....

I boucht wan o these tae solve the problaim...
it's a 2 7/8" wide wan....

fraim Oatmeal Savage....

the big belt also heps hold the jellyroll in....

Thanks P1M, but sometimes I really don't want that large of a belt--that's close to a girdle! As nice as the belt is, it with the buckle is about $100. Then, there's the question of black or brown, so maybe we're looking at $200 for two belts... oops, $150, the buckle is interchangable. (I could buy a new kilt for that!)

Hmm....

**longshadows** · 2nd April 06, 10:59 AM

Originally Posted by bubba

Personally, I'd just cut the lower end loose and shorten the loops and restitch the lower end. If you don't feel you can do it yourself take it someplace that does alterations and have it done. It'll look much cleaner than just sewing down part of them.

Yes, this is a better idea then stitching them down. Thanks!

**Southern Breeze** · 2nd April 06, 01:06 PM

Sewing them down is something I've never thought about. Good idea!

**The Wizard of BC** · 2nd April 06, 01:43 PM

Danger Will Robinson, Danger!

On UK's, do not cut the bottom of the beltloops! You will then have to rip the stitching of the waistband to put them back on.

Instead, remove the beltloop at the top. cut the lines of stitches at the top of the wiastband. This will free the loop. then fold the loop till it is the size you want and re-stitch at the top of the waistband.

**Canuck** · 2nd April 06, 02:30 PM

Originally Posted by The Wizard of BC

Danger Will Robinson, Danger!

On UK's, do not cut the bottom of the beltloops! You will then have to rip the stitching of the waistband to put them back on.

Instead, remove the beltloop at the top. cut the lines of stitches at the top of the wiastband. This will free the loop. then fold the loop till it is the size you want and re-stitch at the top of the waistband.

Isn't the bottom of the belt loop stitched down as well? If so, you will have to carefully take the stitches out across the bottom, then do what Steve suggests, then restitch across the bottom of the loops. Then you should be OK. Make sure that the belt loop in the front has enough room for a triple thickness belt, 'cause that's where the tongue of the belt goes through the buckle and keeper and sometimes the part that holds the buckle can be long so you might have the thickness of three straps of leather going through the loop.

**longshadows** · 2nd April 06, 03:34 PM

Yea, there's a lot to consider... Thanks guys for the advice.

**Canuck** · 2nd April 06, 04:00 PM

Originally Posted by longshadows

Yea, there's a lot to consider... Thanks guys for the advice.

Yes but, once you've decided to do it, it takes about half hour to an hour to do the change. If you take it to an alteration or a drycleaner who does alterations on the spot, I would think they could do it for a very reasonable price. Keeping in mind they have the thread, seam rippers, sewing machine ready to go. You on the otherhand have to get that ready. When you take the first one apart look how it's put together and you will see how simple it is to do