Philabeg and belt width

billmcc · 29th June 05, 09:49 AM

Hi All,

I am seriously considering a USA Kilts Philabeg, but its belt width of only 1.5 inches makes me hesitate. I have always worn a traditional kilt with a 2.25-inch wide kilt belt, so a narrower belt on a kilt looks a little odd to me. However, I think a 1.5-inch belt would probably be more practical and more comfortable.

To those of you who wear a Philabeg, do you like the 1.5-inch belt width?

I suppose I could order a Philabeg without belt loops (my traditional kilt doesn't have belt loops) and wear whatever width belt I like. Would wearing a Philabeg with a traditional kilt belt change the way this kilt is positioned on a person's waist?

**Alan H** · 29th June 05, 11:17 AM

The philabeg seems to ride a bit lower than a traditional kilt on me, anyway. That bothers me not at all. I use a narrower black belt with a fairly large pewter celtic belt buckle and I think it looks pretty good.

If you ask Rocky, he'll put wider loops on if you want.

**RockyR** · 29th June 05, 11:49 AM

Hey Billmcc,

Most customers that are spending $120 on a kilt don't WANT to spend $75 on a kilt belt and buckle for it. That's one of the main reasons that we have the standard 1.5 inch loops on it. It's more for what "that level" of our customer base would prefer. If you want 3 inch loops on your casual, Kelly or I'd be happy to do it for you.

The casual is designed around the customer who is coming into this from wearing jeans all the time. We designed it and give measuring instructions for it to fit a LITTLE lower than the Semi Trad. If you want it higher on your waist, take the measurements higher.

Hope this info helps!

**Magnus Sporrano** · 29th June 05, 11:59 AM

I have three of the USA Kilts "casuals" (formerly "philabeg") and I'm happy with the 1.5" belt. I've never had anyone comment on the belt looking too narrow.

**bubba** · 29th June 05, 02:41 PM

Originally Posted by Magnus Sporrano

I have three of the USA Kilts "casuals" (formerly "philabeg") and I'm happy with the 1.5" belt. I've never had anyone comment on the belt looking too narrow.

The belt looks too narrow. :-P

**Iñaki** · 29th June 05, 05:04 PM

I too wear a 1.5" belt with my pholabeg. It looks awesome. Actually, the trad wider belt will look a little odd with the casual model, for it rides lower. Go for it, you won't regret it!

**Ziggs** · 29th June 05, 06:19 PM

My very first kilt was a philabeg by Rocky. I love it! Because I am very into the Irish-Punk scene (Dropkick Murphys, Flogging Molly, etc.) I usually wear a wider belt with pyramid spiked studs on it. It fits perfectly and looks great. I think for the casual kilt and casual kilt wearer, the philabeg is perfect.

**Silverlake_Punk** · 29th June 05, 07:12 PM

I have to agree with Bill. A narrow belt with a kilt just doesn't look right to me. But that doesn't matter, because the USAKrewe has always been able to supply me with 3" belt loops. Go on and get you some'a them USAK's. You won't be disappointed! I have six already and two more on order.

billmcc · 29th June 05, 09:22 PM

All,

My observation about the width of the belt loops on the Casual (Philabeg) kilt is in no way meant as a criticism. It is simply my personal preference.

Rocky,

If I request larger belt loops (to accomodate a kilt belt), should I use the measuring instructions on your website for your non-traditional kilt? I assume wearing a wider belt will make it neccessary to wear the kilt up higher like a traditional kilt. Correct?

**RockyR** · 30th June 05, 06:12 AM

Hey Zak... Great to see you on the board!

Originally Posted by billmcc

Rocky,

If I request larger belt loops (to accomodate a kilt belt), should I use the measuring instructions on your website for your non-traditional kilt? I assume wearing a wider belt will make it neccessary to wear the kilt up higher like a traditional kilt. Correct?

Not necessarily. First issue... the gut. Is it "pear shaped"? Generally bigger guys (whose hips tend to be smaller than their waist measurement) measure for the kilt (even our CASUAL model) at the naval. Wearing it down around the hips tends to accentuate the size of your gut by outlining the bottom of it. If you want to wear the kilt ON THE HIPS and you have a "santa claus belly", you need a smaller belt. If you want to wear it UP at the widest part of your waist (generally at the naval or slightly above), you can wear EITHER the 2.25 Kilt belt OR the 1.5 casual belt.

If you're pretty much flat down (generally people with waist measurements of 40 or lower are pretty flat on the front), you can wear it either way (higher or lower depending on taste).

Bottom line... the thing that matters MORE when wearing our casual kilt is the BOTTOM edge... mid knee (a 1/2 inch higher or lower depending on taste). It's a personal prefference on where you want the top of the kilt to sit.