Why not buttons instead of straps/buckles

[Robinhood]

It seems easier all around to use buttons on a kilt
instead of straps and buckles; easier to make, easier
to dress, and easier to alter when the belly grows,
and easier to pay for. Why then, is it so uncommon
to see buttons?

[Woodsheal]

The straps and buckles stem from 19th C. military kilts. Some earlier kilts DID utilize buttons and loops. I have a couple of recreated 18th C. kilts with such a button closure set-up, and they're great...!

[davedove]

I actually much prefer the straps to other closure because of the flexibility. My waist isn't exactly the same size from day to day and it's nice to be able to adjust without having to alter anything.

[bangkok kilt]

I can see how buttons would be easier to alter than the straps, but the straps provide a good deal of built in leeway. I also like that I can tighten or loosen them as I feel like it; kind of an echo of dave's comment.

[KiltedCodeWarrior]

And if you want the ultimate in adjustability, go with no fasteners! Seriously, the belted plaid had no fasteners and was held up by the belt. I have had to do this out of necessity for 2 kilts I have that are slightly too large for me right now and I have not found the time to move the strap and buckles. I just wrap the under apron around and don't thread the strap through the hole, then wrap the outer apron and lay the strap on top of the buckle, then strap on the belt to hold it in place. Works great.

[Pleater]

I find that I need to loosen my belt as the day goes on, or if I sit down - I am thinner standing up - the effect of gravity and old age I can only assume.

I make my kilts with only belt loops and no fasteners.

I put two loops at the back, one on the last pleat each side and one on the end of the apron.

Some kilts now require a safety pin to hold the under apron securely, or rather they need to be made smaller.

Some of my kilts are on their third remake as I have lost 12 inches off my waist, in 16 months.

If I used buttons I would need to make a strong fixing point on a waistband, and then perhaps put on three dofferent loops so as to be able to change the waist size as required.

I supose that a garment which might outlast the wearer would be more convenient with straps and buckles so as to make it useful to one man for many years, and more likely to fit whoever inherited it.

[randyrandy]

I actually much prefer the straps to other closure because of the flexibility. My waist isn't exactly the same size from day to day and it's nice to be able to adjust without having to alter anything.

Yup, I agree.

[mbhandy]

I'm with KCW & Pleater The kilts I have made don't have fastners and are only held up by the belt. have not had any problem with my kilt coming off or any feeling that that might happen. Any way there is all ways velcrow. :rolleyes:

MrBill

[mrpharr]

I like the beauty of the straps and buckles. I think they really seem to add an extra dimension to the garment.

[Iolaus]

It seems easier all around to use buttons on a kilt
instead of straps and buckles; easier to make, easier
to dress, and easier to alter when the belly grows,
and easier to pay for. Why then, is it so uncommon
to see buttons?

I think buttons may put too much strain on too small an area of the fabric; straps spread the attachment over a wider area.

Now, if you want adjustability, check out what we're talking about on this thread. That one's got some serious potential! I need to take in my Weathered Lamont, and this has me thinking...