Great Kilts... 1 belt or 2?

[Droid]

I've seen the great kilt belted on two different ways now and would like to hear the rabble's opinions on the matter.

(I hope I can explain this correctly)
After the cloth is pleated and ready to be put on, I've seen people use a cloth belt around the waist to tie the kilt on with (while sitting or laying on the ground), then, after standing, using another belt over everything.

I've also seen it done by just using one belt.

I plan on wearing the kilt with the plaid around my waist the whole time. I'm in a warm part of the US and don't foresee needing the upper portion of the kilt for warmth. Plus, I really like the way it looks with the extra pleated bit hanging down in the back.

So the question is, 1 belt or 2?

[Bugbear]

Hmmm. have not heard of using a cloth belt that way, unless it is a drawstring. I wish I had my links to Matt Newsome's articles handy because he discusses a lot of these things.

I suggest you Google drawstring belted plaid and you should find Matt's articles.

Good luck.

[xman]

Whatever is comfortable for you. The notion that there was only one way which the belted plaid or great kilt was worn is fallacious. There are different examples of construction, just as there are different wearers. Do what feels right.

[Bugbear]

Here you go, Matt Newsome's article on the early kilt:
http://www.albanach.org/kilt.html
and the drawstring belted plaid:
http://www.albanach.org/drawstring.html

Hope those help a little.

[Droid]

I've read articles on drawstrings and belt loops. It sounds like a great idea, but I'd rather leave the cloth as is, just a large piece of material.

I might try the 2 belt thing as soon as I find a cloth belt that will work. I've been practicing with the 1 belt method.

Here are two examples of the 2 belt method:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gv-mkrf3biU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_urWMhhgGw

The main reason I asked this question in the historical corner of these forums was to get a sense (just for knowledge sake) of which way was more "traditional."

[Sir William]

I've only used the one-belt method since I started wearing a great kilt in the early 80s. I use a good stout 2" leather belt.

[Madadh]

I have started using two belts. The first is a leather strap like I use for the sporran. This keeps the kilt tight and in place. The second is a larger belt that I can attach items to. The second belt can be anything from a renn-fair belt to a 4-6" wide. It can also be removed and/or replaced and not allow the kilt to become unbelted.

Remember an unbelted kilt can be an embarisment for those around you.

[Ryan Ross]

If it's a great kilt, use one belt.

If it's a FANTASTIC kilt, use two.

[Joshua]

I plan on wearing the kilt with the plaid around my waste the whole time.

GROSS!

[Nick the DSM]

Just wear one, that is enough to hold up your great kilt and sporran.