When TO and when NOT to wear a sporran?

[GreenDragon]

When is it proper etiquette to wear a sporran and when is it not? Or when do you have to?

[Nick]

If you're dressed formally it would be inappropriate to not wear a sporran. Casually, you could wear it or not depending on your preference. I think a traditional kilt looks incomplete without a sporran, personally.

[Kiltman]

If you're dressed formally it would be inappropriate to not wear a sporran. Casually, you could wear it or not depending on your preference. I think a traditional kilt looks incomplete without a sporran, personally.

I would have to agree with the quote. But Rex is also correct. I often take the sporran off when doing Scottish Country Dance practice.

[davedove]

I would say that when going casually, you can make your own decision.

When dressing up, especially formally and in a traditional kilt, the sporran is part of the outfit and needs to be worn.

On the practical side, the traditional kilt does not have any pockets, so the sporran is where you would keep your stuff.

[Big Mikey]

On the practical side, the traditional kilt does not have any pockets, so the sporran is where you would keep your stuff.

Ahh, how soon we forget. A traditional style kilt CAN have pockets if you know the right maker.



I still wear a sporran with this kilt but removed it for the photo. As many have already said "casual kilt with pockets, no sporran needed, traditional kilt when dressed up, sporran required, traditional kilt with pockets dressed casually, your choice."

[Nighthawk]

Ahh, how soon we forget. A traditional style kilt CAN have pockets if you know the right maker.



I still wear a sporran with this kilt but removed it for the photo. As many have already said "casual kilt with pockets, no sporran needed, traditional kilt when dressed up, sporran required, traditional kilt with pockets dressed casually, your choice."

This picture is (no offense meant, Big Miley) exactly why I wear one with a trad kilt. I just think that a trad kilt without a sporran looks bad. Well, with a belt and a nice buckle it looks alright. But I personally think it needs SOMETHING more. It just looks incomplete to my eyes. But as in all things, to each his own!

[BobsYourUncle]

To each his own, indeed. I, too, think that a kilt needs a sporran and belt to be complete, but that may just be what my particular eye expects. Do what you like--it's not like the kilt police will wrestle you to the ground and conduct a cavity search. However, that being said, why would you forego the convenience and carrying capacity of a sporran, say a wonderful Buzz Kidder? Check them out on the website--great stuff at a reasonable price.

Cheers!

[Cat]

I'm not a huge fan of wearing one all the time, but like most people, I wear one in a formal or public environment. When I'm at home or hanging out at friends' homes, I usually take it off (I think it's the knocking around and having something heavy around my waist that bothers me, especially if I'm just sitting around.)

[Riverkilt]

For me, one of the most comfortable ways to be kilted is with a vest or a jacket in lieu of a sporran (thank you Ham for that advice). I also leave off the belt and let the straps do their job.

I also find it easier to access my "stuff" in vest or jacket pockets than I do in many sporrans. And of course there's usually more storage room.

And, I've come to like the look of the entire kilt apron being open to show the tartan.



Macdonald Lord of the Isles Hunting with leather Orvis replica WWII RAF mechanic's vest. Pic on the Dolores River in the San Juans of Colorado.



Scott Red Modern with Filson cruiser jacket like I wore in the mines as a kid. Pic at the base of Box Canyon Falls in Ouray, Colorado.

And here's an ad I really like that shows the same no sporran look.



Ron

[Retro Red]

I have a pretty simple standard. If I'm wearing a kilt that has pockets, like the UK I'm currently wearing, I don't wear a sporran. If I'm wearing a more traditional kilt that doesn't have pockets, then I wear a sporran because I've got to have somewhere to put my wallet & keys. I also agree that a trad kilt looks incomplete without a sporran.

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