Importance of straps- newbie question

[Je Suis Prest]

I have recently purchased a handmade kilt made by Melville Kiltmakers from Scotland. It is a great looking kilt, but it only has one strap on each side. I've noticed that most kilts have three straps total. How much would this difference affect the form and fit of a kilt? Is three more traditional? Any input would be great, thanks.

[James MacMillan]

A lot of us (maybe most of us) who wear the kilt have come to realize that the third strap can (and in some eyes, should) be left off. Some modern kilt makers will only put the third strap on if forced.

I have not gone so far as to take the third strap off of any of my kilts that have them, but I do consider them useless.... just fashion!

[Friday]

The three straps are a hold over from the high waisted military kilts. The top of the kilt was high just under the rib cage and had two straps at the waist. The third was lower down on the hip to better close the kilt and hold its shape. More recent kilts are not a high up on the waist, often just above the navel and therefore the third (hip) strap is not really needed. If you want one it could be added. Try the kilt if it fits and you like it wear it.

[ChattanCat]

Most traditional kilts made today have only two buckles. I find that with a good fitting kilt, the additional strap at the hips is not neccesary. In fact the additional strap tends to pull the apron and the apron bulges instead of spreading evenly. I have yet to have a client request an additional buckle and I don't ask, so two it is.
Wallace

[Kilted KT]

I've both two and three strap kilts. I prefer the two strap, as it seems to reduce the chance of the fell stitching coming out.

My two strap was made by Matt Newsome, and fits like a dream.

[M. A. C. Newsome]

The three straps are a hold over from the high waisted military kilts. The top of the kilt was high just under the rib cage and had two straps at the waist. The third was lower down on the hip to better close the kilt and hold its shape. More recent kilts are not a high up on the waist, often just above the navel and therefore the third (hip) strap is not really needed. If you want one it could be added. Try the kilt if it fits and you like it wear it.

I say pretty much the same thing, only using a lot more words, in this blog post:
http://kiltmaker.blogspot.com/2005/0...lt-straps.html

[Tommie]

OK. I have also wondered about that third strap but never asked.

Guess that answers that question. Learn some thing new every day.

[Ryan Ross]

I detest the third strap. I had Matt remove any offending third straps present on any kilts that had them at one time. As I see it, a third strap on a kilt is like a third nipple on a person.

[Caddy One]

I prefer the the third strap

[McClef]

It's a matter of personal preference but two straps will still keep your kilt up which is the main thing

I like to have three when I have a choice in the matter.