That's the reason, why i like it just more, to wear my early kilts ( i call them so, because they don't have sewn down pleats, only a waistband) and a plaid 100" x 60". This would be the piece of fabric of the upper part of my belted plaids, cut into two pieces and sewn together. I close it with a fible on my left shoulder, but if i don't like to wear it, because it is to hot weather, or i have some work, i can take it off, but wear my early kilt. That's the way, Liam Neeson wears it in Rob Roy. You can tuck it to the belt, but there are some other alternative ways to wear it. So the answer, why not wear a belted plaid, if you like this style, is easily answered. The inhabitans of the highlands liked the belted plaid, but this new style was much more useful.

@Matt: Great Work, i like this style too
Greets from Austria,

MacDhunadh