Belt Loops on Kilts - Why?

[Hamish]

I have worn the traditional kilt for over fifty years and have ALWAYS threaded my kilt belt through the loops at the back, as have most kilt wearers I have ever known. This was how I was taught to wear it by the maker of my first kilt and I am sure the majority of present day Scottish kiltmakers would advise the same. (The hanging loops are attached inside the waistband on the left and right-hand sides).

Additionally, I have NEVER worn my sporran strap through the belt loops, as I have explained many times both on this Forum and elsewhere. There is no need for this to be done since the sporran strap sits perfectly well and comfortably, loose and just below the kilt belt.

[Archangel]

I have worn the traditional kilt for over fifty years and have ALWAYS threaded my kilt belt through the loops at the back, as have most kilt wearers I have ever known. This was how I was taught to wear it by the maker of my first kilt and I am sure the majority of present day Scottish kiltmakers would advise the same. (The hanging loops are attached inside the waistband on the left and right-hand sides).

Additionally, I have NEVER worn my sporran strap through the belt loops, as I have explained many times both on this Forum and elsewhere. There is no need for this to be done since the sporran strap sits perfectly well and comfortably, loose and just below the kilt belt.

same instructions I was given.

[Colin]

same instructions I was given.

Me too, of course my instructions came after I asked Hamish his opinion ;)

[Ranald]

I have worn the traditional kilt for over fifty years and have ALWAYS threaded my kilt belt through the loops at the back, as have most kilt wearers I have ever known. This was how I was taught to wear it by the maker of my first kilt and I am sure the majority of present day Scottish kiltmakers would advise the same. (The hanging loops are attached inside the waistband on the left and right-hand sides).

Additionally, I have NEVER worn my sporran strap through the belt loops, as I have explained many times both on this Forum and elsewhere. There is no need for this to be done since the sporran strap sits perfectly well and comfortably, loose and just below the kilt belt.

Hamish is absolutely right.
BELT loops ARE for BELTS! Also stops belt ride up.
Do not make the mistake I made once and put my sporran straps through aswell.It doesn't look right and is impractical to move the sporan to the side.(buckle get caught up).

[James]

The belt loops are an essential part of a traditional kilt, for if wearing full dress complete with dirk, unless the belt is done up very tightly it can slip and look most unsightly. So the belt loops keep the belt in the correct position, and so are an essential aid to looking smart.

They in fact serve exactly the same purpose as those little keepers on a dress uniform, so one's sword belt stays in the correct position, and does not get dragged down by the weight of the sword.

Therefore anyone making a formal kilt should make it with belt loop: and I for one would reject a kilt supplied without them.

Too whilst they might seem unnecessary for day to day wear, it is a good idea to use them when wearing a belt: for there is nothing that looks more sloppy that a belt at a diagonal, or out of position in relation to the top of the kilt.

James

[M. A. C. Newsome]

Wow, people have various opinions about this issue -- as would be expected.

First, most modern kilts are supplied with belt loops. So, chances are your kilt has them. Just about everyone you see will wear their belt through their belt loops. And why wouldn't they? Your average kilt belt is 2.25 to 2.5", and here you have these two 3" wide belt loops in the back of your kilt. What else are people going to think they are for, but their belt?

I have read a couple of opinions (like Scotty Thompson's So You're Going to Wear the Kilt that you are not supposed to wear your belt through your belt loops. The reason for this is that Thompson is of the opinion that the belt should comepletely cover the top of the kilt, and if you wear it through the loops, you'll see a bit of the kilt peeking over the top of the belt.

Well, I beleive most here would agree with me that since just about everyone wears their belt through their belt loops, with the belt resting about 1/2" or so below the top of the kilt, they would look much more out of place going around with their belt on top of their belt loops -- like someone said, imagine wearing your belt outside the belt loops on your pants.

So if you have belt loops, please use them -- for your belt. Your sporran strap is another matter. I've tried wearing them through the loops in the past, and I agree that the buckle tends to get caught up on the loops. Really there is no need for it. If you are worried about your sporran slipping down, you are wearing it too loosely.

But do you need belt loops to begin with? I say no. I have five kilts in my closet now that I rotate in my wardrobe, for daily and formal wear, and none of them have belt loops. I never miss them! And I have never noticed any problem with my belt slipping out of place. If you wear your belt tightly enough, that shouldn't happen.

Then again, I don't wear a lot of extra frill -- I have a dirk someone gave me as a gift, but I never wear it. I find it just gets in the way. So I guess if someone was wearing a lot of heavy gear from their belt, they might have more of a problem with it slipping down. But your dirk, etc, is worn in the front, and the only belt loops you'll see on kilts are in the back. I've seen people with their belts on too loose wearing a heavy dirk and their belt was slipping down in the front regardless of their belt loops in the back. So I think here, too, the most important thing is to just make sure your belt fits properly.

It must also be said that men come in all shapes and sizes. So I recognize that while I never have a problem with my belt slipping down, someone with a different build might. So, while I do not put belt loops on my kilt standard, because they are not part of the traditional kilt and most men don't really need them, I will (and have) put them on by request.

James has said that he would reject any kilt made without loops -- and that's his perogative! If he's buying a custom made kilt, he should get what he wants! Ultimately, it comes down to this -- there is no right or wrong on this one. Just tell your kilt maker your preference and you should be fine.

Aye,
Matt

[Jerry]

You guys who are built with no overhang wouldn't have any problem with the belt riding up or the kilt sliding down, but those of us with a bit of a "middle age spread" do have a bit of a problem.