2 straps or 3 weigh in men! (and women)

[Bob C]

I have kilts set up both ways. The three-strap kilt fits better.

[kiltedinUSMC]

I like the three straps but I am in a job that does belive less is more, so I would try out a two strap kilt one day.

[USMC45CAL]

will let you both of mine are 3str but (hopfully) well have new 2 in tenhrs
simper FI

[Kid Cossack]

Well, since you asked, I prefer two straps. Actually, I also prefer that the left hip strap be set up like Matt Newsome does his---with the buckle INSIDE and no hole cut through the material. YMMV.

[BEEDEE]

I have a tank with three and a tank with two. Can't tell any difference.

Brian

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

Speaking out on behalf of fuddy-duddyism, I would suggest that a three strap kilt, if properly made, has the edge on the 2 strap kilt. Here's why. Most kilts made today are cut a tad too low-- when wearing a Prince Charlie coatee gaps occur between the waistcoat and the side of the jacket allowing the white shirt to be seen, and this looks just awful. 9 times out of 10 this "gaposis" is caused by a kilt with insufficient rise being worn too low, in some instances riding on the hips like a pair of Levi 501s.

A quality kiltmaker, if making a 3-strap kilt, will generally allow a tad more in the rise-- I have two fairly heavy kilts made by Stewart Christie in Edinburgh and there is a bit more than 1-inch in the rise on their 3-strap kilt when compared to their 2-strap kilt. Both fit just fine, but the 3-strap kilt works better with formal attire for the reasons stated above.

There is a definite downside to the third strap for portly gentlemen in so far as over-tightening this strap only emphasizes the gut. The late Leslie Peter of Lee ( a gentleman of more than ample girth) overcame this problem by having his 3-strap kilts made with a fairly wide, quilted, waistband across the front of the kilt. He was also scrupulous about keeping the kilt at waist level so that he never paunched over the top of the kilt. Something I'd suggest all "super-sized" kilt wearers keep in mind when using their kilt belt as a belly sling! You will look slimmer if you don't overhang your kilt.

[pdcorlis]

I usually remove the hip strap from most my kilts - its really not needed and can actually distort the front apron if its buckled too tight.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

Well, since you asked, I prefer two straps. Actually, I also prefer that the left hip strap be set up like Matt Newsome does his---with the buckle INSIDE and no hole cut through the material. YMMV.

Actually my military kilt had no strap on the left, but two on the right and it stayed up just fine. I often thought the spacing between the two straps was suspiciously accommodating to the width of a belt...

[Kid Cossack]

Actually my military kilt had no strap on the left, but two on the right and it stayed up just fine. I often thought the spacing between the two straps was suspiciously accommodating to the width of a belt...

Speaking of no straps, the homemade monstrosity I'm posing in, in my avatar, is still entirely strapless. Put it on, put the belt on, shazam. The tweed seems to "hold to itself" well enough that it's no problem.

[andyfg]

I have kilts with 2 and 3 straps. I prefer the 2 straps. I have made a few kilts now and make them with 2 straps (in the style of a Newsome). I like the idea that it is unnecessary to make a hole in the fabric.