Importance of straps- newbie question

[pdcorlis]

I really prefer two strap kilts. In fact my kilts seem to fit well enough that I have removed the third strap on most of them.

I also really like Matt's design placing the left strap in the inside of the kilt - a very smart idea.

[rollerboy_1979]

The tailor who made my kilt told me that an individually fitted kilt only needs 1 strap each side. The reason for the extra strap, he said, was down to the rental market so that a variety of body shapes could be accommodated by adjusting the third strap. Another "one size fits all" solution by the kilt-hirers just like the white hose. No doubt "off the peg" kilts will also have three straps for the same reason.

I too have heard this explanation. A properly fitted kilt does not need the third strap to hold it together. If you like the esthetics of leather straps, go for it!

Cheers!

RB

[Panzer]

Ok, now I feel like I need to chime in. My kilt doesn't even have straps... (and yes, I'm a newbie to wearing kilts...)

[IrishGodfather]

Yeah, I didn't get straps on my Sport Kilt, I figure with velcro why bother?

[ardchoille]

I usually have my kilts altered to remove the third strap, if it has one. I just don't see any use in the third strap.

[george7]

A piper with two straps just looks silly. There should be three.

[JS Sanders]

<< A piper with two straps just looks silly. There should be three. >>

I don't understand.... how could 2 straps look silly? Please enlighten me.

I've been piping more years than I can count and always had 2-strap kilts. I don't believe my kilted appearance is silly.

Slainte,
steve

[ChattanCat]

<< A piper with two straps just looks silly. There should be three. >>

I don't understand.... how could 2 straps look silly? Please enlighten me.

I've been piping more years than I can count and always had 2-strap kilts. I don't believe my kilted appearance is silly.

Slainte,
steve

I agree, traditional kilts didn't have any belt buckles at all. Belted plaids were just that, belted. Then came the "small kilt" with it evolving into box and knife pleated kilts. The third belt and buckle originated from the military kilts that had the third belt and buckle above the waist because of the high rise. When the rise got shorter, ~2", the belts were moved down and the second belt has no purpose.

Cheers,

[Brian F]

I've got three tartan kilts, and none of them have straps. One is a SWK Thrifty (so it just has velcro) and the other two just don't have straps. I just kinda' hold 'em up and use the belt to keep them on.

Since I've never owned a strapped kilt, I can't say which I like better, But I know my two are nice and comfortable, provided I have a belt to wear them with

~Yeti

[Nighthawk]

I know I'm late getting in on this, but I personally don't even bother buckling the third strap unless it's really windy. It seems to help keep the front down in high winds. Otherwise, I find it useless and even a little uncomfortable.