You will read lots of opinions about the pros and cons of using a chain. Here is mine.

If you choose to wear a chain, it is best reserved for more dressy or formal functions BUT that is not to say that a leather sporran belt can not be worn as part of a dress outfit.

A number of members do not like the chain as they feel it can be damaging to the kilt.

My practice is to wear a sporran belt when I dress up and I use sporran hangers on most other occasions.

Yes, you could use a store bought narrow belt or check our vendors for a purpose built piece. Steve at Oconee Leather makes some very nice sporran straps, belts and sporran hangers.

EDIT: I must have been typing at the same time as Shaun.