What my Mom says about belt loops on kilts

[vorpallemur]

I have seen many, possibly hundreds of kilts being worn like that, in the 1940's and '50's. I don't recall seeing belt loops. In this picture I don't think those are belt loops, but "keepers" on the belt, but I could be wrong.

I'm under the impression that many kilts have been made to use the full width of the fabric, selvage to selvage. Unless the wearer is quite tall, if the bottom is worn above the knee, that's going to give quite a high rise, even with narrow hand-woven fabrics. The advantages are that it's less work to make: you don't need a waistband to keep the top from coming apart, and if you're feeling thrifty, you can take it apart and remake it should your size change, or when it gets worn at the bottom edge.

For proper function, the kilt only needs to extend a half inch or so above the waist of the wearer.

[The Wizard of BC]

Vorpallemur,

What you say about kilts being sewn using the entire width of the fabric is correct for 'some' very old military kilts. Not all were made that way and the practice died out prior to and during WWI.

You other statement about there needing half an inch or so above the waist is only correct on many very newly made kilts.
If the Kilt is a true Traditional Style it will be made to fit so that the top strap will cinch into the small indentation just at Kidney level and just under the ribs. There is then a 2" and sometimes a 4" 'rise' above the top strap.

This 'rise' has no or reversed taper to that found in the pleats.

Here is a pic of my Tewksbury Kilt.



As you can see at the level of the top strap, that is the smallest part of the kilt.
The pleats taper outward below the strap.
And they taper outward again above the strap.

This Kilt will fit perfectly just were it is supposed to. The Rise will come up, over the bottom of the ribs.
If I wear a belt with this kilt, the belt also cinches into the smallest part of my body. It cannot move up or down so doesn't need loops to keep it in place.

This Kilt has a 2" rise above the center of the top strap.

[vorpallemur]

Vorpallemur,

Here is a pic of my Tewksbury Kilt.

What tartan is that?

[Steve Ashton]

Highland Granite, Strome weight (16oz.) from Lochcarron.

Hand sewn by Barb Tewksbury.

[Jock Scot]

I'm under the impression that many kilts have been made to use the full width of the fabric, selvage to selvage. Unless the wearer is quite tall, if the bottom is worn above the knee, that's going to give quite a high rise, even with narrow hand-woven fabrics. The advantages are that it's less work to make: you don't need a waistband to keep the top from coming apart, and if you're feeling thrifty, you can take it apart and remake it should your size change, or when it gets worn at the bottom edge.

For proper function, the kilt only needs to extend a half inch or so above the waist of the wearer.

Don't forget in the Highlands "thrift" was a necessity, choice was not an option for most, until very recently. It was not unusual for the kilt apron to be reversed after years of use, to give it another generation or three of life.

[Dixiecat]

Don't forget in the Highlands "thrift" was a necessity, choice was not an option for most, until very recently. It was not unusual for the kilt apron to be reversed after years of use, to give it another generation or three of life.

A simple argument that blows that whole female/male apron closing rule out of the water.

[wildrover]

My kilt is exactly as Steve describes, and if I want to move it up or down on my torso, I have to grab ahold of it to do so. It stays in place without a belt just fine.

I've only recently got over the idea that I need to wear every piece of kilt-related stuff I own, ever time I wear the kilt...and I'd say realizing the belt is just a fashion piece (for most) was a major milestone.

A simple argument that blows that whole female/male apron closing rule out of the water.

Guys will always find reasons to separate our clothing from similar articles worn by girls, even if they're really stupid reasons .