Sporran Belt vs Chain

**Ancienne Alliance** · 19th March 09, 02:53 AM

Originally Posted by Big Mikey

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.

I agree with everything here. Well said !

I would just like to add that a "normal" 1'' belt can work as well as a narrow one.

Best,

Robert

**The Barry** · 19th March 09, 10:50 AM

I have both. Instead of the silver and flashy "standard" sporran chain I swaped it out and got me a black chain to match the black leather of the sporran chain/strap. If memory serves correct, I got the black chain from SillWater Kilts, and just matched the length of the black chain against the length of the silver chain, got out some pliers, and replaced the silver chain with the black.

The result was a nice black sporran chain/strap that I can wear to day events, etc.

I also have (on its way) a black leather sporran strap. I will use this for more formal events when I wear my nice (also on its way) sporran.

I hesitate to wear my sporran chain/strap with my tank. I've heard a lot of talk about the metal of the chain wearing on the wool. I love my tank, and don't want it looking anything but its best.

For my other, more casual, kilts, the chain works just fine. It has a nice look to it, a bit more contemporary, but is less "flashy" than the original silver chain. All in all, it worked out very well.

**bchunter** · 19th March 09, 06:45 PM

I have a very nice braided leather belt for day/casual wear, but it would be quite adequate for more formal affairs. I usually wear a chrome chain with formal wear, but like the idea of a black chain, too.

**McMurdo** · 19th March 09, 07:30 PM

I would have to say a Chain is really not a good idea for day wear the leather belt is a much better option. I only wear a sporran chain for the most dressy occasions.

**raibeart_dubh** · 19th March 09, 07:46 PM

I would say if you want to go the chain route, save it for the most formal of events because as others have said they will and do wear on the kilt. I recently purchased a set of sporran hangers and love them. You get the look of the chain, as they use a short length of chain the hang the sporran, but it's out front and doesn't really come into contact with the kilt like a chain belt does. Just remember to tighten your kilt belt up a bit more as it supports the weight of the sporran. Second, the kilt doesn't feel tight in the hips which is the feeling I get when I don the chain belt and the hangers are much easier to sit down with.

**Mael Coluim** · 19th March 09, 08:34 PM

I prefer a leather strap. I too, am a happy camper with the one Steve made me at Oconee Leather Works.

**Nerts** · 20th March 09, 01:08 AM

Before Christmas I had been using a sporran chain for a couple of years and it seemed to work fine. There was a little wear on some of my kilts but otherwise it was great. Then I got a leather strap from my wife and have been using it since and I have to say that I like it way more. In my opinion it is more comfortable and looks/works better on a daily basis. From now on I'll be saving my chain for dress/impress situations.

But as with all things on here (and in life), there are a hundred different ways of doing things and none are more right than others. What it comes down to is what do YOU want to do? But most of all, enjoy it!

E.

**Kiltman** · 20th March 09, 08:22 PM

Originally Posted by bricekolob

I would like to get everyone's opinion out there on this. I currently have a chain belt for my sporran. It is a very nice chain belt, but it does get kind of heavy sometimes and it seems a little too flashy. I would like to get a sporran belt. I have a few questions for all of you:

1st: Are there times you would recommend a plain leather belt over a chain? Which do you prefer? (my only experience is what I read in SO YOUR GOING TO WEAR THE KILT)

I do not recommend chains. They will ruin a kilt if worn too much. I prefer leather belts.

2nd: Can I just buy a really long 3/4" black belt to use as a sporran belt?

Yup! Just make sure it's longer than the one you would wear with your pants. I suggest 6 to 10" longer.

**long_hand** · 20th March 09, 10:08 PM

What I like for casual day wear are the by the yard cloth strips that have small snaps on them. By the length you need, unsnap them, and then snap a good length of it to make a secure middle piece...stitch it...and then snap the other side to complete the "belt". It can be snapped on and off and the cloth is very light and comfortable. Otherwise leather looks very fine and manly.

**Chas** · 21st March 09, 06:21 AM

Originally Posted by long_hand

What I like for casual day wear are the by the yard cloth strips that have small snaps on them. By the length you need, unsnap them, and then snap a good length of it to make a secure middle piece...stitch it...and then snap the other side to complete the "belt". It can be snapped on and off and the cloth is very light and comfortable. Otherwise leather looks very fine and manly.

Hi long_hand,

I have read your post twice and still cannot make head nor tail of it. I am probably being very stupid, but I don't understand about the cloth strips with the small snaps. What are they and where are they purchased? Is this a Canadian/North American commodity or should it be available here in the UK. This sounds like a good idea, but - Enlightenment - Please!

Regards

Chas