Belt or no belt?

[Standard]

Hey all,
New member here. Just ordered my first kilt, and am greatly looking forward to its arrival in 2 weeks! I did not order a kilt belt (and buckle) when I ordered the kilt, but did order a sporran for casual wear. What are your thoughts on whether or not to purchase adn wear a kilt belt for casual attire?

Of course at this time of year I plan to wear a nice Scottish wool sweater that my parents brought back from Scotland for me a few years ago, but summer wear will obviously not include the sweater.

Looking forward to lots of good advise from those more experienced than I in these matters.

Thanks for the help.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

Belts are pretty much optional-- I find them useful if I'm knocking about in the great out of doors, less so if I'm in shirt sleeves in the garden. I just gave away a couple that no longer fit-- a brown day wear job with a brass buckle and a black, lined red, evening/dress belt with a chrome plated buckle. I doubt I'll bother to replace them anytime soon. The only time I feel it is necessary to wear a belt is when I'm wearing a kilt jacket without a waistcoat. The belt finishes off the look. As do well-polished shoes.

[SteveB]

First, from Boston, Massachusetts.
second, There are no real rules about the kilt belt. I have several kilts. The Traditional style kilts ( buckles and straps ) wear very well without the belt. If the kilt is sized right, I would not do the belt, and be real careful with the sporran strap's buckle, that it not get caught up in the sweater. When I am wearing everything tucked in, without a sweater or jacket IMHO a belt helps make the look of the kilt. This is from another board fairly new member. I am not comfortable wearing the velcro closure kilts without a belt. I like the added insurance around my rather large girth. Please wear your kilt in a way that you are both comfortable and proud.
--- Steve

[Drillagent]

Welcome to the forum from Virginia.

[TheKiltedWonder]

Welcome! A traditional kilt won't need a belt, as has been said. But I kinda like the look of the belt and I don't wear a belt normally. Wear the kilt without one. Do you feel the need for one? Yes, go ahead and get one. No? Don't bother. Not for casual attire in any case.

[James MacMillan]

from Rainy Southern California

For me, I like the belt for everything except where a vest is worn. That's my choice. Others will say differently, and you must make the choice of what appearance you want to have for your style of kilt wear.

I say wear the belt.

[Jim Sloan]

For me, I like the belt for everything except where a vest is worn. That's my choice.
-------------------------------

This is what I do. I never wear a belt with a vest --- and sweater.

I play the pipes alot in the heat and a wide belt adds to the discomfort.

To me the most comfortable wearing of the kilt is vest/no belt.

But do what grabs ya!

Jim

[Bugbear]

Welcome. I doubt that I wear the kilt correctly, so I can't help you on the belt thing. Good luck.

[Bob C]

I think kilts look pretty bad without a belt, unless you're wearing a waistcoat.

[Arizona Scot]

Welcome aboard from sunny Arizona, I myself wear a belt I think it completes the look. You also don't have to spend a lot of money on a good belt, I got both of mine at the mall for less than $50.00 for both. One black one brown, it is up to you just enjoy being kilted.