Well, all garments seem to go through some evolution before they reach their current state. I would assume that it wouldn't have been long after the pleats were fixed that someone tried to figure out a way to hold up the kilt with out the belt. The current method seems to be rather specialized. I mean that it just seems like quite a jump from the belt only to three straps and buckles, one of which threads through the kilt and buckles on the outside to support the inner apron. So I was just wondering about the various methods used in this transitional period. I have attempted to make a style that uses buttons at the waist, but that was based on a theory I had. I have yet to find any historical source to support the idea, so I was just wondering if anyone knew something on this subject.