Replacing Straps

[Mr.Charles Anthony]

Readers;
Has anyone replaced the straps/buckles on the kilt with the older method of tying the kilt? What ho; the pros cons of the method?
Since the extant buckles are Ugly(I look like a suitcase from a 40's movie) can the buckles be replaced with say, repro kneebuckles,(as used in the 1700's at the knees of mens' breeches) which would give you a lot more adjustment? The straps would, of course be fabrick.
Any other thougths on replacing the kilt buckles out there?
Thanks

[Bugbear]

I think I know which buckles you are talking about. They have little teeth across a latch that is released when you lift up the top of the buckle, and the teeth bite into a fabric belt. Sounds like an interesting idea, if those are the buckles you are referring to.

[Mr.Charles Anthony]

Readers;
Bugbear is correct, the Kneebuckle does have two 'teeth'. But to help the other readers; think on a square of metal, with a bar, halfway down. There is placed a piviot, one end has the teeth, the other a "T" to fit into a 'button-hole', which means you can change them out, when you clean a kilt, or if you wish to change the formallity; a brass one for a hike, or an oval, embossed, silver plate one for your sisters wedding! It would entail adding a very short length of wool(or?) to the kilt for the 'button-hole' end, and a secound lenght to thread thru the buckle, and hold up the kilt. Lest you inquire, these things are more than strong enough to hold a kilt shut. I have several sources of supply, they cost appx.15$ and UP a pair.
Thus with the Buckle Design in mind, is there any good reason to leave the kilt straps on? and not add a tye? I always understood the buckles were a 'convention' decieded by kilt makers. My historic kilt has None, the belt is functional, and holds the kilt UP and the aprons OVER. By way of understanding further: this writer is in the American Revolution Re-encatment Hobby, and wears both kneebreeches and a wee kilt/great kilt.

[Chas]

One thought does come to mind and it is this: If it is not broken, don't try and fix it.

What you are suggesting is just changing one type of buckle for another type of buckle. This has been done. I know a man that has silver buckles on his kilt and I am considering having brass buckles on my next kilt. I don't believe that kilt makers banded together to make a convention to spite us, the wearers. Rather, they have a convention that aids them to make a well fitting kilt.

When I was in the Royal Air Force, we wore the 'airman's belt'. It had an infinitely variable clutch system that trapped the fabric anywhere we wanted it trapped. For the first three months. Then the fabric started to become shiny with wear at the regular trap point. So we pulled it up tighter for the next three months. Well. you get the picture.

What you are proposing is a spike rather than the trap. If one's waist does not expand or contract then after a short while there will be a permanent hole. Just like there is now! So why change?

Regards

Chas

[Mr.Charles Anthony]

The query is 'why change' & the answer for me is; because the extant ones are ugly and I look like a plaid suitcase. Also the change will give you some more room 'to grow' when 'too much gravy & too much gravity' take their toll!
The larger question, if you replace the buckles with tyes or anything else(or retro fit the belt to do something) does this alter the way a 'current issue' civilian kilt 'hangs' and the way the aprons function?
Thanks