Kilt Question for the 'Rabble'

[creagdhubh]

I have one kilt that only has two straps, the others all have three. It makes absolutely no difference in the wearing of the kilt but I prefer three straps. Work that one out

Hahaha! Thanks, David!

[creagdhubh]

Not to hijack the thread too much, but I've noticed a number of us (myself included) have expressed a preference for three straps because that is what we're used to.

I'm curious to know if there is anyone on here that has worn a kilt with just two straps but still prefers three? It seems that all of the voices for three straps (again, mine included) are coming from people that either don't mention or never have tried a kilt with just two.

I may just have to try a kilt with only two straps...

Great question, Cygnus!

[creagdhubh]

I agree with paulhenry that you might as well explore other strap colors besides just brown and black. I can't see images here from behind my office firewall, but from what I remember of the DCDalgliesh muted and ancient colors something like the color "oxblood" often seen in gentleman's shoes ought to be worthy at least of consideration.

Good quality leather can be easily dyed any number of colors. You will be looking for pretty small pieces, but I would suspect do-able.

Are you thinking about a Harris Tweed? I have been fondling tweed jackets in the second hand store rather wistfully I must admit.

McRostie of Glasgow is the company that makes my bespoke sporran straps, and they have a nice variety of brown bridle leathers to choose from - really top-notch construction and materials. I could approach them to have bespoke leather kilt straps made, and send them on to Barb for my Reproduction kilt(s). The kilt straps would then match my sporran straps, which are in a variety of browns - but wait...I don't want to get too carried away with this - as I am not concerned with matching leathers (Sandy, David P., Matt N., Jock Scot, Scott, and many others would most certainly appreciate that comment! Hahaha!)!

I agree with the consensus, that brown straps and brass buckles would look quite smart with the reproduction/weathered tartans, and black and silver for the rest - that just makes complete sense to me, aesthetically speaking, and the fact that nobody else will see the straps and buckles, well, is a wee bit irrelevant to me, I'll know they are there!

I haven't been thinking of Harris tweed, actually. If you are talking about kilt jackets, I tend to wear tweeds from Kinloch-Anderson, the Leith based company that has made my bespoke jackets and waistcoats in the past. I am interested in Lochcarron's Ettrick tweed range (have been for a while now), and plan to order several jackets and waistcoats in the tweed I like. Kinloch-Anderson has a very broad range of 'hill-checks,' or (inspired) Estate tweeds to choose from as well, so really, the opportunities are limitless. If only I had an indispensable income just for Highland attire!

Many thanks to everyone who has replied, you guys are awesome!

Best wishes,

[creagdhubh]

Kyle,
I took delivery on my Barb T kilt just last month (USAFR-PB). She gave me my choice of two or 3 straps - I prefer 3. I love the kilt (great understatement). Please let me know when yours arrives. We'll have to go to Nicholson's and give a toast to Barb.
Cheers!

p.s., my MacTavish Modern is predominately red, and it looks great. Never gotten anything but positive comments. I definitely do NOT think the red color is too much. Wear yours often, and proudly.

Sounds wonderful, Mark! I look forward to our rendezvous at Nicholson's! Once I have my first Barb Tewksbury kilt, we shall definitely raise our glasses to a superb and quite talented kilt-maker!

Yes, as you can observe, most of the Macpherson tartans are indeed red-based, with the exception of the Macpherson Hunting tartans (and the dress tartan), which are predominately gray and black, with bits of red and blue that blend to a nice pinkish-purple when seen from afar. The Chattan tartans are obviously all red-based tartans as well. I am quite fond of them all, but the there's no doubt that the breacan glas, or the 'gray plaid,' is by far the most popular amongst the Clan Macpherson, and indeed one of the oldest setts - right along with the Macpherson (Cluny) Dress tartan.

We hope to see you soon my friend, many thanks for your input!

Cheers,

[creagdhubh]

As to straps I prefer three for no other reason than that is what I am accustomed to.

Me too.

[Ryan Ross]

I vote for option C-

Fuchsia kilt straps, all around. Four per kilt.

[creagdhubh]

I vote for option C-

Fuchsia kilt straps, all around. Four per kilt.

Yeah, that'll be the day, mate!

[davidlpope]

I don't want to get too carried away with this - as I am not concerned with matching leathers (Sandy, David P., Matt N., Jock Scot, Scott, and many others would most certainly appreciate that comment! Hahaha!)!

<<Shakes Head>>

Perhaps just a wee bit carried away, are we now, Kyle????

Best of luck with your planning. Barb put brown straps on my recent Reproduction Hunting MacMillan kilt, although I really never even thought about it. She's smart like that...

All my kilts have two straps. I found that I never used the third strap on previous kilts, so I had them left off.


Cordially,

David

[creagdhubh]

I agree with paulhenry that you might as well explore other strap colors besides just brown and black. I can't see images here from behind my office firewall, but from what I remember of the DCDalgliesh muted and ancient colors something like the color "oxblood" often seen in gentleman's shoes ought to be worthy at least of consideration.

Good quality leather can be easily dyed any number of colors. You will be looking for pretty small pieces, but I would suspect do-able.

Are you thinking about a Harris Tweed? I have been fondling tweed jackets in the second hand store rather wistfully I must admit.

Adhereing to my 'traditional' nature, I fear I must stick with either brown or black leather kilt straps, with either brass or silver buckles. Naturally, I wouldn't mind having varying shades of brown, which McRostie of Glasgow could quite easily make for me, yet I don't think I am going to get that detailed with simple kilt straps. Sorry Paul, no red leather kilt straps for me - just not my cup of tea.

[creagdhubh]

<<Shakes Head>>

Perhaps just a wee bit carried away, are we now, Kyle????

Best of luck with your planning. Barb put brown straps on my recent Reproduction Hunting MacMillan kilt, although I really never even thought about it. She's smart like that...

All my kilts have two straps. I found that I never used the third strap on previous kilts, so I had them left off.


Cordially,

David

I am trying my best not to get too carried away with all of this kilt strap and buckle talk, David!

I've made a decision, and that is to have all of my future kilts (tartans noted above) have 3 straps and buckles, with the exception of the Macpherson Dress tartan. All of the reproduction/weathered (earth tones) tartans shall have brown straps with brass buckles, and the rest shall have black straps with silver buckles. There, it's done!!!

Cheers David, and much thanks to all who have contributed their advise!