To sporran, or not to sporran, that is the ??

[flairball]

I will be ordering my first kilt next week. I have decided to purchase a SWK standard Nightstalker. I am unsure whether or not to use a sporran however. I will probably wear the kilt for outdoor activities; hiking, dog training, skeet shooting, fishing,.... In this context I thought I would skip the sporran. There will be some social activities ( drinking with the guys) where a sporran would be practical, but the reality of it all is that I am more concerned about how the whole package will look. The main issue being that I have a bit more girth around the middle than I'd like, and I'd like to wear the kilt in a way that doesn't accent this. So,....To sporran, or not to sporran, that is the question.

Thanks

I'd definately like to hear fro the big guys on this.

[646guy]

The main issue being that I have a bit more girth around the middle than I'd like, and I'd like to wear the kilt in a way that doesn't accent this. So,....To sporran, or not to sporran, that is the question.

Thanks

I'd definately like to hear fro the big guys on this.

Sporran. Definitely. I wore my Stillwater the first time without a sporran when I decided to head out on the town. Took it to work (they aren't big on the kilt at work) and got dresed at the end of the day. Big mistake not having the sporran...

[bubba]

Sporran for sure. The outfit just looks incomplete without it. Besides, you need to put your wallet and keys somewhere.

[auld argonian]

Frankly, you might well feel half-dressed without the sporran. It also has the benefit of making it clear to the casual observer that you are wearing a kilt and not a sk*rt (may I be forgiven for uttering the s-word!).

I'd try to scrape up the extra $ and find one. Many threads here about inexpensive sporrans...but if you're only planning on getting one, get one that you like and will be happy to have for years to come. A warning is that sporran addiction is second only to kilt addiction among the members of this forum (testify, brothers, testify!). It has been said that a fanny pack can, in a pinch, substitute for a sporran...if that's a viable possibility, okay. Once you go out kilted you'll see the wisdom and the necessity of the sporran...no pockets!

As to the girth issue, I think that you'll find that the kilt tends to hold the "girth" in quite well...it is almost girdle-like in this regard...accessorizing with a belt and a sporran tends to break the visual lines of the....uh...girth...and makes one look a bit slimmer. Once you get the whole kit adjusted comfortably, I think you'll see what I mean.

Good choice of the SWK Nightstalker...a great "starter" kilt...subtle tartan and it goes with a lot of different colored shirts, sweaters and etc.

Strap that sucker on and walk tall!

Best

AA

[cavscout]

Sporran. If the look is a big factor you will prefer the way it looks with it more than without it. That's not to say you wear it all the time, but since you don't have pockets in the kilt, you will look a lot less silly with your stuff carried in the sporran than lugging it around in your hands Plus the right sporran really sets off the kilt.

My recommendation for an inexpensive, quality starter sporran is one of the Buzz Kidders (Rob Roy, Country, or Highland Ribbed). USA kilts and Stillwater carry these for a great price.

If you really want a functional conversation piece look at the Freelanders though they are a bit more.

And...go ahead and plan on swapping the chain that comes with the sporran for a leather strap. Stillwater carries what is actually a belt, But R-kilts has a great braided sporran strap and I can put one together for you as well.

[Manu]

Well, unless you have some TCFK style pockets made, you are gonna need one. It does look kinda weird without it.

[davedove]

A tartan kilt (like Stillwater) just doesn't really look right without the sporran. And since Stillwater's don't have pockets, you will need someplace to carry your stuff.

And don't worry about the girth issue. A kilt looks great on men with a bit of size. Just look at some of the guys on this board (myself included).

[Aggie]

If you decide to go with a sporran you might consider something that is more flexible. Perhaps you can find a inexpensive one which doesn't get in the way with physical activity such as bending to pick something off the ground. I spent a little more to get a casual style which is softer and bends somewhat with my body. Easier on me and the material of the apron. Also, leather belts instead of the metal will help to save your kilt. (thanks Hamish)

[Southern Breeze]

I definatly recommend a sporran. If your on a budget the Buzz Kidders are the ones to get. A fanny pack is an option for hiking.

[porrick]

Sporran. A traditional kilt (at least) is a tight fit and hugs the front, and the sporran is nice to have to cover the location of your private parts physically but also visually. I still want the ladies to guess what I have under the kilt...