Sam Browne belt

[davidlpope]

I wear one from time to time with my Marine dress blues for certain formal events, e.g. as the adjutant at the Birthday Ball, as a groomsman for a Marine wedding, etc. The current Sam Browne is Corfram, basically patent leather, instead of the regular leather version that was used last century and is only worn by officers. My understanding is that other branches of the U.S. military do not use it.

I'm not trying to be offensive, and this is merely my personal opinion, but I think it would be a little ridiculous to wear a Sam Browne belt unless it was as part of an authorized uniform, maybe as part of a colorguard or the like.

I think part of the reason that non-kilt wearers see the kilt as a "costume" vice an article of clothing is because of "accessories" that are often paired with it. I haven't seen anyone walk around with a military dirk while wearing a business suit, the same goes for the Sam Browne. By going with a "kitchen sink" accessories approach you often overwhelm the beauty of a kilt.

If you're looking for a variety of quality leather belt options, I'd suggest Occonee Leatherworks. They have a wide variety of styles and colors.

Cordially,
David

[Nervous Jock]

The current Sam Browne is Corfram, basically patent leather,

"cringe"

[davedove]

I think part of the reason that non-kilt wearers see the kilt as a "costume" vice an article of clothing is because of "accessories" that are often paired with it. I haven't seen anyone walk around with a military dirk while wearing a business suit, the same goes for the Sam Browne. By going with a "kitchen sink" accessories approach you often overwhelm the beauty of a kilt.

I would have to agree with this. Unless you're in a situation where a uniform is appropriate (pipe band, military, etc.), wearing too many uniform items makes it look like you're playing dress up.

This isn't quite as bad if you are dressed formally, but even then it can be overkill.

Specifically the Sam Browne belt, I think it looks really sharp in the right circumstances, but it definitely has a military look to it. So, if you're not wearing it as part of a military style uniform, it wouldn't really look right.

[Streetcar]

In (American) law enforcement circles, the belt in question is commonly (though technically incorrect) called a Sam Browne, or a pistol belt. You'll find that most modern versions have a stiffener inside, to support the gear that it's called upon to carry.

In those same circles, a Garrison Belt is the slightly thinner (1 1/2" - 1 3/4") trouser belt that goes underneath the pistol belt.

They are usually offered with or without the basket weave pattern.

Personally, I think the width of the pistol belt makes it great for casual kilt wear - especially with Utilikilts. If I were going to match it with a tartan, I'd probably want a plain finish, to avoid the "costuming" look that Dave Dove and Davidlpope referred to.

[Retro Red]

Personally, I think the width of the pistol belt makes it great for casual kilt wear - especially with Utilikilts.

Aye, I'm wearing my garrison/Sam Browne belt right now with my postal blue Utilikilt. As others mentioned, it fits well with a Utilikilt, which is undoubtedly why Utilikilt at one time was selling Sam Browne belts - that's who I got mine from.

I'm also wearing my SB with my XMTS kilt in this pic (though you have to look close to see it). I don't think it looks the least bit "costume"-y.

Personally, I don't feel any constraints about it's history or origin. I think it's just a good looking belt & wear it any time I d**n well please.

.

[macwilkin]

I'm also wearing my SB with my XMTS kilt in this pic (though you have to look close to see it). I don't think it looks the least bit "costume"-y.

Personally, I don't feel any constraints about it's history or origin. I think it's just a good looking belt & wear it any time I d**n well please.

Ah, but Red, you're not wearing the part that "makes" it a Sam Browne, namely the strap that goes over the shoulder. I think that's what most of the objections are about, since a true Sam Browne is an article of military kit.

This extra strap was specifically designed to carry the weight of a side-arm, hence its association with military & law enforcement uniforms. Without said strap, it looks completely different.

T.