2 straps or 3 weigh in men! (and women)

[cessna152towser]

A two strap kilt is easier to get on and off if you have mobility limitations, otherwise I'd say go for three straps which looks much more traditional.

[turpin]

All of the kilts that I have made do not have the third strap. They also don't have belt loops.

Good. Then my new kilt won't have the third strap. I like being able to do a quick, symmetrical two-handed kilt-doffing. I sometimes try it with a 3-strapper and bang! it doesn't come off.

As to making the apron lie flatter, a well-constructed apron should lie properly w/o a strap. 2 strap kilts allow for a bit more freedom of movement, and isn't freedom what it's all about?

[gilmore]

I very much prefer 2 straps. It's more comfortable than 3, doesn't tug as much. The 3rd strap really is useless, as has been noted.

[M. A. C. Newsome]

A two strap kilt is easier to get on and off if you have mobility limitations, otherwise I'd say go for three straps which looks much more traditional.

But that's just it. People tend to think they are "traditional" because it's the norm these days, and it is what people are used to seeing on a kilt. But really, the stronger tradition is to not have a lower hip strap. Most people just don't realize it's an option.

[JS Sanders]

I reckon I'm in the minority.

My first kilt was imported from Scotland with two straps. I didn't care for the 3rd strap on my next two kilts and removed them.

It really doesn't matter to me which you prefer, but I've seen many fellers cinch those 3rd straps enough to distort the whole right side of the kilt. That doesn't look so good and it must stress the stitching terribly.

[Clockwork John]

I have kilts that have three straps, and I have a kilt that has two straps. I think I prefer the three strap variety, but I make sure the hip strap is at least one hole/inch looser than the waist, so that it doesn't affect the way the apron hangs. I also like to wear my kilts a little higher than some, so that the lower strap is above my hip rather than on it.

On my Canadian military Black Watch, which is very high waisted, the third strap is not an option... it's a necessity. As Matt said, the lower strap is at my waist, and the upper strap is up on the rise, closer to my ribs.

[Bryan]

Definitely two straps for me!

[Kiltman]

Can't see a good reason for a third strap, unless the kilt is so poorly made or made of insufficient fabric to require one. I do have two kilts with three straps, but each of them is a casual kilt with little or no shaping of the aprons.