To belt or not to belt...

[ThistleDown]

I think that is generally accepted that you do not wear a belt with a waistcoat(vest). Many years ago, however, there was a fashion, here in Scotland, that a minority of kilt wearers used to use. The kilt was worn OVER the bottom of the waistcoat and the belt was put on over the lot. Not a fashion that I liked the look of much and I have not seen it done for many a year. Has any one else seen this?

Hmmm, no, can't say I have ever seen that, but I do remember the (brief!) fashion of the waistcoast over the kilt but under the belt. And another when the bottom TWO buttons of the waistcoast were left undone to accommodate (and perhaps show off?) the belt buckle.

[JerseyLawyer]

No belt if the waistcoat is worn, waistcoat should always be worn with the PC so no belt needed for a PC

I agree that if you wear a waistcoat, you shouldn't wear a belt.

However, I disagree that you must wear a waistcoat. It is also acceptable to wear a PC with an evening belt, I think.

[Robert Lamb]

When one is built like an apple on a stick, no matter what the kilt police think I need a belt or a kilt down around my ankles.

[caig]

It is usual practise not to wear a kilt with Prince Charlie and waistcoat, but my Clan Chief (Clan Farquharson) wears TWO belts in evening dress - one under the waistcoat with the kilt, and anoter on top of the waistcoat.

Accordingly, do what you wish !

[caig]

Oops ! The first line of my last reply should have said, " It is usual practise not to wear a belt with.....

Sorry.

[Highland Logan]

I agree that if you wear a waistcoat, you shouldn't wear a belt.

However, I disagree that you must wear a waistcoat. It is also acceptable to wear a PC with an evening belt, I think.

You are correct on both points.

And another when the bottom TWO buttons of the waistcoast were left undone to accommodate (and perhaps show off?) the belt buckle.

I've never heard this one, but the bottom button undone on a regular 5 button waistcoat has always been the fashion kilt or not.

The kilt was worn OVER the bottom of the waistcoat and the belt was put on over the lot. Not a fashion that I liked the look of much and I have not seen it done for many a year. Has any one else seen this?

Charles Thompson has a picture of this in his book, and mentions it as correct for a day wear jacket and 5 button waistcoat. I'm not a fan of the look either.

Frank

[george7]

I've done it, before I knew better. I needed a belt to keep my kilt up anyhow as I had just finished my running season (I lose a lot of weight between November and February).

[Macman]

I agree that if you wear a waistcoat, you shouldn't wear a belt.

However, I disagree that you must wear a waistcoat. It is also acceptable to wear a PC with an evening belt, I think.

This is my take on it as well. I mostly wear my PC without a waistcoat and with a belt because I think it looks better that way on me.

[davedove]

Some people are A-Ok with wearing a belt with a waistcoat. But, you'll find the overwhelming line of thought is "no."

Along with that thought, you will probably see photos on store websites that show both being worn. I believe this is more the store wanting to sell more products, so they show everything being worn.

As others have said, you don't need the belt to hold up the kilt and it can make the waistcoat lay funny, so choose one or the other.

[Bugbear]

This is interesting; I had not heard that a PC could be properly worn without a three button waistcoat or a cumberbund, but the dress belt and waistplate instead.

Guess you learn the fine details here and there.

* I had read of P1M doing it, but not that it was proper. *