this might be a dumb question, but

**dredrush** · 31st January 11, 07:22 AM

I am sorry if these questions ha\ve already been asked and I am sorry if they are dumb questions, but

What is the purpose of the sparron? Is it like pants pockets? Or is it to keep the kilt down in front?

**Jock Scot** · 31st January 11, 07:48 AM

Originally Posted by dredrush

I am sorry if these questions ha\ve already been asked and I am sorry if they are dumb questions, but

What is the purpose of the sparron? Is it like pants pockets? Or is it to keep the kilt down in front?

Ask away, if you don't know the answer then it is absolutely not a dumb question.

The sporran is primararily for carrying things. Although some seem to like that extra bit of weight to give them a bit more confidance in windy conditions. However when sitting wearing the kilt the sporran is/can be pushed gently and slightly down between your legs to preserve your modesty. In truth, whilst one needs to be aware of the hazards of sitting incorrectly whilst wearing the kilt, with a bit of practice it will become second nature to preserve your modesty whilst seated with or without the sporran.

**MacMillans son** · 31st January 11, 07:49 AM

Originally Posted by dredrush

I am sorry if these questions ha\ve already been asked and I am sorry if they are dumb questions, but

What is the purpose of the sparron? Is it like pants pockets? Or is it to keep the kilt down in front?

There are no dumb questions here! I have learned everything I know about kilts and Highland attire (which is not a lot compared to many) from asking questions, and reading responses to other people's questions, on this site.

To answer your question, yes a sporran, is designed to carry all of the typical things that you would carry in you pockets, wallet, keys etc., with the added secondary benefit of keeping the apron of your kilt planted between your legs when seated. It is not of much use in keeping you kilt down in a breeze though, as it is typically worn too high to be of much benefit there.

Welcome aboard, you are in good company here!

EDIT..Jock beat me to the draw, Welcome back Jock!!

**dredrush** · 31st January 11, 07:55 AM

The pictures I have seem show a leather style strap that goes part way around the waist and then a chain that actually connects to the sparron, what keeps it from falling down if you do not have belt loops (which I do not)?

**Jock Scot** · 31st January 11, 08:06 AM

Originally Posted by dredrush

The pictures I have seem show a leather style strap that goes part way around the waist and then a chain that actually connects to the sparron, what keeps it from falling down if you do not have belt loops (which I do not)?

Basically with a bit of trial and error you get the tension of the sporran belt/chain right and your body curves do the rest. Your sporran needs to hang rather higher than you may think and in passing, a leather sporran strap will be kinder to your kilt than a chain may be.

**Tobus** · 31st January 11, 08:52 AM

Basically with a bit of trial and error you get the tension of the sporran belt/chain right and your body curves do the rest.

I would note, as an addendum to Jock's reply, that this works best when the kilt is worn at the proper waist, not down low on the hips like a pair of trousers. When the kilt is worn at the natural waist, the kilt belt and rear of the sporran strap are above your hips. And as the sporran strap comes around your sides, the shape of your hips (i.e. your body curves, as Jock mentioned) help keep it up. The friction of the strap against your hips really helps here, which is why I think leather is a lot better than a chain, at least on the sides and back.

So it's dependent upon the kilt being worn right and the sporran strap being adjusted properly.

**MacLowlife** · 31st January 11, 09:21 AM

Some people wear their sporrans from hangers which dangle directly from a belt- a tight belt around your waist. If you prefer to wear your kilt on your hips, (or your waist is the same size as your hips) this may be a way to make sure your sporran doesn't slip away.

There are advantages and disadvantages to sporran hangers, chains, and straps. Each has its fans and detractors. Some people wear their sporran straps through loops in the rear of the kilt, as discussed in another of your postings.

These are helpful questions and your asking them is appreciated, as gives an opportunity to explain what many people wonder about...

**The Barry** · 31st January 11, 09:31 AM

Originally Posted by dredrush

what keeps it from falling down if you do not have belt loops?

It's all in the hips!!

Welcome to the wonderful world of wearing the kilt. Please never allow a fear of a 'dumb' question get in your way to a more informed position on highland attire. I myself came to this board a short time ago knowing very little about wearing a kilt, and now the ladies say that I'm quite stylish!

**Mike_Oettle** · 31st January 11, 10:29 AM

Hi, Dredrush – in my regiment, we did not wear sporran chains. Apparently military sporrans always come with leather straps.
Similarly, military kilts lack belt loops.
Having taken an interest in kilt wear lately, I have noticed that many suppliers do not offer leather straps at all.
It may be that many kilt wearers prefer chains, but my sporran strap was quite adequate, and from what I hear, leather straps are less liable to snap.
Regards,
Mike