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

**berserkbishop** · 3rd February 08, 12:54 AM

Originally Posted by Jock Scot

It seems that I am going against the flow(again) and I vote for two straps.I have two ,made by Chisholms of Inverness, of my three kilts with two straps and I really cannot see the need for three.

I am going to go with three because it is what I am used to and I really like the look. As much as it shouldnt be necessary, I think the large strip of leather and silver buckle help to put "kilt" in someones mind rather than "skirt" when I am out and about. Do I care if someone thinks I am in a skirt? No, but I get tired to fielding questions. ITS JUST A GARMENT. ok back on topic. I just think the 3rd buckle makes it look a little more manly which is why I think I will go with it. thank you for the opposing view tho. Good to hear!

Bishop

**Tattoo Bradley** · 3rd February 08, 01:28 AM

Originally Posted by berserkbishop

I think the large strip of leather and silver buckle help to put "kilt" in someones mind rather than "skirt" when I am out and about.

If it takes that to say "kilt" they're probably still not going to get it. Especially when we're talking tartan and sporran right? I mean: what says kilt more than that??

I personally prefer two straps. As Matt and Barb have both discussed: the 2nd strap on the right is absolutely useless. And, Matt has also pointed out that it can actually make the kilt not "lay" properly and cause a pulling on the apron. I have an 8 yard tank that I actually removed the 2nd strap on.

**Standard** · 4th February 08, 06:46 PM

To me the look of the second buckle on the right seems to 'finish' the look of the kilt, but I'll defer to those with more experience at wearing the kilt for long periods than I have at this time.

**Alaskan Kilted Guy** · 3rd February 08, 01:24 AM

I vote 3....for what it's worth!

**SFCRick** · 3rd February 08, 03:45 AM

three is what I like

**Rex_Tremende** · 3rd February 08, 03:48 AM

My Douglas has three. My MacGillivray has two. I'll probably specify two straps/buckles on all future kilts.

Regards,
Rex.

**JakobT** · 3rd February 08, 05:02 AM

I'm going to go with three. I really like the look of the third strap.

**M. A. C. Newsome** · 3rd February 08, 05:58 AM

I only put two on all of the kilts I make, and I've even had some people bring me their kilts so that I can remove the third strap for them. As has been pointed out, it's not functional, not historical, and can actually adversely affect the hang of the front apron if pulled too tightly. Thoe who tell me they prefer the third strap most often give as a reason, "It's what I'm used to." And it is rather common today on most commercially available 8 yard kilts. But I know several traditional kilt makers who still leave them off.

Where did they come from? Click here:
http://kiltmaker.blogspot.com/2005/0...lt-straps.html

**Jerry** · 3rd February 08, 06:21 AM

The third strap isn't really necessary, but I like the way three look, better than I do two.

**Howard Clark** · 3rd February 08, 06:37 AM

I don't like the third strap/buckle. I don't see it as useful, and it is one more thing to snag on. It does make a certain amount of sense on a higher rise military kilt where limited sizes are to fit widely varied groups of men in many different sizes. But with a modern civilian style (2" rise) kilt, it seems pretty much there "just to look" at from my point of view.

I vote two, not three. Less work for Gran too.

(I am sure She does not mind the extra work, else She would not have offered to make them in the first place)