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

[Bryan]

Definitely two straps for me!

[Rampant Lion]

I have one tank with 2 straps and another with 3, and I must say I prefer just 2 straps. I find that I fiddle with the 3rd strap way more than the others. Do I have it too tight? Is it making my apron look funny? Is it too loose, looking ridiculous?

Now, I think it was McClef that has a kilt made by the CCC and they used straps that had knotwork patterns on them. If the straps had that little bit of extra... well the straps looked awesome. I would get 3 just because of the little extra decoration. But for plain straps, I'd go with 2 if I had the choice.


Found the picture of the straps. I'd say if you can get straps like these, get three!

[McClef]

I have one tank with 2 straps and another with 3, and I must say I prefer just 2 straps. I find that I fiddle with the 3rd strap way more than the others. Do I have it too tight? Is it making my apron look funny? Is it too loose, looking ridiculous?

Now, I think it was McClef that has a kilt made by the CCC and they used straps that had knotwork patterns on them. If the straps had that little bit of extra... well the straps looked awesome. I would get 3 just because of the little extra decoration. But for plain straps, I'd go with 2 if I had the choice.


Found the picture of the straps. I'd say if you can get straps like these, get three!

Well yes the Caledonia was made by Celtic Craft Centre and they gave me the option of 2 or 3 straps (at no additional cost I might add). I know the third strap isn't strictly necessary but guess it's a personal preference.

But yes as you say the patterning does give it that little extra!

[James MacMillan]

I don't see much use in the third strap myself. For me it's one or two or velcro or buttons, but the low right hip doesn't need a belt. In my opinion.

[Sheep In Wolf's Clothing]

All of the kilt I have made have 2 straps. I have worn kilts with the third strap, I don't like them as much. But it is your kilt and whatever you prefer should go.
Congrats on your new kilt,
Sara
(who just ordered straps for her dream kilt which is almost finished, and yes it will just have two straps!)

[Scotus]

berserkbishop:

Since you've already chosen to have three, what I will add here will only echo what some others have said. You really only need the two straps on a traditional kilt. That being said, both my traditional kilts have three; however, that is mainly for the "look." So, do you need three? No. Have three only if that's what you want. I can't wait to see the new kilt when it's done, BTW.

Scotus

[Panache]

Well, since you asked, I prefer two straps. Actually, I also prefer that the left hip strap be set up like Matt Newsome does his---with the buckle INSIDE and no hole cut through the material. YMMV.

This is exactly how I prefer my kilts.

Another disadvantage to the third strap that no one has mentioned yet is that it can catch on things!

I will admit that I like the look of the third strap on my solid black and solid green kilt (they add visual interest). But I think any further tartan kilts I order will only have two straps.

Cheers

Jamie

[JamieKerr]

It would seem that the option of going strapless isn't just for the ladies any longer . I myself have a preference for 3 straps. I just find it more aesthetically pleasing for me.

[thescot]

The second strap is superflupous and often it will cause an unsightly pull across the front apron of the kilt. The top one is the only functional strap, so why bother with an additional, unnecessary strap that may just make the front of the kilt look funny?

Having said that, all my kilts have three straps, but the next custom kilt I order will have only two.

But of course, if you like the look of three, put on three. I read in Scotty Thompson's book that he put the third one on the left to hold the under apron in place, and only put one of the right side. How's that for a switch?

[JimB]

Ok, I'll buy that for looks the third belt/buckle may be something that you might like because it's "traditional", but other than looks, why would you ever want one?
There are two big minuses for me. 1, it's just something else to catch on something, and 2, doesn't it defeat the purpose of that nice big deep pleat?

As I understand it, the deep pleat helps in movement (and maybe even in modesty when you sit) but what the point of having it, if you're going to restrict its movement with a belt?