My Aunt died recently, and being kilted for the funeral in my Matt Newsome kilt. My Mother (Who is an amateur kilt maker herself) asked me why I had the kilt done regimental style regarding loops. I had said that as I had learned that belt loops had not been necessary only for sporran straps. Momma laughed a little and asked why and since she was a girl and as she could remember that non-military kilts had loops for belts. We talked about this and I told her of the stress of the pleat (As I read, and it makes sense to me) with belt loops attached. She noted that she was taught to bring the tops of the loops into the top band of the kilt before sewing on the top band. Once purled inside the weight is drawn on the top band area-Not the pleat. She noted that many makers don't do this and sew the loops on to the pleating strictly, and that is what can cause pleat stress. While conceding that a properly made kilt would not need a belt if made to measure, she felt that belt loops provided a service should one begin to slim. I actually notice that if I'm sitting down or in the car for a while, my belt will , in fact, slip up some-and I dare ANYONE to say that MAtt doesn't make a kilt spot on!

Anyway-Previous thread got me thinking on this and I remembered our conversation.