Third Buckle/Strap

**TheBrus** · 22nd June 11, 12:32 PM

Is it me, or is the third buckle and strap on a kilt useless/a nuisance? I'm thinking of getting a new kilt (number 4 in my inventory, but one of over a dozen I've owned), and I'd like to ask that kiltmaker to leave it off. Will this affect how the kilt is made? What purpose does that extra buckle serve?

Thanks!

Jared the Brus

**Mael Coluim** · 22nd June 11, 09:01 PM

Check out this recent thread on the same question.

**Dale Seago** · 22nd June 11, 09:27 PM

Originally Posted by Mael Coluim

Check out this recent thread on the same question.

Right. Generally unnecessary, if not an actual pain i' the ****.

I have kilts which have been done both ways. . .Well, that sounds awkward, what I mean is I have kilts with three straps and kilts with only two. . .and while the presence of the 3rd strap doesn't bother me, I'd as soon do without it.

**piperdbh** · 23rd June 11, 07:31 AM

I like the two-strap style better than the three-strappers, too, and I also like the way Matt Newsome makes his kilts. The left strap fastens to a buckle inside the kilt, so there is no "buttonhole" for the strap to pass through. You might want to investigate that option with your kiltmaker.

**TheBrus** · 23rd June 11, 07:38 AM

Sorry to rehash. I couldn't find the original thread. One last question: if the left strap/buckle are on the inside, isn't that uncomfortable? Does anyone have a picture of this?

**creagdhubh** · 23rd June 11, 07:43 AM

If one removes the third strap, there is a gap left where fringing should be (if your kilt apron does in fact have fringing), so how can this problem be solved? Fring the gap myself? I don't know how and do not wish to mess my kilt(s) up. I'd like to remove the third strap and buckle properly.

Thanks,

**Dale Seago** · 23rd June 11, 08:09 AM

Originally Posted by piperdbh

. . .and I also like the way Matt Newsome makes his kilts. The left strap fastens to a buckle inside the kilt, so there is no "buttonhole" for the strap to pass through.

I have two kilts from Matt (and two more in the queue to be made eventually), and this construction style is my absolute favorite. It seems odd, but in all my considerable wearing of them to date no one so far seems to have noticed that there is only one visible strap & buckle.

**Chas** · 23rd June 11, 08:27 AM

Originally Posted by creagdhubh

If one removes the third strap, there is a gap left where fringing should be (if your kilt apron does in fact have fringing), so how can this problem be solved? Fring the gap myself? I don't know how and do not wish to mess my kilt(s) up. I'd like to remove the third strap and buckle properly.

Thanks,

All my kilts are fringed top to bottom; there are no gaps. The strap is affixed behind the fringe and appears from underneath.

Regards

Chas

**creagdhubh** · 23rd June 11, 08:40 AM

Originally Posted by Chas

All my kilts are fringed top to bottom; there are no gaps. The strap is affixed behind the fringe and appears from underneath.

Regards

Chas

Thanks Chas, you are right! I didn't look close enough, mine have the same fringing from top to bottom, oops, my mistake! I should have know this already!!!

So, what is the best way to remove the strap and buckle? I also have belt loops, is there proper way to remove them as well? I do have a sharp pointed thread picker that tailors use, will that work?

Thanks,

**creagdhubh** · 23rd June 11, 08:41 AM

Originally Posted by Dale Seago

Right. Generally unnecessary, if not an actual pain i' the ****.

I have kilts which have been done both ways. . .Well, that sounds awkward, what I mean is I have kilts with three straps and kilts with only two. . .and while the presence of the 3rd strap doesn't bother me, I'd as soon do without it.

My feelings exactly!!!