Choosing the Right Fabric for a Tartan Kilt

Once, wool was the only option to make kilts, but things are different now. Today, various alternative fabrics like denim and leather are also used. Even these materials have further classifications. Tartan kilts are a good example of how fabric choices have evolved, and now kilts are made with many other materials such as canvas, polyviscose, and more that sound like wool. Our core attention in the discussion is tartan kilts and choosing their right fabrics. Without a delay, let’s begin with knowing the key factors for choosing the right fabric.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Fabric

Choosing the right fabric is essential because each material has unique properties that suit different occasions and environments.

• The first thing is durability, and the fabric should be strong enough to withstand regular wear, maintaining the legacy of outfits.
• The fabric must provide sufficient comfort against your skin, especially when dressing in a kilt for an extended duration.
• Fabric’s weight is important as well because it helps you stay cool and comfortable, particularly in warmer weather.
• The fabric should display the tartan pattern clearly, as misaligned or blurry patterns look untidy.
• Take weather conditions into account remembering that heavier fabrics are suitable for cooler climates and lighter ones for warmer conditions.

Popular Fabrics Used in Tartan Kilts

Now that you know the important things to consider before choosing a fabric, it’s time to see what fabrics are used in making tartan kilts. Remember, all fabrics, whether they are natural or synthetic, have their specific properties.

Wool: The Traditional Choice

Wool is the traditional choice to make tartan kilts. This fabric is 100% natural and derived from the fleece of several animals, such as sheep, goats, and camels. People today, and even in ancient times, valued it because of its durability, warmth, and moisture-wicking traits. In fact, these were the core grounds for Highlanders as well. Kilts made with pure wool are called traditional kilts and perform as formal dress in Scotland.

Acrylic

Following wool, the next fabric is acrylic, which is a synthetic material created from petroleum-based chemicals. Acrylic truly mimics wool, and people even name it “acrylic wool.” It’s often hard to tell the difference between acrylic and wool by sight alone. It still differs from original wool from the perspectives of weight, durability, and maintenance requirements. This fabric is versatile and widely worn, as it suits both formal and casual settings.

Polyviscose (Polyester-Viscose Blend)

The next fabric making tartan nowadays is poly-viscose, which also is a synthetic material with durability and wrinkle-resistance as core properties. In addition, it excellently fulfills the needs of comfort, softness, and the drape of kilts. As a blend of polyester and viscose, it goes well with the skin. Moreover, the lightweightness signifies its appropriateness as all-day wear.

Cotton

Cotton also makes tartan kilts, but this choice is less popular than wool, acrylic, and polyviscose. This is a lightweight, cool, and machine-washable fabric, making it a convenient part of the fashion industry. Regarding the additional traits, people prefer cotton for its ruggedness, and it also absorbs dyes well to make tartan patterns.

Linen

Linen is also a lightweight and breathable fabric, and linen-made tartan kilts are majorly worn in hotter climates. It is a natural material made with the flax plant, and the ruggedness is also a core identity. Those who are allergic to wool or other synthetic materials often prefer it because it is hypoallergenic. Like wool, it possesses moisture-wicking properties, ensuring the longevity of kilts in different weather conditions.

Recommendations Based on Use Case

The fabrics making the tartan kilts may be clear to you now, but how do you know which one suits you well? An ideal way to analyze their appropriateness is checking their authenticity in several settings. 

Formal/Traditional Events: Tartan kilts are highly suitable for formal events, and you must opt for pure wool or acrylic because of their heavier looks.

Everyday/Office Wear: Wearing a kilt every day means the need for comfort and durability. In such situations, poly-viscose or medium-weight kilts perform well.

Casual or Fashion Kilts: Those who need kilts for casual settings can opt for cotton or poly-viscose because they are more versatile than other fabrics.

Hot Climate or Summer Events: Even though the design of a kilt is sufficient for better breathability, canvas, acrylic, or cotton kilts enhance the experience of summer events by offering more breathability.
Work or Outdoor Use: Wearing tartan kilts is common at work settings or for outdoor uses, and the suitable fabric options there are poly-viscose, canvas, and linen for enhanced comfort.

Tips for Kilt Buyers

Now that you know the right fabric for a tartan kilt at several events, you have decided which material you will wear next. Enhance your comfort and style by following these practical kilt-wearing tips.

• If wearing a tartan kilt at a traditional event, ensure that the tartan patterns belong to your clan and the kilt is authentic.
• Undoubtedly, the quality of fabric is the primary aspect; you must not overlook the stitching quality as well.
• When you wear a tartan kilt for work settings, take practical features into account as a priority and attach a sporran to keep essentials within range.
• Buy customized kilts because off-the-rack garments pose sizing issues. Similarly, don’t prioritize aesthetics over quality.
• Choose the right kilt fabric, relying on the event’s formality and your purposes.

Where to Buy Traditional Tartan Kilts

Another kilt-buying tip is to purchase it from a reliable store. Retailers often have ready-to-wear kilts, while stores like Utility Kilt UK customize every piece for sizing accuracy. We believe in promoting tradition; that’s why we have a collection of traditional kilts, but not those made with synthetic fabrics. Therefore, we have a range of men’s kilts, comprising different types. Visit our online store and tell us your requirements. We will make and deliver your kilt within the specified timeframe.

FAQs About Choosing the Right Fabric for a Tartan Kilt