Full Kilt Outfit: When Is It Appropriate to Wear It?

Wearing kilts is not just wearing a simple dress, but it is to become a part of a unique culture that is based on several centuries. This experience becomes more exciting if donning a kilt at any Scottish festival. Such commemorations are the visual expression of Scottish culture and wearing a full kilt outfit. We said “full kilt outfit”. Do you count on the reason? Because many types of outfits are worn there, let us start our article with their overview.

What Are Different Scottish Kilt Outfits?

It is assumed that Scots only wear a single type of outfit with a few accessories. In reality, different types of Scottish outfits are worn there, and all have a distinctive level of formality. Prince Charlie outfits are the primary and the most formal ones that are worn at formal events. They are equivalent to a tuxedo, while people also know them as full kilt outfits. However, some other popular outfits are given below.

Argyll Kilt Outfits: Argyll outfits are more versatile than Prince Charlie dresses and are worn at both formal and semi-formal settings. Moreover, they also have a lower number of accessories comparatively.

Casual Kilt Outfits: As the name reveals, casual kilt outfits are the relaxed outfits and are worn at non-ceremonial events. Especially where there is no restriction of dress code.

Women’s Outfits: Ladies also wear outfits, and Scots know them as women’s kilt outfits. These dresses are not for men and come with full-length tartan skirts, shirts, sashes, pins, and brooches and pins.

Events Where a Prince Charlie Kilt Outfit Is Appropriate

This is the time to hit the core part of our article, which is events to wear full kilt outfits. These dresses are not for casual or semi-formal events. So, wear them at the below-given occasions.

Formal Scottish Weddings

As discussed above, Prince Charlie kilt outfits are equivalent to tuxedos, so they are highly preferred options for Scottish weddings. Grooms and their men often wear them with tartan kilts (clan patterned) and all formal accessories to praise their culture.

Cultural Celebrations

Cultural celebrations such as Highland Games, Burns Night Supper, and more are very common in Scotland. Those who are closely associated with their history often prefer wearing full outfits. Meanwhile, the clan gatherings cannot be kept aside to wear Prince Charlie dress.

Military Balls and Formal Dinners

Military balls and charities are often held in Scotland, and they are considered formal events. Edinburgh is the place to hold such arrangements because it is a capital. Moreover, formal dinners also compete with Prince Charlie suits.

State or Ceremonial Events

State or ceremonial events, that are also bank holidays are made special with full kilt outfits. Scottish National Day and Saint Andrew’s Day set the best examples to understand these ceremonies.

Prince Charlie Kilt Outfits: The Full Kilt Outfit

Now that you are familiar with some popular types of Scottish outfits. Our core topic today is the full kilt outfit, which means the Prince Charlie kilt outfit. The word “full” refers to the inclusion of all accessories to complete dress. However, the ones discussed above have fewer accessories. Let us have a look at their accessories first, then we’ll dive into the events.

Historical Accessories of Prince Charlie Kilt Outfits

The Prince Charlie outfit is the only traditional dress of Scotland whose accessories are all historical. These attributes are mentioned below.

Tartan Kilts: This outfit is only to be worn with tartan kilts, and this kilt variant is the identity of Scottish culture.

The Jacket: The Prince Charlie jacket is the main identity of the outfit, following the kilt. It often comes in two shades: navy blue and black with a matching waistcoat.

Shirt and Tie: Off-white or cream-coloured Ghillie shirts are parts of this full outfit, and people often pair them with tartan-made bow ties.

Fly Plaid and Brooch: Both are important parts of dresses. A fly plaid is a piece of tartan fabric that is wrapped over the shoulder, and a brooch is a metallic pin type that prevents the plaid from falling.

Sporran: A conventional storage bag to carry essentials, the sporrans have several variations, but full outfit looks demand dress or horsehair sporrans.

Kilt Pin & Sgian-dubh: A kilt pin is a small attribute that is used to apply weight to the apron and prevent flapping. However, it is more decorative and traditional than being a practical item. On the other hand, the sgian-dubh is a Scottish dagger placed in socks on the prominent side.

Ghillie Brogues: Regarding the footwear, kilt shoes named ‘ghillie brogues’ are the only choices to pair with Prince Charlie outfits. They are worn with Scottish socks (kilt hose) that reach up to the upper calf, and flashes are placed in their folds to prevent slipping.

When Prince Charlie is Not An Appropriate Outfit

Knowing the events to wear full kilt outfits is very necessary, but you should also be familiar with the times when you are not supposed to wear them.

• Do not wear the Prince Charlie kilt outfit at casual settings at all.
• Daytime weddings or other ceremonies are not suitable for this dress.
• People often ignore wearing a full kilt outfit in hot climates; if you still have to wear it, prioritise opting for lightweight fabrics.
• When taking part in sporting events as a participant, wear something else.

Utility Kilt UK: The Ideal Kilt Store to Buy Outfits

Wear a full kilt outfit when the event is relevant. Another aspect that you should not miss is to don a high-quality dress to complement the event and attire you are wearing. You may be concerned about the shop to buy a premium outfit. Save your time and directly head towards Utility Kilt UK, because we believe in affordability and customisation along with quality. Moreover, we deliver what we commit to and are always there to answer your calls.

FAQs About Kilt Outfits and Events to Wear Them To