What Makes an Irish Kilt Outfit Unique? A Complete Styling Guide

Kilts are worn in a few countries but have a strong sense of pride and culture in Ireland and Scotland. The Scottish nation dominates here, which is why people consider kilts to be Scottish outfits. It is a misconception, as Ireland also wears it as national dress, and Irish traditional wear follows its own path. Like Scottish outfits, Irish people also have their own dresses with some of the same and different accessories from the perspective of number and types. In this article, we’ll explore Irish kilt outfits, their accessories, and common mistakes that people make and you should avoid. Let’s begin!

Irish Kilt Outfit Guide

People in Ireland wear kilts that are a little different from Scottish kilts from the design perspective. We’ll distribute our discussion of the Irish kilt outfit in two sections, primary and secondary. The primary parts are kilts, jackets, and shirts. While the secondary ones are belts and buckles, sporrans, and more.

Irish Kilt: The Heart of Outfits

Let’s begin the classification of kilt outfits with Irish kilts that are the foundation and most essential parts. Irish kilts are also made with tartan patterns that are a little complex comparatively and are worn according to region instead of clans. Yellow is the most traditional colour; that’s why saffron kilts are worn at every kind of formal event. In fact, Irish people do not wear kilts every day but in formal settings only.

The Brian Boru Jacket

The next thing is an Irish jacket, which is only worn formally. Their traditional jackets are Brian Boru that equate to Prince Charlie jackets worn in Scotland. Brian Boru was a great historical king of Ireland, and the jacket is named after him. People wear it to acquire a pure Irish look and support their culture. The jacket features a high collar, clean lines, and decorative Celtic-style buttons. When worn with the right shirt and accessories, this jacket completes the Irish kilt outfit perfectly.

Shirts Worn with Irish Kilts

Unlike traditional Scottish kilt shirts, the shirts worn with Irish kilts are usually simple and well-fitted. White is the most preferred shade, while some also prefer light cream or yellow colours complementing their tartan. When wearing it, make sure that your shirt does not overpower the outfit. Moreover, do not opt for a designed one, as the plain style works best, especially when worn under a Brian Boru jacket.

Irish Kilt Accessories: Minimal but Meaningful

Let’s divert our discussion to the other side, which is accessories. While pairing them with your outfit, keep in mind that Irish accessories are lower in number than Scottish dresses. The goal of Irish outfits is not to decorate heavily but to add balance and tradition to the outfit.

Belt and Buckle

In secondary accessories, the belt and buckle serve as the most essential and practical items. A pure leather belt is the ideal choice for aesthetical and cultural purposes, while buckles are often made with metal having a chrome finish, and they are engraved with Celtic designs to pay tribute to Celtic culture.

Sporrans in Irish Outfits

Sporrans are one of the most essential parts of Scottish outfits but optional in Irish kilt wear. These bags are not a cultural or traditional part of their attire, but Irish people wear them following their neighbouring country. Moreover, the preferred style is very simple without additional attributes like fur or animal hair. Only leather-made bags are worn there.

Brooches and Pins

Irish kilt outfits also contain brooches and pins that add a small but meaningful touch. Irish brooches often feature Celtic designs and are worn sparingly. However, the places to attach them are different from Scottish dress, and they are usually placed on the jacket or used to secure a cloak. 

Traditional Irish Kilt Socks

Irish kilt socks, also called hose, are worn just below the knee. Neutral colours like cream, grey, or black are preferred. The socks should look clean and fit comfortably. Unlike Scottish styles, Irish hose avoids bold patterns or flashes, keeping the look simple.

Shoes Commonly Worn with Irish Kilts

After attaching all the above-mentioned accessories, when it comes to completing your outfit, wearing relevant footwear is the most essential step. Pure leather shoes or ghillie-style footwear are the ideal options. Make sure to wear clean shoes that fit your feet well for easy movements.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Irish Kilt Outfits

The chapter of Irish kilt outfit guides comes to an end here, and now we should proceed to the mistakes that people make. These mistakes not only result in discomfort while wearing the dress but also impact the Irish looks. After all, inhabitants of Ireland consider it disrespectful.

• Irish outfits come with a limited number of accessories, which means adding too many items makes the look heavy and culturally inaccurate, and it is not according to the culture.
• Do not pair Scottish tartans, clan badges, and sgian-dubh knives with Irish dresses. Mixing these items confuses identity and is against the rules.
• Using Scottish jackets instead of Brian Boru jackets weakens the Irish look. Always choose garments designed for Irish outfits.
• Prince Charlie and Argyll jackets are Scottish formal wear and should not be paired with Irish kilts.
• Irish kilts usually use lighter fabrics. Heavy tartan material changes the feel and comfort of the outfit.

Buy an Irish Kilt Outfit at Utility Kilt UK.

Those who need to buy Irish kilt outfits should ensure they buy high-quality ones. Buying a complete set can be costlier, so you should approach a store that also sells the accessories individually. Many stores offer this service, but Utility Kilt UK dominates all because of affordability, quality, and customisation of all. So, explore our inventory right now, and you can consult our team 24/7 in case of any query.

FAQs About Irish Kilt Outfits