Wearing a kilt outfit and matching it to your clan are two different things. A majority who are unfamiliar with Scottish tradition don’t know it as well. In this discussion today, we will bring some tips to match kilt outfits to your clan under the light. Remember, we are talking about the kilt outfit, not only the kilt. So, we find it essential to describe what a kilt outfit is and what attributes combine to complete it.
What is a kilt outfit?
Starting with an easy definition of a Highlander outfit. It is a complete set of accessories to make a Scottish dress, while a tartan kilt is its core attribute. Another important thing following the kilt is the jacket, which specifies its formality and makes the dress suitable for any event. Likewise, every other attribute is important and should be chosen mindfully and is given below:
| Neckwear (bow tie) | Ghillie Shirt | Fly Plaid and Brooch |
| Kilt Pin | Dress Sporran | Sgian-dubh (Optional) |
| Ghillie Brogues | Kilt Socks | Garter Flashes |
Choosing the Right Tartan Kilt for Your Clan
Tartan kilts are the core items of outfits, and they decide what clans a person belongs to. The meaning behind the tartan patterns usually indicates the past of any tribe and what nature the followers have. While matching patterns to the clan, if you are unaware of it, start with exploring your ancestry.
A high proportion of Scots are aware of their ancestry, while some people are still working on it. Finding ancestry equates to finding the right patterns, and many online resources, including The Scottish Register of Tartans, are helpful in it. They should add their surnames to the search bar. If unable to find, try with different spelling because most of their clans have further branches now.
Matching Kilt Accessories to Your Clan Outfit
Now when you have succeeded in finding or matching the right tartan patterns, the next step is to look for the rest of the accessories. All should be chosen carefully to maintain the respect of attire and culture as well.
Selecting the Right Sporran
Let us start with matching the right sporran, as it also has many variations. For outfit completion, opt for a dress or horsehair sporran. The cantle is the important part that can decide its connection with your clan, as clan symbols are mostly engraved on them.
Choosing a Clan-Appropriate Kilt Pin and Buckle
Other metal-made accessories, including kilt pins and buckles of the belt, also play the same role. A kilt pin comes with a crest on the top, which often carries clan symbols and traditional emblems, like a Scottish Thistle Kilt Pin and a Scottish Highland Celtic Kilt Pin. Buckles, on the other hand, also come with such signs deciding association with any clan.
Jackets, Shirts, and Waistcoats
If we talk about fabric attributes that are necessary and are the most exposed, like jackets, shirts, and waistcoats, they directly do not reveal a relation with any clan but are worn depending on the formality of any event. Prince Charlie jackets are for formal wear, while Argyll jackets suit semi-formal events, and both are worn with matching waistcoats. Likewise, Ghillie shirts are the only options, while their colors are a crucial factor.
Hose and Flashes
Ghillie brogues, or kilt shoes, are the most appropriate footwear that directly does not connect wearers with your clan, but legwear does. In legwear, both kilt socks, also known as hose, and flashes are made with tartan patterns, and you should opt for the one that is best suits made with your clan patterns. However, the ideal approach is to choose either of them patterned while the other should be plain.
Respect and Cultural Etiquette
Only knowing clan patterns and wearing them is not enough but you should do it respectfully, following the cultural etiquette. Remember, following the traditional approaches keeps you connected to the past and keeps the inner Highlander on his feet.
- First of all, wear your conventional patterns rather than any modern variation of them.
- Choose all accessories according to the event’s formality, and the above-mentioned are for formal settings.
- It is not recommended to mix different tartan patterns in the same outfit, especially in formal or semi-formal events.
- The size of all accessories should be the same, as a loose or tight fit is not a recommended idea.
- Ensure all items that you wear are neat and clean.
Caring for Your Clan Kilt and Accessories
We just mentioned wearing clean kilts and accessories. Do they all need the same level of maintenance, or is there something different? Let’s proceed ahead to explore!
- All fabrics, whether they are kilts or fly plaids, should not be washed often. If it is necessary to wash, use cold water and mild detergent.
- Metal products like pins and brooches should be cleaned with a wet piece of cloth.
- Products made with leather, including sporrans and shoes, should be wiped with moist fabric. Ensure conditioning them occasionally.
- Some dress sporrans have animal hair on them; comb them gently before and after every use.
Buy Authentic Clan Kilts and Accessories at Utility Kilt UK
If you cannot afford to clean and condition them regularly, ensure you invest in high-quality products. Where to buy authentic, premium-quality products and fabrics? This question may be raised in your mind; let us introduce you to Utility Kilt UK, an online kilt store in London, UK. We believe in blending quality with affordability to make you look like a true Scot. So, explore our store right now, where all clan tartans along with universal patterns are available.
FAQs About Matching Kilt Outfit to Clan
What role did the Highland Dress Act play in shaping modern clan tartan traditions?
What etiquette should be followed when wearing a clan tartan outside Scotland?
When wearing a kilt outfit outside Scotland, ensure donning it as a traditional dress instead of a simple costume. Moreover, match all accessories and wear them with pride.
Can tartan thread count or sett pattern impact the authenticity of a clan kilt?
What role do clan chiefs play today in tartan approval or usage?
What should first-time kilt wearers understand about clan representation and responsibility?
The first-time wearers should understand that a kilt is not casual attire but representative of a specific culture. They should treat tartan kilts gently and should match all accessories instead of making random choices.
