Everyone today having an awareness of Scottish attire loves to wear kilts. Scottish Highland dress is worn in Scotland and other countries where Scots have a strong community. Therefore, their attire is also becoming popular among non-Scots. Many beginners wear kilts but make several mistakes, which Scots consider disrespectful to their traditional dress. This kilt outfit guide will cover these mistakes, so you may not make them like others while attiring a kilt outfit. So, let’s begin our discussion with understanding what a Scottish dress is.
Checklist Before Wearing a Kilt Outfit
| Scottish kilts | Jackets & Waistcoat |
| Ghillie Shirt and Tie | Leather Sporran |
| Ghillie Brogues | Kilt Hoses and Garter Flashes |
| Fly Plaid | Kilt Pin |
| Sgian-Dubh | Brooch |
Types of Kilt Outfits
Kilt outfits have further variations making them suitable for different occasions. The number of accessories is almost the same while the things deciding their authenticity for different events are the variations in components. Some popular variations of Scottish attire popular in the entire Scotland are:
- Argyll kilt outfit is suitable for formal and semi-formal events.
- Prince Charlie kilt outfit or Bonnie Prince Charlie Outfit is the most selling and preferred choice. This outfit is specific to strictly formal events.
- Casual Kilt Outfit, as the name represents, works perfectly on casual occasions.
- Women also wear kilts at various events and Ladies Kilt Outfit is the most popular one.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Wearing a Kilt Outfit
If you’re new to wearing kilts, it’s essential to kilt dos and don’ts. Try to avoid mistakes that might be seen as disrespectful by those who value Scottish traditions. We crafted a list of some kilt outfit mistakes you must know prior and ensure avoiding them.
Wearing the Kilt Too Low or Too High
There are many men’s kilts available today, but when wearing a complete outfit, tartan kilts are the only suitable choice. Many people don’t know how to wear a kilt correctly? Usually wearing a kilt high or low depends on the event’s theme but people oversee this aspect. You must know in advance about the proper kilt height.
Choosing the Wrong Kilt Length
Another misunderstanding that bothers people a lot is choosing the wrong kilt length. The traditional tartan kilts worn with outfits are usually 8-yard. Therefore, people wearing Scottish dress for the first time do not value this point and buy kilts with extended lengths. A possible reason here may be feeling uncomfortable about wearing knee-length fabric.
Misusing or Omitting Accessories
Many items are worn with kilts such as a kilt pin, sporran, belt, and buckle. Therefore, dressing them in the proper place is an important step to follow, while some people go against these steps. Some inaccuracies often made are attaching a kilt pin on the wrong side, placing sporran too low, etc. You must be careful and pair everything properly.
Mixing Formal and Casual Elements
Elements for formal and casual occasions differ significantly. Let us explain with an example of kilt shoes. Ghillie Brogues are for formal occasions while loafers and sneakers perform well in casual settings. Similarly, there are many other elements setting outfits different from each other. However, newbies mix attachments without concerning the occasion’s formality, which is not a good practice at all.
Wearing the Wrong Shirt or Jacket
Traditional shirts to wear with Scottish dress are Ghillie shirts which are casual ones with laces while they do not have buttons. These shirts are worn as formal attachments now. Similarly, many jackets are worn with kilts such as the Argyll Jacket and Prince Charlie Jacket. Both of them are suitable for different themes. However, newbies sometimes wear the wrong shirts and jackets, adding a flair of dishonour!
Neglecting Grooming and Kilt Maintenance
The neglect of kilt maintenance is common which is not a good idea at all. Some beginners wear torn leather belts, rusty brooches and pins, dirty kilts, and jackets with stains. Beyond disregarding cultural dress, this practice damages the personality of wearers. No one has permission to skip this practice.
Misrepresenting Clan Tartans
Tartan is the backbone of the kilt outfit, and it makes many parts of the dress including: fly plaids, kilts, kilt socks, and flashes. Tartan kilts are worn on several occasions from formal to casual. Their tartan patterns expose the region or clan of the wearer. Therefore, people are misrepresenting the tartan patterns. They abide by wearing their ancestral tartan but choose any because of colours and patterns. Likewise, some people mismatch all the plaid fabrics from kilts to socks.
Tips for First-Time Kilt Wearers
All the inaccuracies discussed above are usually made by the people who wear kilts for the first time. Along with avoiding these mega blunders, they should consider following a few steps to complete their attire correctly and regard the traditional culture of Scotland. Read these tips and follow them:
- Start with attaching a traditional pin to the kilt on its lower right button.
- Wear the kilt appropriately which should sit on the natural waistline with the belly button. The fall should touch the middle of the kneecap.
- Ensure attaching a dress leather for a night or strict formal settings, while day sporran for day events.
- Wear kilt hoses ensuring they reach the accurate height without twisting anywhere. Moreover, the garter flashes should be around the top of your calves, facing outwards.
- If wearing Ghillie brogues, tie them securely, using the laces to create a secure knot.
- The following step is to put on a jacket, waistcoat, and the sporran.
- Add fly plaid to the right shoulder and secure it with a brooch, so it may not fall.
Suitable Occasions to Wear a Kilt Outfit
Now that you know about different types of kilt outfits, mistakes to avoid, and appropriate wearing tips. It’s time to figure out some suitable occasions to wear Scottish dresses with complete accessories. They are suitable for every event whether it is a formal or casual one. Below is the list of some occasions:
| Highland Games | Black Tie Events |
| Weddings | Funerals |
| Graduation Ceremonies | Cultural Celebrations |
| Musical Festivals | Award Ceremonies |
| Charity Galas | Business Meetings |
Unmatched Craftsmanship in Outfit Only at Utility Kilt UK
An important factor in attiring kilt outfits is avoiding the uncompromised quality of every product. For the fulfillment of such requirements, all you need to do is ensure purchasing from a reliable store offering unmatched craftsmanship. Other than expertly-made products, the price factor must add a positive aspect to the brand’s background. So, all you need to do is to approach Utility Kilt UK for exceptional kilt outfits. We are a leading online brand, helping people worldwide to regard Scottish heritage.
FAQs About Wearing a Kilt Outfit
Can non-Scots wear a kilt respectfully?
If a non-Scot wears a kilt, it makes Scottish people happy. The best way to respect Scottish attire is to keep it clean. Similarly, wearing every attachment appropriately also pays respect to the attire.
What should I wear under my kilt?
Wearing something under the kilt is not a part of tradition but modern people now wear kilt underwear, boxers, and briefs for practicality purposes.
Is it okay to wear a kilt to a wedding or formal event?
Yes, traditional tartan kilts mainly aim to be suitable for formal events such as weddings, Burns Night Supper, and more. For everyday wear, Scots have many other kilt variations like denim kilts, utility kilts, etc.
Which Scottish event does not allow wearing kilt outfits?
Wearing a kilt may be unusual or unsuitable for some events but there isn’t a specific kind of Scottish occasion where it isn’t acceptable. Although kilts are frequently connected to formal occasions and festivities, they may be worn in a range of informal contexts.
