Exploring Different Collar and Cuff Styles for Kilt Shirts

The traditional shirts to pair with kilts are Ghillie shirts. Many people consider them to be the only options for tartan kilts. Without a doubt, these shirts are more common options but many other variations also work well with all types of men’s kilts. These garments are usually made with the same materials (linen and cotton), while the factors setting them apart are their different collar and cuff styles. In this guide, we will help you explore these styles of kilt shirts. First, let us see what types of shirts are pairable with kilts.

Common Kilt Shirt Types

The days have gone when only a single shirt was enough for different kilt variations. An advancement in the fashion statement now allows people to wear a number of shirts, even the formal ones. Knowing these types is essential to add versatility to the kilt outfit.

Ghillie Shirt: Scots also know it as the Jacobite shirt which is the most traditional one. It does not have buttons, while laces pass through eyelets to tie the shirt. Initially, it was casual apparel but now is a priority for formal events.

Formal Dress Shirt: Another notable option to pair with a kilt is a formal dress shirt. It is a white, crisp down button shirt usually worn with Prince Charlie jackets and Argyll jackets. It often has wings or standard collars.

Wing Collar Shirt: This variation has wing collars that are stiff and high in appearance. The corners of the collars are turned down, resembling wings of a bird. In fact, this is the reason for them to get this name.

Modern Slim-Fit Kilt Shirt: Modern shirts are the slim versions of Jacobite/Ghillie shirts. A new look of traditional fabric makes it look more modernised and improves the aesthetics of an outfit.

Collar Styles Explained

If we specifically talk about the types of collar styles for kilt shirts, we find them available in many designs. They even add more charm to the apparel making it more vibrant. Here are some examples of collar styles.

Wing Collar

It is the most common style of shirt collar, known as a “wing collar.” This particular collar features stiff, pointed ends that are extended horizontally, resembling a bird’s wings. It is a formal-looking collar with black- or white-tie attire.

Turndown Collar

A turn-down collar, or a turndown collar, is a type of shirt collar that folds or turns down. The particular collar design creates a visible triangle shape, offering a flair of sophistication to the dress. It’s a versatile style, common to spot on both business and casual shirts.

Band Collar

A band collar is not that popular or versatile but has a good reputation as being part of kilt shirts. It features a narrow band that encircles the neck a bit tightly. In other words, it opposes the traditional style, which has a loose surrounding around your neck to let you stay comfortable.

Button-Down Collar

You must have seen shirts with two small buttons on collar points that are used to tie collars to the shirt itself. People named them as button-down collars, and they help kit-wearers look stylish in semi-formal or casual events. This collar may be visible to spot in Highland Games or Polo and the buttons aim to prevent flapping.

Spread Collar

Those looking for a shirt that suits both semi-formal and formal events can consider the one with spread collars. These shirts often have a significant gap between both collar points. Put differently, they provide a good level of space to attach a bow tie.

Cuff Styles Explained

The chapter on suitable collars for kilt shirts comes to an end, and now is the time to switch attention to the cuff. Interestingly, kilt shirts also have various cuffs according to the event’s theme, and sometimes depending on your personal choices.

Single Cuff

Single cuff, also known as a barrel cuff, is a traditional and classical style. It usually has a single-layered fabric with a single button or sometimes double. The end of these collars can be straight or rounded.

Double Cuff

It is a French style of cuffs, which is double in length compared to the single cuff. The extra fabric turned back to the same length and fastened with a button or a stud. Scots and Irish people use studs engraved with Celtic designs to honour their tradition.

Gauntlet Cuff

Gauntlet cuffs are a common feature of some kilt jackets, particularly the Argyll jacket. People also know them as turn-back cuffs because of their particular shape. Despite being a permanent part of jackets, their use in kilt shirts is not very common. In shirts, they serve as a decorative style that slightly extends beyond the wrist, and wearers use fastening buttons or other embellishments to fasten it.

Elasticated or Tie Cuffs (Ghillie Shirt)

Every individual who is familiar with kilts must know the Ghillie shirt as well, which is the most traditional one. This particular shirt usually comes with an elastic or a tie cuff, lacking the button. This style keeps the wearer comfortable and makes it easy to wear and take off the shirt.

Fabric Considerations for Collars and Cuffs

All kilt-shirt makers often use the same fabric to make their collars and cuffs. Experts preferably use cotton or wool that are durable and capable of facing wear and tear. An interlining is used in both parts to make them stiff, and offering a specific level of heat helps them to erect in the same position for a specific duration. Shirts now come with built-in features of stiffness, while people used starch once to ensure stiffness. Stiff-collared shirts are suitable for formal events, as they enhance the visuals.

Shop Kilt Shirts at UtilityKilt UK

Are you looking to buy a kilt shirt but uncertain where to go as hundreds of reliable stores claim to be the best in this domain? Let us tell you about the one where shirts and all kilt accessories are available at economical prices. At Utility Kilt UK, We use premium-quality fabric to craft kilt shirts. Above all, our experts have decades of experience and can stitch shirts with every collar or cuff style. So, no matter what style you need, contact our team and let us know about the design you want. We will deliver it to your doorstep as soon as possible. Here are some of the best kilt shirts with traditional cuffs and collars that you should consider trying.