FestivalsScottish Event Guide

How to Style A Tartan Kilt For Scottish Festivals

No matter what event or festival it is in Scotland, you will see kilts as an obligatory part of attire. The kilt’s value among Scots makes the traditional tartan kilts a necessity. However, the part of Scottish attire in global fashion also lets the people wear this attire. Therefore, this article will tell you about kilt styling at different events. So, let us start by talking about the strong connection of tartan kilts with Scottish festivals; then, we’ll see how to style a tartan kilt there.

Connection Between Tartan Kilts and Scottish Festivals

The popularity of tartan kilts in Scotland and any Scottish festival cannot be challenged because they are the central part of every gathering. Let us explain the connection of kilts with the most important festival, Highland games. No matter if it is a gaming competition or a dancing event, tartan kilts are essential in two aspects: cultural appreciation and the basic requirement of mobility. It is just because no other piece of clothing can perform better than it.

Scottish Festivals and Kilt Styling

Scottish Festivals and Kilt Styling
Scottish Festivals and Kilt Styling

Here comes the time for kilt styling at different Scottish festivals. Remember, the requirements of every festival vary, and kilt attachments change as well. First, have a look at different attachments of tartan kilts that enhance its styling, and then we will start festivals with Highland games.

Attachments that increase Kilt Styling

Kilt Jackets Ghillie Brogues Belt and Buckle
Kilt Shirts Hose Kilt Brooches
Sporrans Garter or Flashes Tartan Sashes
Fly Plaid Kilt Pins Tartan Ties

Scottish Festivals

Highland Games

Highland Games
Highland Games

Let us start Scottish festivals and kilt styling with Highland games, one of the most traditional events in Scotland. Thousands of people come there as participants and audience. Surprisingly, a majority of them are seen in kilts. If you must also wear a tartan kilt, ensure that you choose your family tartan. Universal tartan can be a choice if you don’t have a family tartan. Here are more attachments to add:

  1. First, choose a white or off-white shirt for an ancestral flair. With a shirt, you can wear jackets for a more prominent appearance.
  2. Choose a sporran that suits the event you will participate in or watch. Choose a “day sporran” for casual events and a more ornate “semi-dress sporran” for formal occasions.
  3. The next thing to attach is a kilt pin, a standard accessory. It comes with both traditional and modern designs.
  4. Make sure to wear traditional ghillie brogues with hose. Choosing a pair of socks matching your tartan will make it look completely classical.

Edinburgh Festivals

Edinburgh Festivals
Edinburgh Festivals

Edinburgh Festivals is another major Scottish event that lasts for 3 weeks. After the Highland Games, the events attract the most visitors every year. Traditional Scottish outfits are a must to wear at these festivals. Here is how to style your tartan kilt:

    1. Wearing a traditional 8-yard tartan can be a positive gesture to represent your clan. Nonetheless, you can go with a representative Scottish tartan.
    2. Wearing a ghillie shirt makes the attire traditional, while a white shirt makes it more casual.
    3. Kilt jackets are also easily spottable since choosing an Argyll or tweed jacket depends on your priority.
    4. You must wear a sporran. All types of spoorans work well, but choosing products made with animal hair makes the attire more appealing.
    5. Choose traditional ghillie brogues with hose complementing your tartan. If you prefer a plain hose, add tartan matching garters.

Hogmanay

Hogmanay is an annual event that is also very important in Scotland. Celebrated as New Year’s Eve, the country twinkles with lights and bonfires. Along with these cultural celebrations, the most noticeable aspect is Scotland’s traditional attire. Here is how you can make yourself prominent as well.

  1. The most important thing is tartan selection, and wearing ancestral tartan as usual is the most impressive practice.
  2. For a more formal Hogmanay event attire, you can wear a full Highland dress, including a Prince Charlie jacket, waistcoat, bow tie, and formal sporran.
  3. Wear a kilt with a dress shirt or casual shirt, a day sporran, and minimal accessories to celebrate this event casually.
  4. Some important accessories to be attached are kilt pins, belt and buckle, hose, flashes, and ghillie brogues.

Celtic Festivals

Tens of Celtic festivals are celebrated yearly, including Equinox, Samhain, Imbolc, etc. Scotland is said to be the country that keeps these festivals fresh. Dress yourself in your parental tartan or any universal one for these festivals. The rest of the things are:

    1. A crisp white button-down shirt is a classic choice for a formal look, while a plaid or patterned shirt can be more casual.
    2. You can wear jackets for events that usually take place on colder days. The type of leather you choose depends on you since you can choose anything from Prince Charlie to Argyll Kilt Jackets.
    3. Do not overlook the importance of traditional boots and striped socks as footwear.
    4. A kilt pin is a must-have accessory. Likewise, you can add a small Sgian-dubh (a small knife or dagger) in the stocking for authenticity.

Burns Night

Last but not least, the festival on the list today is none other than Burns Night. The festival is commemorated every year in remembrance of Robert Burns, the national poet of Scotland. He was the person who played a role in preserving the elegance of tartan and kilts with his words. So, it is his right to wear tartan kilts on Burns Night.

  1. Consider wearing your ancestral tartan at this festival. The admirers of Robert Burns also wear his tartan tonight to show appreciation for him; you can also do it.
  2. Wearing a dress shirt with a bow tie is a common practice.
  3. For a more appealing presence and to appraise the Scottish heritage, you can also wear a Prince Charlie Jacket.
  4. Maintain the legacy of attire by wearing traditional ghillies brogues with kilt-matching hose and flashes.

Weather Considerations at Festivals

Though many things must be considered while styling tartan kilts for Scottish festivals, the most important thing is to go for kilts and accessories according to the weather. You should choose lightweight and breathable fabric for a summer festival like the Highland Games. On the other hand, you should choose warm fabric and ensure that you wear accessories like jackets in the winter. Similarly, many kilts perform well against different seasons; you can choose any.

Modify Your Tartan Kilt Style with Utility Kilt UK

Are you looking for a tartan or kilt accessory for the upcoming Scottish festival? We recommend you find products with premium quality material. Similarly, do not oversee affordability as well as customization services. If you want them all at the same point, browse the inventory available at Utility Kilt UK. So, don’t wait; order today!

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