Scots are culture-oriented and have several ways to admire their culture, like wearing Scottish traditional dress, known as Kilt Outfits. An essential part of this outfit is a Scottish tartan kilt, which they have been wearing traditionally. Therefore, dressing as a heritage element is not the only reason but there are many others. This discussion discusses the reasons why Scots wear kilts, etiquette, and a reliable brand to buy kilts.
Reasons For Scots to Wear Kilts
When digging out the grounds to find the reasons to wear kilts in Scotland, we did not see only one element of traditional garment to captivate people’s attention. A majority living away from the country does it. However, it might be a primary reason, but not the only one. Here, we compiled a list of reasons to clear everything.
Admiring Heritage and Tradition
As discussed earlier, wearing kilts is a primary but not the only reason to wear them. Kilts today are available in different forms. Therefore, each of them has unique features. They are, after all, traditional garments. Therefore, it is a major reason for Scots to dress in them. Some common kilt types are:
admiring-heritage-and-tradition.
Another point connecting the garment to heritage is their tartan patterns, known as septs. Actually, Scottish clans used to wear different patterns that were identical to them only. Every clan had its own pattern. Today, Scots follow the same criteria and dress in tartan kilts worn by their ancestors. It helps Scots admire their forefathers and Scottish culture collectively.
Kilts are Versatile
In the past, kilts were specific to men only and were worn at chosen events. Modernism approached with time playing a part in making the kilts suitable for everyone and everyday wear. With time, the traditional Scottish garment has become flexible in many ways:
- Kilts serve as everyday clothing and are ideal for every event.
- Wearers’ comfort is a top priority of this clothing. Similarly, it has pleats for unrestricted movement, clearly revealing its convenience.
- A kilt can be dressed with different accessories that are suitable for him.
- It comes with different features that are customizable as well. A typical example is detachable pockets. Yet, one can attach or remove them as per requirements.
Weather Friendly
Weather friendliness is a significant reason behind wearing kilts. Some people imagine it to be a summer dress. If we peek into history, we see Irish and Scottish people using kilts in winter. In the initial phase, kilts were made with long clothes. A specific part was wrapped around the body, while the remaining cloth was a blanket or cloak.
The kilts Scots wear today are made with different fabrics, including leather and denim, and protect wearers against harsh climates. Some more accessories like leggings are also preferable in winter. Besides, soft fabrics like cotton, linen, or poly viscose are breathable and summer-friendly.
Boosts Confidence
The versatility of kilts also boosts the confidence of wearers. Undoubtedly, kilts are becoming popular worldwide, but to many, this garment is unique. Wearing a kilt helps Scots stand out from the others. Similarly, wearing traditional clothing helps to leave an impression on different events and lets people turn their faces towards the wearers.
Health Benefits
| Breathability | Kilts, especially those made from natural fabrics like cotton or wool, allow for better airflow, keeping you cooler in hot weather and preventing overheating. |
| Improved Mobility | The free-flowing design of a kilt offers greater range of motion compared to pants. Similarly, they reduce strain on joints and muscles, particularly when engaging in physical activities. |
| Reduced Chafing & Skin Irritation | With the absence of tight-fitting pants, kilts prevent skin irritation, chafing, and discomfort caused by fabric rubbing against the skin, especially in warm weather. |
| Thermoregulation | In colder months, wool kilts offer warmth while still allowing airflow. It helps to regulate body temperature and avoid overheating or getting too cold. |
| Enhanced Circulation | Wearing a kilt allows more freedom for blood flow around the legs, helping improve circulation and reduce the likelihood of conditions like varicose veins. |
Easy to Wear
A kilt is considered relatively easy to wear, especially once a person can fasten it properly. It’s a simple garment that requires minimal effort and can be pretty comfortable once adjusted correctly.
Though Scots have been wearing this clothing from day one, dressing it is quite easy for them. Conversely, new wearers might struggle at first, but practice for a specific time makes it smooth. Most importantly, wearing a kilt or a kilt outfit is a trick we will talk about in the following discussion.
Kilt-Wearing Etiquette
Now that you know why Scottish people wear kilts, it is time to see how they appropriately dress in their traditional attire. Knowing this is essential because not following the proper etiquette seems to dishonor them. So, wear a kilt, keeping the element of respect in mind. Other things are:
- The kilt should sit at your natural waistline, usually at your belly button or just below it.
- The bottom edge of the kilt should fall in the middle of your knee.
- Keep the pleats on the backside. Initially, the pleats fell on the rear side, but modern adaptations have changed their place, and the previous style is not followed today.
- Kilt fringes, a stylish detail on the edge of a kilt’s apron, or an overlapping front panel must be kept on the right side.
- Wear kilts according to the occasion since no kilt fits every event.
Connect All Accessories
Most importantly, attach all the kilt accessories properly. The accessories may vary according to the event. Moreover, it depends on what you wear, a kilt or a proper outfit, well these attachments are:
| 1. Sporran | 2. Sgian dubh | 3. Flashes |
| 4. Hose | 5. Ghillie Brogues | 6. Brooch |
| 7. Belt and Buckle | 8. Kilt Pins | 9. Clan Crest |
| 10. Kilt Jackets and Waistcoat | – | – |
Where to Buy Kilt
Are you inspired to don a kilt after reading about the reasons Scots wear them and confused about the brand? We understand, finding a reputable retailer for kilts can be daunting. That’s why we want to introduce you to Utility Kilt UK, a premier online destination for a selection of kilts and accompanying attachments. Connecting with Utility Kilt UK is easy. You can reach us through our convenient chat box, by calling us at +441613991718, or by sending an email to Support@Utilitykilt.Co.Uk.
