Modern vs. Traditional Kilt Outfits: Key Differences Leave a comment
A kilt outfit is a complete set of Highland dress that includes a kilt and various accessories such as a sporran, jacket, shirt, and more. Another name for this attire is Highland Dress. You should know that the kilt outfits you wear today vary from the traditional ones. The addition of accessories with time, undoubtedly, is the primary difference, while many other dissimilarities have taken place. This article aims to tell you about their differences.
Key Differences Between Modern and Traditional Kilt Outfits
Now you know that differences between modern and traditional kilt outfits go beyond just the number of accessories. These distinctions involve many other aspects like material, design, events to dress for, etc. So, without any further delay, head towards our topic.
Material Choices
Traditional Kilt Outfit: Material choice impacts many components, while the first one is the kilt. Traditional kilts were made exclusively from wool. Another component is the sporran, which was traditionally made with pure leather.
Modern Kilt Outfit: When it comes to modern kilt outfits, trends change with time. Kilts are also made with poly-viscose now, which looks like tartan, but that’s not original tartan. Similarly, if we talk about sporrans, faux or synthetic leathers are also used to make them, and artificial hairs are becoming increasingly common as well.
Styling Variations
Traditional Kilt Outfits: Styling and design variations also have become common, setting modern and traditional attires apart from each other. Let us explain with shirts: the traditional outfits have ghillie shirts with laces instead of buttons. Similarly, the kilt pins attached to them are simple.
Modern Kilt Outfits: Modern styling elements differ significantly from traditional ones. Down-button shirts have taken the place of traditional ones, while kilt pins now come with Celtic designs or emblems on their crest to relate them to the past.
Occasion to Wear
Traditional Kilt Outfit: Ancient Scottish Highland Dress is specific to formal events like weddings, black-tie events, etc. Most importantly, people prefer this attire for ceremonial events.
Modern Kilt Outfit: Modern outfits are versatile and can be worn to a variety of events, not just formal ones. People are seen wearing them at casual events since traditional kilts are not necessary. Therefore, individuals can wear any type of men’s kilts. Similarly, the modernism factor also impacts other components.
Accessories and Details
Traditional Kilt Outfits: We just talked about the accessories. Traditional Scottish dress has specific accessories that are worn traditionally and in the same way.
Modern Kilt Outfits: On the other hand, accessories with modern kilt outfits are optional. The addition or removal of some products depends on the wearer’s choice. Similarly, using variations is a possibility. An individual can wear other shoes instead of Ghillie Brogues, the traditional Scottish shoes. Similarly, the sporran type can vary from a day sporran to a dress sporran.
The Fit and Comfort Factor
Traditional Kilt Outfit: The fit and comfort factors of variations also do not match with each other. Traditional products are made with the same material Scots used to make centuries ago. They offer a certain degree of comfort, though not as much as modern materials.
Modern Kilt Outfit: When we talk about modern Scottish attire, they are more comfortable because of the latest materials and designs. The construction of materials and components is totally under the control of artisans. So, they ensure maximum comfort for people.
Cost Considerations: Traditional vs. Modern
Traditional Kilt Outfit: The level of investment while buying any outfit from these is not the same. Traditional outfits are more expensive because many accessories, such as tartan kilts and fly plaids, are handmade. The process includes extra time consumption and labour costs making people spend more.
Modern Kilt Outfit: The latest outfits are available at lower prices because machines make all the products. There is no involvement of labour cost. On the other hand, the production in a vast quantity at the same time makes them economical.