How to Choose the Right Kilt Outfit for Your First Scottish Event Leave a comment

You might be aware of the fact that the Scottish diverse calendar carries a set of over 200 festivals around the year. No matter what festival or its theme it is, Scots make sure to dress in their traditional kilt outfit. They love wearing local outfits to experience the charm and legacy. If you’re one of them, you probably understand the importance of choosing the right kilt outfit for the Scottish event you’re attending. This narration aims to tell you about the perfect tips to maintain the respect of attire and gain maximum experience!

Identify Your Event Type: Formal or Casual?

The first thing before deciding on a kilt outfit is to observe the event’s theme. Usually, there are 2 types of events: casual and formal. In these events, the number of attachments often remains the same while variations can occur. Let’s clarify it with an example of shirts. To participate in formal events, traditional Ghillie shirts are preferred ones. At the same time, T-shirts or polo shirts make good combinations in casual events. For more ease, let us add a list of formal and Scottish events to wear kilt outfits.

Event Based Attire for Men and Women

Burns Night (January 25th)

• • Men:
    • Full tartan kilt outfit with Prince Charlie jacket and waistcoat
    • White shirt with a lace jabot or tie
    • Ghillie brogues with kilt hose and flashes
    • Sporran (leather or fur, depending on formality)
    • Optional: fly plaid and sgian-dubh

• Women:
  • • Tartan sash over a solid-colored dress (evening or cocktail)
    • Long tartan skirt with blouse and fitted jacket
    • Accessories with Scottish thistle or Celtic jewelry
  • • Dress shoes or heeled boots

Highland Games (Spring–Summer)

• • Casual kilt with T-shirt or polo shirt (clan tartan or utility style)
  • Hiking boots or sneakers
  • Optional: clan crest pin or belt with kilt buckle
  • Weather-ready: packable rain jacket or windbreaker

• • Tartan skirt or kilted mini skirt with tank top or T-shirt
  • Plaid flannel shirt tied at the waist
  • Comfortable walking shoes or boots
  • Crossbody bag or backpack

St. Andrew’s Day (November 30th)

• • Men:
    • • Tartan trews or kilt with a sweater or smart blazer
      • Wool scarf in clan colors
      • Leather brogues or boots

• • Womeen:
    • • Tartan shawl or cape over a cozy sweater dress
      • Warm tights and ankle boots
      • Scottish-themed brooch or earrings

Ceilidh Dance

• • Men:
    • Semi-formal kilt outfit or smart trousers with dress shirt
    • Lightweight jacket or waistcoat for movement
    • Soft-soled shoes suitable for dancing

• • Women:
    • Flowy midi dress or skirt (with tartan accents optional)
    • Comfortable heels or flats for dancing
    • Hair tied back or adorned with a Celtic clip

Essential Components of Your Kilt Outfit

Though all the outfit components are of historical significance, do you know what owns the great importance above all? Undoubtedly, it is a kilt which is a symbol of Scottish pride. Kilts are available in different variations today which makes them suitable for different festivals.

Tartan Kilts

Tartan kilts, also known as traditional kilts are made with a specific fabric that has different patterns and colour combinations. These aspects collectively reveal the clan of the wearers. Therefore, they are highly prefePrince Charlie Jacketrable for formal events since they have cultural importance.

Modern Kilts

Other kilts that people usually prefer are modern kilts. Available in many forms like utility, leather, hybrid, or tactical kilts make a good option for casual events where there is no specific dress code. Wearers have an opportunity to ensure appearances in modern ways. These types of men’s kilts offer comfort and functionality, perfect for attendees who wish to blend heritage with a modern edge.

Essential Accessories to Complete Your Kilt Outfit

Similar to kilts, having knowledge about other suitable components is important too, when choosing the right kilt outfit for the first festival in Scotland. Some products remain the same in both types of festivals while a few have variations that we are going to discuss ahead!

Kilt Jackets: The first thing that varies according to festival is kilt jacket and every newbie must know it. A Prince Charlie Jacket is the finest option for formal, while Argyll Jacket helps in enhanced aesthetics in semi-formal or casual events.

Kilt Shirts: Variation in shirt types is also very common to notice. Traditional shirts are Ghillie shirts that are plain white and have laces instead of buttons. On the other hand, modern shirts like T-shirts and polo shirts are suitable for casual events like local games, outdoor activities, and musical events.

Kilt Shoes: As a new kilt outfit wearer, you must have information about kilt shoes. Traditionally, Scots have been wearing Ghillie brogues in Scottish festivals. So, you should do the same. While casual festivals have many footwear options like loafers, sneakers, and boots.

Other Accessories

We discussed some accessories where the variations can be an option. It’s time to talk about attachments that remain the same in every festival without concerning its theme.

Sporran: Sporrans are small bags usually made with leather. They were practical entities in the past but now they also serve as a decorative ornament.

Kilt Pins: Attaching a kilt pin with an outfit is the Scottish tradition. It is a small ornament that saves the kilt from fluttering in air and also serves as a cultural part of attire.

Belt & Buckle: Another set of accessories that none can deny wearing is belt & buckle. These components are practical since they ensure fitting the kilt. However, the crest on the buckle talks about their connection with Celts.

Hose and Flashes: Kilt hose are longer socks that cover the lower part of legs. Usually they are made with plain colours that match the kilt’s shade. Flashes, on the other hand, are two pieces of fabric with a small V taken out of the bottom and attached to a piece of elastic, commonly referred to as garters. They prevent the hoses from falling.

Sgian Dubh: The sgian dubh is traditionally worn as part of Scottish Highland dress. It is tucked into the top of the kilt hose (sock) on the right leg for right-handed individuals, with only the hilt visible. For left-handed wearers, it may be placed in the left sock. The sgian dubh complements formal Highland attire at ceremonies and events.

Should You Buy or Rent Your First Kilt Outfit?

The query about buying or renting the kilts is pretty common among the people, especially those wearing it for the first time. If you too have the same question, you must understand how many times you will wear it. For the single wearing, you can rent out the kilt.

However, purchasing your kilt outfit and wearing it for the first time is an experience you should not miss. You have customization options while rented ones have limited choice. Similarly, you can continue dressing in your kilt once purchased and do not have to spend more for the next time.

Do’s & Don’ts You Must Know

Now that you know about the right kilt outfit for the first-timers, let us talk about the steps they should remember when wearing for the first time.

Things to Do

• Choosing the accurate size along with the correct tartan. See size guide.
• Keep the respect of outfits in front and accessorize them properly.
• Properly care for your kilt outfit for its longer lifespan.
• Choose a kilt and its accessories according to the festival’s theme.

Things Not do Do

• Avoid stretching, sitting on a hard surface, and most importantly do not sit with crossed legs.
• Do not get confused while wearing a kilt outfit for the first time.
• Avoid clashing accessories and go with proper accessories if it is a formal festival.

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