If you’ve read this far you probably know what a Scottish kilt is and how to wear one. But maybe you’re still struggling to find the perfect outfit to go with this awesome piece of men’s clothing? After all, we all know that there’s more than one way to dress up in a kilt, right? The modern version of the Scottish kilt dates back to 19th century Scotland where it was adopted by the local militia in response to new uniforms imposed by the British government. The traditional Scottish Gaelic doublet called the feileadh mòr was replaced with a shorter version made from coarse wool and lighter-weight linen; as well as being much less complicated to make. But there is more than meets the eye when it comes to dressing like an authentic Scotsman, especially if you have no interest in being mistaken for something you are not. So keep reading for some useful tips on what to wear with a Scottish kilt.
A Little Bit of History
The Scottish kilt was originally used as military apparel when the Scottish Highlanders adopted it as their own unique battle dress. The kilt was then adopted by the Scots living in Lowlands, islanders and those in the diaspora. And the rest, as they say, is history. The main difference between the original Gaelic feileadh mòr and the modern Scottish kilt lies in the method of construction and fabric used. The kilt we know and love today is made using a weaving technique known as the “crathair” (cr-ah-hair), which is essentially the same process that is used to make modern kilts. The traditional Scottish kilt is also made using wool fabrics; including the heavier weights appropriate for the colder Scottish climate. What this means is that modern kilts are made using the crathair technique and lighter fabrics like wool blends and synthetic fabrics like polyester. Modern versions of the kilt are also machine-made and come in a variety of colours and patterns that reflect the multicultural identity of Scotland today.
The Basics
The first thing to remember about what to wear with a Scottish kilt is that the kilt itself is the essential element of this outfit. Everything else is just extra - the kilt is the star of the show! A kilt is a knee-length garment consisting of a woven strip of fabric (usually linen or wool) that is wrapped around the wearer’s waist and then secured with a belt, forming a basket-like pouch in the front. Nowadays, kilts are most often worn as part of a personal and/or cultural identity. So, what to wear with a Scottish kilt is not (only) a matter of fashion, but also a way to signal your attachment to Scottish culture. This means that the style and fabric of your kilt will depend on how you intend to wear it. If you’re going to be wearing your kilt at a fancy or formal event, you will probably want to wear a dress kilt and have it tailored to fit your individual body type. If you’re going to be wearing your kilt casually or for sport, you can opt for a sport kilt or a casual kilt and wear it as-is.
Kilt Fit and Fabric
As we’ve already said, the fabric used in your kilt is going to depend on how you plan to wear it. If you’re going to a fancy or formal event, you should definitely wear a dress kilt and have it tailored to fit your body type. If you’re going to a more casual event, you should wear a casual or sport kilt and have it tailored to fit your body type. Dress kilts are made of heavier fabrics and use more complicated techniques, which is why they tend to cost more than casual kilts. They are also less durable and designed to last a shorter amount of time. Casual kilts tend to be easier to clean and be made of more durable fabrics like polyester or durable wool blends. The style of your kilt is also important. If you’re wearing a traditional Scottish kilt, you should always wear it with a belt. Traditional Scottish kilts are not what most people would call “kilt shorts”. They are much longer than, say, a classic kilt from off the rack. This is why you always have to wear a belt with a Scottish kilt.
The Bottom Layer: Kilt Hose
Kilt hose or kilt stockings, as they are sometimes called, are the most essential item of clothing to wear with a Scottish kilt. They provide a crucial layer between your skin and your kilt and protect the fabric from dirt, damage and wear and tear. There are many different ways to wear kilt hose: you can wear them as socks, knee-highs or trews (trousers made from kilt hose fabric), or you can choose to wear ghillies (traditional Scottish kilt hose). Kilt hose are also available in a wide range of fabrics and colours including synthetic fabrics, cotton fabrics and wool fabrics. If you’re wearing kilt hose as socks or trews, you should keep in mind that the fabric should breathe to avoid moisture build-up. And if you’re wearing ghillies, you should remember that they are an extra layer of fabric and will affect the way your kilt sits on your body.
The Middle Layer: Kilt Shorts
Kilt shorts are the middle layer of a traditional Scottish kilt outfit. As the name suggests, these are short pants that are worn under a kilt and usually made of wool fabrics like tweed and tartan. They are meant to be worn as an extra layer to keep the wearer warm in case the kilt is not enough, but they are not designed to replace the kilt. Kilt shorts are available as ready-made pieces of apparel or as DIY projects that you can make at home from scratch. They are accessible in a range of fabrics, colours and patterns and can be paired with the top layer of your kilt outfit.
The Top Layer: Kilt Jacket
A kilt jacket or kilt coat is the top layer of a Scottish kilt outfit and the finishing touch to a properly dressed kilt wearer. Kilt jackets are available in a range of fabrics, colours and patterns and can be paired with the middle layer of your kilt outfit. Kilt jackets are also available as ready-made pieces of apparel or as DIY projects that you can make at home from scratch. The kilt jacket is an optional item of clothing that can be worn with a traditional Scottish kilt outfit. It can be worn on its own or with the other two layers of a kilt outfit. Kilt jackets are usually made of wool fabrics like tweed and tartan and can provide warmth, protection from the elements and be used to make a fashion statement.
Add Ons: Shoes, Socks and Accessories
There are a number of different accessories that you can wear with a Scottish kilt to add a bit of pzazz to your outfit. We’ve already mentioned kilt hose and kilt shorts as the two essential pieces of clothing to wear with a kilt. We also recommend that you wear socks with your kilt outfit. You can choose from a variety of fabrics, colours and patterns and make a statement with your footwear and socks. And if you want to add a little extra something to your kilt outfit, you can wear a belt with your kilt or a sash. You can also wear a sporran or a kilt pin with your kilt outfit.
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