The Ghillie Shirt and Great Kilt: A Pairing Guide

Kilts were specific to Scotland for many centuries and became popular choices in other countries over time. As the time passed, they modernized but their first documented version is still worn. This version is called “the Great Kilt,” and Scots prefer wearing them with Ghillie Shirts, which are also the most conventional. This article is aimed at exploring why they both pair the best. But first, we must define them both individually for newbies.

Understanding the Ghillie Shirt

Every attribute of Scottish outfits, whether they are shirts or kilts are meant to provide a high level of comfort. Kilt shirts also follow the same criteria. They are made with cozy cotton or linen and come with a loose fit. Traditional kilt shirts come with billowy sleeves and lack buttons,as they have a criss-cross lacing pattern instead. The loose fit declared them to be part of a casual outfit once, but now they are worn formally. Ideal colors to pair at formal Scottish events are white or off-white, as they match all tartan patterns.

What Is the Great Kilt?

The great kilt, on the other hand, is a rectangular piece of fabric without proper design (like modern kilts). The standard size of the tartan plaid fabric making this kilt is 4-8 yards, and it is draped over one shoulder. Therefore, it was also used as a cloak or shelter in the beginning but is worn only at formal events today. 

Why the Ghillie Shirt Complements the Great Kilt

The great kilt and ghillie shirts make an excellent combination today. There are many reasons making them suitable, from their historical authenticity to comfort and breathability.

Historical Authenticity

When the great kilts were worn, the only option in upperwear was then the Ghillie shirt because Highlanders needed something to stay warm and remain comfortable while working. Maintaining this historical authenticity, people still pair them to complement their ancestors.

Comfort and Mobility

The loose fit and breathability of Ghillie shirts make them an ideal option for comfortable experiences. Moreover, their construction with cotton is the indication of enhanced mobility, and this blend of soft fabric with loose fitting retains the primary reasons to wear them: comfort and ease of movement.

Visual Balance and Aesthetic Harmony

The charm of traditional Scottish outfits spikes if all attributes are conventional ones that Scots have been wearing for centuries. Following the same, the great kilt and ghillie shirt create a complete visual balance that offers an entire aesthetic harmony.

Versatility Across Settings

Even though this combination is worn formally, still its versatility peaks in this advanced era and can be worn at different events, including formal and semi-formal. Scots are history-oriented and love wearing conventional outfits, and no combination is better than it

Styling Tips for Wearing a Ghillie Shirt with a Great Kilt

After knowing some reasons to pair the Ghillie shirts and the Great kilts, we should also know how to style a kilt. So, follow the below-given tips to style him to keep your inner Highlander on his toes.

• The color of your shirt should complement tartan patterns. If wearing at a pure formal event, an off-white Ghillie shirt should be the priority.
• Do not opt for a shirt that fits you perfectly, but the loose fit is the traditional way to don it.
• Wear all kilt accessories properly with your outfit; attach a brooch on the shirt and kilt for conventional looks.

The Utility Kilt™ offers a variety of the great kilts and ghillie shirts.

It is common thought that the Great kilts are difficult to find today, but this is an assumption. All stores that customize kilts are possible to find great kilts at. Many stores offer these things, but The Utility Kilt is an excellent kilt store, blending customization, quality, and affordability and providing such masterpieces. Along with these features, we offer hassle-free return and exchange policies, which every online store should do.

Frequently Asked Questions and Their Answers