Checking the Authenticity of Kilt Accessories and Matching with Kilt

8 5 minutes read

The history of Scottish kilt outfits spans several centuries. The traditional ones had fewer accessories and were added gradually over time. Since these outfits date back centuries, the best way to preserve their authenticity is to use traditional materials and pair accessories appropriately. Many people still need to learn about checking the authenticity of kilt accessories and matching them. This article is intended to help them walk them through everything they need to know.

Table of Contents

Matching and Checking the Authenticity of Kilt Accessories

The kilt is the central piece of a traditional Scottish outfit, which is often accompanied by a variety of accessories. Many kilts are available there, but tartan kilts are the only appropriate options to wear formally. Their construction takes place in traditional woolen checkered pattern fabric, known as tartan. The rest of the accessories are listed below, and classified in different sections depending on their materials.

Matching and Verifying Authentic Fabric Accessories

Fly Plaid: A fly plaid is a necessary part of a Scottish outfit made with the same tartan fabric and patterns that your kilt carries. To ensure its authenticity, check the weight of the fabric. For a consistent and authentic look, your fly plaid should match the fabric weight of your kilt: typically 13 oz of both for formal wear.

Kilt Hose (Socks): Kilt hose are the longer socks and traditional part of Scottish dress. Wearers must opt for the same tartan pattern as the kilts or plain shades that complement other tartan fabrics. Thick wool makes the socks, but the weight should be according to the kilt’s weight.

Flashes: The next fabric accessory is kilt flashes that hold the hoses in their place. The authenticity of flashes also relies on the patterns and weight of fabric. To enhance their visual impact and genuineness, make sure that if hoses have tartan patterns, the flashes should be plain.

Kilt Shirts: Traditionally, Scots wear Jacobite or Ghillie shirts. When pairing them or checking their authenticity, wear traditional styles having open collars and lace closures with longer sleeves. The ideal color option is white or cream; if you want something different, choose the one that accompanies your tartan patterns.

Identifying Authentic Metal Accessories for Kilts

Kilt Pin: A kilt pin is meant to weigh down the kilt’s apron, and its use as a decorative part has become common as well. At formal events, make sure to wear the one that has a crest engraved with Scottish symbols. Its authenticity hides in the crest and metal used to make it. The traditional brass or silver are the ideal options for events such as Highland games and weddings.

Sgian Dubh: The Scottish dagger is traditionally tucked into the kilt hose on the prominent side. Even though it is an optional part of the outfit, those who tuck it must prefer its material accuracy. They must use the ones made with the steel blade and the handles with antler, horn, bone, or wood, and the sheath should be made of traditional leather.

Brooch & Buckle: The authenticity process of brooch and belt buckles shares the same criteria as that of kilt pins. Material used in their construction is the primary factor, while symbols or clan crests also symbolized the genuineness.

Ensuring Leather Accessories Are Traditionally Authentic

The third and the last category of accessories consists of leather-made products such as sporrans, belts, and Ghillie brogues (traditional kilt shoes).

Sporran: The sporran is the conventional bag or pouch that hangs on the front of the kilt as a practical and decorative ornament now. It is a leather bag, and if the leather used is traditional, such as cowhide or top-grain, the authenticity is confirmed. Along with leather, other attachments such as the cantle must be made with traditional material, and fur should comprise original animal hair.

Kilt Belt: The same is the criteria for the belts, as their construction with traditional leather forms are the ideal options to keep the outlook consistent.

Ghillie Brogues: The last part of the outfit and leather accessories are Ghillie Brogues. To complete Scottish looks, the only authentic idea is wearing ones that are made with high-quality leather and have traditional style, such as long laces, small holes, and lacking a tongue.Ensure all leather accessories are made from similarly high-quality traditional leather.

General Tips to Verify Outfit Authenticity

Even though you can wear universal or other clan’s tartan, wearing your own clan’s tartan adds personal authenticity.
Purchase your kilt outfit and accessories from the stores that have a good reputation in the market.
Knowing the event’s formality must be your priority because inappropriate dressing is never considered to be authentic.
All the items discussed above must complement each other, and over-accessorizing damages the look.

Shop Authentic Kilt Outfit Accessories from The Utility Kilt.

While discussing the tips to verify outfit authenticity, we talked about purchasing from reputable brands. Many stores offer authentic kilts and their accompanying parts, but The Utility Kilt works more efficiently. All products are authentically made with traditional materials using conventional methods to stay connected to the origin. Above all, these services are available at very affordable prices, and products are delivered to your doorstep.

FAQs About Kilt Outfit Accessories

What’s the difference between a fashion tartan and a clan tartan?

A clan tartan signifies a specific Scottish clan or family, while modern tartans can be made for any reason, including contemporary style, business, or individual style.

How can I tell if my kilt is made from authentic Scottish wool?

Many well-known stores, such as The Utility Kilt and Utility Kilt UK attach labels on their kilts with the mentioned authenticity of wool. If you cannot find it, feel its texture and smell, as the pure wool smells like burned hair.

Are there official rules about which accessories to wear with specific tartans?

No, there are no such rules. If you wear tartan casually, pairing synthetic or modern material-made accessories is a possibility. Moreover, traditional materials perform best for formal events.

Is it acceptable to use faux leather in a traditional Highland outfit?

It is not a good idea to pair faux leather in a traditional outfit, as it directly impacts the authenticity. The best approach is to wear pure and original materials in cultural dresses.

Can I wear brooches or pins that are purely decorative and not traditional?

If you want to add a flair of modernity to the traditional outfit, pairing decorative or non-traditional pins and brooches is a possibility. However, the clan or traditionally designed items are more preferred.