Kilt Etiquette: When and How to Wear Your Kilt

Kilts are everyday wear today while historically it was something else. Initially, they were made for workers and military people with tartan fabric only then. The situation now is quite different since many fabrics other than tartan make kilts. Therefore, these traditional and modern mens kilts are wearable at different events. In this article, we will tell you about several events to wear different kilts. Not only this, but we will also let you know about kilt etiquettes and accessories you need at different events.

Events to Wear Kilts

Generally different types of events take place in Scotland and other countries. The attire may change depending on these events. However, Scots are tradition-conscious and they ensure dressing in their cultural attire at events while a bit of variation may occur. Some different types of events are discussed below:

Formal events

Dance & Music

Sports & Outdoor

Social gatherings

Cultural & Heritage events

Kilt Etiquettes For Events

Some people today who do not have a connection with Scots only know that kilts are wearable at all of these events.What kilt is preferable for which event is a concern in their minds. It is so because of their limited knowledge about kilts. Similarly, they also don’t know what accessories to attach at these events. So, to clarify such queries, let us tell you about a few events and how to wear kilts at them.

Tips to Wear Kilts at Weddings

Undoubtedly, weddings are one of the most important events in anyone’s life. In Scotland, people proudly wear their traditional attire, but tartan kilt or kilt outfits are specific to groom and groomsmen. Brides on the other hand wear tartan sashes to represent their clan. Accessories to be attached at the groom’s end are:

• Prince Charlie Jacket with a matching vest.
• A sporran preferably made with leather and animal hair.
• White Ghillie Shirt with a black bow tie.
• Ghillie Brogues with plain white or kilt matching hose.
• Kilt pin and sgian-dubh.
• Fly plaid and the traditional brooch.
• Leather kilt belt and silver buckle.

Highland Games

Highland games are one of the most important entities of Scotland that traditionally have been held. Though started in Highland but have extended them beyond a number of countries. However, wearing Scottish attire with protocols is an important part. Here is the proper way to get dressed:

• One can wear any type of kilt from traditional one to utility.
• Consider attaching a sporran as a cruciality.
• Defending the game theme, shirt type can vary from a ghillie to a T-shirt or a polo shirt.
• Regarding footwear, you can choose anything from ghillie brogues to sturdy shoes.
• The belt and buckle are important accessories because they keep the kilt secure while running.

Graduation Ceremonies

Wearing kilts at the graduation ceremonies is a routine custom there. Along with students, their parents are seen in kilts as well. Therefore, adding proper accessories is a necessity that are given below:

• Prince Charlie or Tweed Jacket along with a waistcoat.
• Plain colored ghillie brogues or wing collared shirt.
• A bow tie with a sporran.
• Ghillie brogues, hose, and the flashes.

Scottish Dance and Music Events

Scottish events whether they are festivities or contemporary occasions are complete only with Celtic dances and traditional music. So, they make sure to participate there in their traditional attire. Here is what you can wear if you are going to take part as well:

• A kilt made with fabric or any other material.
• You can wear an Argyll Jacket for a flair of sophistication.
• Sporran and kilt pins serve as the backbone of Scottish attire.
• Wearing a formal tie with a standard shirt is quite fair.
• Accessorize any type of shoes whether you like ghillie or sneakers.

Scottish Heritage Festivals

An amazing fact of Scots is their connection with many historical festivities. They still organize Celtic and Viking events, which once remained a part of Scotland. In these observations, you may see all the participants in different types of kilts.

• People wear anything from tartan to solid-colored kilts.
• Both shirt types casual and formal are convenient to be dressed in.
• Jacket selection depends on the festival theme. The Prince Charlie jacket is for formal festivals while a tweed
• jacket is convenient for casual ones.
• The list of accessories contains a sporran, kilt pin, belt, and buckle.
• In footwear, one can choose from traditional formal to casual shoes.

Parades, Processions, and Military Ceremonies

When it comes to kilt-wearing events, no one can question parades and processions because of their keen significance. The Scottish military, on the other hand, was the first one to wear kilts. Many soldiers died in wars, and their descendants till the day remember their sacrifices and pay them a tribute by wearing their traditional attire. Here is what you can wear at these events:

• Tartan kilts undoubtedly are the foundation of the outfit, worn with the pleats facing forward.
• Opt for jackets like Argyle and Prince Charlie jackets with 5 buttoned waistcoats.
• In shirts you may dress in a Victorian wing collar shirt.
• Attach a tie or a ruche with the shirt.
• Wear traditional Scottish kilt shoes with tartan hose or those matching with the kilt.
• Other accessories include sporran, kilt pins, flashes, headwear, etc.

Clan Gatherings

No one might be unaware of clan gatherings today, especially those who have Scottish ancestry or live in Scotland. This event serves as a reconnector because people from the same clan, scattered around the world, organize a reunion after every specific time frame. Their primary recognition without a doubt is their traditional tartan kilts, while the rest of the components are:

• People ensure wearing jacobite ghillie shirts for a traditional appearance.
• They cover shirts with Argyll or tweed jackets.
• Sporran, a traditional pouch, is worn with a kilt for aesthetic purposes.
• The next component is a kilt pin which is a decorative entity.
• They wear hoses that are long socks, often with decorative cuffs and flashes at their upper ends.
• Ghillie Brogues is another traditional entity with long laces wrapping around the ankle.

Best Platform To Buy Kilts and Accessories

As we know, Scottish events and festivals continue throughout the year. So, staying prepared for them is necessary and you must also do the same. Therefore, to buy different types of kilts and the rest of the accessories, you must consider visiting the TUK Store, a leading digital brand. At our store, we offer a variety of premium-quality products at the lowest prices. Moreover, discounts on different products continue every day. So, select your product and order today!