The Art of Complementing Kilt Pins with an Outfit

Kilt pins look like a small part of the traditional Scottish outfits, but they are important and have an exciting history that reminds people of Queen Victoria. Choosing a random style of a pin is not a good idea, as it may not complement the entire outfit, and this is why the careful selection matters a lot. In this discussion, we will describe the art of complementing kilt pins with Scottish outfits. Not only this, but we will discuss many other aspects of this particular accessory. Let’s begin our article with understanding their function and finishes.

Understand the Function and Finishes of Kilt Pins

Kilt pins are multi-functional items like other kilt accessories. They perform multiple functions at a time such as working a decorative accessory, honoring tradition, and preventing the apron from flapping. Regarding the finishes or the materials to make them, silver, pewter, and steel are the preferred choices. Some people who want to adopt a unique style also use pins made with bones, which is not a traditional approach.

Choose a Style That Reflects Your Personality or Heritage

Choose a Style That Reflects Your Personality or Heritage
Choose a Style That Reflects Your Personality or Heritage

Before you match your pin with other accessories, it is important to choose the perfect one. This perfection is in the sense of reflecting your personality. Move back to the bone kilts for a while that are a choice for unique visuals. In the same manner, the pin choice should reflect your personality. If you are a culture enthusiast, you can choose a pin with a Scottish symbol or a Celtic design on it.

On the other hand, a clan crest should be a suitable idea if the purpose is to show your identity. Even some pins come with modern but intricate designs that indicate creativity. In other words, any component you attach to your kilt outfit describes your nature. That’s why a thoughtful consideration while buying a kilt is an essentiality.

Ways for Complementing Kilt Pins

Ways for Complementing Kilt Pins
Ways for Complementing Kilt Pins

Now that you have decided on a pin according to your personality or the formality of the event, it’s time to move ahead and complement its metal with other kilt components such as the sporran chain and belt buckle.

Sporran and Its Chains

When matching a kilt pin with a sporran and its chain, generally there are two primary concerns: the metal’s quality and selecting according to their formality (formal vs. casual). So, the metal used in both accessories should have the same level of quality. On the other hand, if wearing a dress sporran for formal occasions, a pin with a traditional or national crested kilt will be an ideal choice.

Belt buckle

While there is not any strict rule to match kilt components with each other, this approach enhances aesthetic visuals. Here comes the moment to wear a pin with the belt and buckle that complement each other. The process is the same as the sporran. Ensure choosing a top-grain or high-grain leather for sophistication in appearance. Similarly, the same finish of the pin and buckle makes them look attractive. Likewise, the design of both entities should match each other.

Consider the Kilt’s Tartan and Color Scheme

Women’s or men’s kilts are the most central part of the kilt outfits, so it is essential for pins to complement them. The primary aspect is choosing both according to the event’s formality. If participating in a formal event, a tartan kilt must be the priority and the suitable pin with this apparel is the one that also adds to admiration of cultural heritage. For the formal events, modern kilts and pins can be considerable options.

Sgian-dubh

A Sgian-dubh is the Scottish dagger, which is an optional part of traditional Scottish dress. Another important consideration here is to decide between the finishes of the pins and sgian-dubh. Ensure using the same quality of the metal in both products.

Balance Size and Weight of Traditional Pin

The next thing is balancing the size and weight of a pin. Weight is an crucial consideration, and it holds the front apron of the kilt. A heavy-weight pin can damage the surface of tartan, while a lightweight one may not be able to even prevent the apron from flapping.

Another consideration is the size, and it relies on the formality of the settings. For formal events, usually small pins with traditional or clan symbols are the ideal choices. At the same time, for the relaxed events, one can choose a modern or a large-sized pin.

Place the Pin Properly to Complement the Outfit

Place the Pin Properly to Complement the Outfit
Place the Pin Properly to Complement the Outfit

Now that you have chosen a perfect kilt pin, it’s time to move a step ahead and attach it to your kilt. Knowing the perfect spot to attach a pin is equally valuable as it is what completes your look. Thus the right place is the bottom of the apron on the right side of men’s kilts. Women, on the other hand, usually pin them on the left side of the kilts. The exact position is 4 inches from the button and 2 inches from the fringe edge. It should be layered on the top two layers in a way that it does not damage the structure of the fabric.

Explore Premium Kilt Pins at The Utility Kilt

Those who want to complete their outfit wearing exceptional kilt pins should consider going with the one that is made with premium quality material at affordable prices. Many brands claim to offer both benefits, but The Utility Kilt enters the ground with practicality. At our store, the quality is far above the prices of the pins. Being an online store, we deliver our products worldwide with trustworthy and trackable partners. Some of our best-selling kilts are given below that you must consider trying once.

Scottish Shamrock Kilt Pin
Scottish Shamrock Kilt Pin
Handcrafted Scottish Kilt Pins
Handcrafted Scottish Kilt Pins
Highland Scottish Rampant Lion Kilt Pin Chrome Finish
Highland Scottish Rampant Lion Kilt Pin Chrome Finish
Chromed Sword Kilt Pin with Celtic Shield Design
Chromed Sword Kilt Pin with Celtic Shield Design
Claymore Silver Broad Sword Kilt Pin
Claymore Silver Broad Sword Kilt Pin
Scottish Thistle Kilt Pin with Chrome Finish
Scottish Thistle Kilt Pin with Chrome Finish

FAQs About Choosing the Right Kilt Pins

Are kilt pins considered mandatory for formal Scottish dress?

No, kilt pins are not strictly a mandatory part of formal Scottish attire, but people often wear them as an essentiality for cultural admiration.

No, there are no clan-specific rules to attaching a kilt pin; the only condition is matching the pin with other accessories.

Yes, usually there are no restrictions on wearing kilt pins relying on local or non-Scottish events. Though this outfit belongs to Scotland, wear pins with Scottish identity on Highland occasions. Therefore, wearing a non-Sciotish-themed pun is preferably allowed at formal settings.

Absolutely, you can wear the same kilt pin with different kilt variations, but the formality of the setting should be kept in mind.

No, these two entities are pretty different from each other. A kilt pin is used to hold the apron of a fabric, while a brooch holds the fly plaid worn at the shoulder. Likewise, they different significantly from each other in their appearances.

Eric Dustin

Eric Dustin covers Highland fashion with a sharp eye for tradition and trend. From classic tartans to contemporary kilt styling, he brings Scotland’s iconic look to life for modern wardrobes.

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