Differences Between Men’s and Women’s Kilt Outfits
Kilts are traditional clothing for men in Scotland. Women did not wear them a few centuries ago. The tag of kilts for being specific to men was removed in the 19th century, and ladies started wearing them in the dancing events. Soon, their association with particular occasions transformed to everyday wear for ladies. The outfit did not comprise the kilt only, but it had many other things, making it an entire outfit. Today, both genders have their own dresses in Scotland with a varied number of components. Thus, this article is meant to discuss men’s vs. women’s kilt outfits. Before diving into their dissimilarities, let’s discuss the foundations of kilt outfits.
Traditional Foundations of Kilt Outfits
“Traditional foundation of kilt outfits” is a dual-meaning phrase that can relate to the origin and the components of Scottish dress. Let’s enlighten both factors here to make things interesting. In the beginning, a kilt, shirt, Ghillie brogues, and brooch were the only parts of the attire. The remaining accessories became a part of it with time.
Furthermore, a sporran was added as a practical ornament, as tartan kilts did not have pockets. Similarly, Queen Victoria’s era was the addition of kilt pins. In other words, the outfit overall does not have a proper history, but all of the components have a unique origin. If we discuss overall accessories for women’s and men’s outfits, they are:
| Accessories | Men’s Kilt Outfit | Women’s Kilt Outfit |
| Kilt | Traditional tartan wool kilt | Tartan kilt skirt, mini-kilt, or kilted skirt |
| Shirt/Blouse | Plain or lace-up shirt (often white) | Blouse (often frilly or fitted) |
| Jacket/Vest | Prince Charlie jacket, Argyll jacket, or waistcoat | Bolero jacket, tailored jacket, or shawl |
| Sporran | Leather or fur sporran | Smaller, decorative sporran |
| Belt & Buckle | Wide leather belt with decorative buckle | Usually not worn, or worn with modern fashion kilts |
| Kilt Pin | Decorative pin for kilt front (added in Queen Victoria’s era) | Optional; smaller or more decorative if used |
| Footwear | Ghillie brogues with long laces | Ghillie shoes or ballet-style flats> |
| Kilt Hose | Kilt hose (usually cream) with flashes | Knee-high socks or tights |
| Sgian-dubh | Small dagger tucked into sock | Rarely worn; optional for traditional events |
| Plaid & Brooch | Fly plaid fastened with a brooch over the shoulder | Shoulder sash with decorative brooch |
Key Structural Differences
Now you know about different accessories of the kilt outfit for both men’s and women’s kilt outfits. Keep in mind that men’s outfits usually have more components comparatively. However, how these attachments are different from each other; this point is also crucial to comprehend. So, let’s overview structural differences of kilts for both.
Kilt length and Waist placement
Men’s Kilts: Kilts for men are usually longer, with the top part sitting on the waistline and falling to the middle of the kneecap. The kilts usually focus on a boxy and consistent shape thanks to the pleated design.
Kilts for Women: If we talk about women’s kilts, they accommodate a wider number of body shapes, from petite to taller and athletic ladies. Their kilts have a more fitted waist than those of men.
Fabric Weight and Pleating Style
Men’s Kilts: Outfits are complete with traditional tartan kilts, so the weight of the fabric and pleating style are both important for maximum comfort. The fabric weight for men is a bit heavier and the standard weight is 13 or 16 Oz. Therefore, box or knife pleats usually exist on the rear side.
Women’s Kilts: Women, on the other hand, wear lighter material, as it is suitable for skirts and skirted kilts. Ladies also wear back-pleated kilts, but the cuts are shorter than those of men.
Style and Design Elements
Men’s Kilts: Regarding the styles and design elements of giants’ kilts, they have an apron on the right side. To fasten the clothing, you get straps and buckles.
Women’s Kilts: Kilts for the second gender are a bit different, as the apron lies on the left side. To fasten their apparel, women can use off-the-shoulder straps and belts and buckles.
Color and Tartan Selection
While selecting a tartan and the color of kilts for both genders, the patterns remain the same, as they are the clan’s identity. When we talk about a casual kilt or universal tartan, women prefer vibrant and dark, while light and earthy tones are men’s choices.
| Features | Men’s Kilts | Women’s Kilts |
| Length & Waist Placement | <Longer; sits at the natural waist and falls to the middle of the kneecap | Typically shorter; accommodates more body types with a more fitted waist |
| Pleating Style | Box or knife pleats at the rear | Usually back-pleated; cuts are shorter |
| Fabric Weight | Heavier fabric (13-16 oz) for structure and traditional feel | Lighter fabric suitable for skirts/skirted kilts |
| Style & Design Elements | Apron on the right; uses straps and buckles for fastening | Apron on the left; fastened with belts, buckles, and sometimes off-shoulder straps |
| Tartan & Color Preference | Tartans used for clan identity; men prefer light and earthy tones | Same tartans; women often prefer vibrant and dark tones |
Accessories: Men vs. Women
Let’s divert our attention from kilts to the other accessories of outfits. Some attachments are the same, and a few are specific to men only. Thus, the styling ways may differ as well. So, it is essential to apprehend everything deeply for a true cultural flair.
Sporran Styles and Placement
Men’s Outfits: A sporran is a traditional bag that Scots use as a practical and decorative entity. Men prefer dress sporrans for formal events. They are traditionally made with pure leather, original animal fur, and high-quality metals. They are placed over the apron a few inches below the belt and buckle.
Women’s Outfits: Sporrans are an optional part for women. If you see a lady wearing it, this is for decorative purposes only. Sporrans for opposite gender are smaller in size comparatively. Still, the styling and placement are the same as those of men.
Footwear Variations
Kilt Outfit for Men: Depending on the event’s theme, men can wear dress leather shoes and Ghillie brogues. Dress shoes are suitable for semi-formal occasions, while Ghillie Brogues are for strictly formal events such as weddings and black-tie events.
Kilt Outfits for Women: While traditional kilt shoes have a traditional association with men’s outfits, their value in the dress of women also increases, thanks to the comfort, style, and connection to the tradition. For those who don’t like these shoes, they have other options such as dress shoes and ankle boots.
Belt and Buckle Differences
Belts for Men: Belts and buckles are an important part of men’s outfits, and they are different from the other genders. Men usually wear wider belts with buckles that have traditional crests or designs on them.
Women’s Belts: Regarding the women’s attire, belts and buckles are not an essential part, while ladies consider them stylish additions to the outfit. Therefore, women use narrow belts.
Use of Pins, Brooches, Sashes, and Sgian-dubh
Additional Kilt Accessories for Men: Men attach kilt pins to prevent their apron from blowing. Likewise, the use of tartan fly plaids and brooches is also a traditional approach. You must have heard of Sgian-dubh; it is also a cultural addition to men’s kilts, which is placed in hose on the prominent side.
Additional Kilt Components for Women: Kilt pins are a shared part of men’s and women’s kilts. Though the apron on the ladies kilt is on the left side, the side of the kilt pin is opposite as well. Women do not wear fly plaid; instead, they wear sashes, while brooches are a mutual part of preventing plaid and sash from falling. If we talk about Sgian-dubh, it is not a woman’s dressing part.
Prince Charlie jackets vs. Feminine Alternatives
The story of jackets is also a bit different, as men often wear Prince Charlie Jackets or Argyll Jackets for formal events. Therefore, the use of the same jackets is a bit minimal in women, as they wear tweed jackets or blazers.
| Accessories | Men’s Outfit | Women’s Outfits |
| Sporran | Essential; larger; worn below the belt | Optional; smaller; same placement |
| Footwear | Dress shoes (semi-formal); Ghillie brogues (formal) | Dress shoes or ankle boots |
| Belt and Buckles | Wide belts with traditional buckles | Narrow belts; mostly for style |
| Kilt Pin | Keeps apron in place; worn on the right side | Worn on the opposite side |
| Fly Plaid & Brooch | Both of them are used | Sashes with brooches; no fly plaid |
| Sgian-dubh | Optional and Worn in hose | Not worn |
| Jackets | Prince Charlie or Argyll jackets | Tweed jackets or blazers |
How to Choose the Perfect Kilt Outfit for Men and Women
When we talk about choosing the perfect kilt outfit for any gender, there are always a few considerations to keep in mind. In fact, they help you make a mindful decision.
- First of all, you must prioritize the event’s formality and choose an outfit accordingly.
- The next thing is the quality; do not opt for a poor-quality outfit whether you are a man or a woman.
- Do not neglect the importance of size, as men wear longer while women wear shorter kilts.
- The number of accessories may vary according to the settings. Similarly, the same variation is not suitable for every occasion, so make a thoughtful decision.
- Ensure purchasing from a reliable brand, offering premium-quality kilts for both genders.
Buy Right Kilt Outfits for Both Genders at The Utility Kilt
We just mentioned purchasing from a trustworthy brand; you must be thinking about how to hunt for a store first. Your priority while choosing a store must be the quality. It is also important to ensure whether the brand you choose offers customization services or not. Ignoring the price factor is a common mistake that people make. A few brands may offer these services, but the offerings of The Utility Kilt are not limited to these.
- We provide excellent quality at the cheapest prices.
- Our experts can customize your outfit as per the requirements, while the only thing they need is your idea.
- The Utility Kilt partners with reliable service providers, so you can track your outfit.
- The payment methods we use are excellent where there is no need to get scammed.
- Above all, if you receive a faulty product, we offer hassle-free return and exchange policies.
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FAQs About Men’s and Women’s Kilt Outfits
Can women wear a man's kilt without tailoring?
Some adjustments may be needed for a better fit, but yes, women can wear men’s kilts without customization.
Are there feminine equivalents to the kilt hose?
It is not essential for women to wear kilt hoses;they can wear tartan stockings or knee-high socks matching with kilts.
Can kilts be worn with high heels or sandals?
It is not a traditional approach to wear high heels or sandals with formal outfits. However, these footwear are good options to pair with modern kilts such as utility or denim kilts.
How do women style kilts for athletic or sporting events?
First of all, you should know that women’s formal kilt outfits are not suitable options for sports and athletic events. Those who want to wear kilts in sporting events should prefer utility kilts, as they are durable enough to withstand such occasions.
