The Proper Etiquette for Wearing a Tartan Kilt at Events
A tartan kilt is a proud symbol of Scotland, and various events such as weddings, funerals, Highland games, or cultural festivals allow you to wear it. Thus, understanding and wearing it properly is an important point at every event. This article revolves around the proper etiquette of attiring Scottish clothing at ceremonial events. So, stick to the last word: know what to avoid, how to honor Scottish customs, and ways to balance tradition with contemporary style.
Different Types of Events & Dress Codes
Before we discuss the right manner to dress up in tartan kilts, let’s understand first what events are suitable for wearing this particular apparel. Like modern versions of men’s kilts, traditional ones have become versatile, but their association with formal events remains the same.
Weddings & Formal Celebrations
Weddings or other formal celebrations such as black-tie events and clan gatherings are an opportunity to wear tartan kilts. At such events, tartan kilts are the appropriate options, as they help you to expose your identity. The others, without even asking, can recognize which clan you belong to.
Funerals & Memorial Services
Tartan kilts are also common to spot at funerals and other memorial events. As kilts are cultural clothing, people usually dress themselves up in them to admire the heritage and show unity with the family of the deceased person.
Highland Games & Parades
Let’s have a look at the role of Scottish kilts in Highland games and parades. In these events, people wear kilts for various reasons, while the common ones are cultural pride and their practical design according to physical activities. In parades, you must have seen the band of pipers wearing kilts to represent themselves and playing different woodwind instruments.
Casual Gatherings & Cultural Festivals
The use of tartan kilts was specific to formal events a few years back. They are modernized now as well, and their use is pretty common in casual gatherings. Similarly, Scots prioritize wearing their traditional apparel on different Scottish festivals such as Hogmanay, Burns Night Supper, and more.
Etiquette to Wear Traditional Kilts
Now that you know about common occasions for wearing tartan kilts, let us discuss handy tips to dress them up. The etiquette is to wear them properly, attaching all components, and respecting the traditional clothing.
Attach Kilt Components and Accessories
An important aspect is to attach all kilt accessories. Many assume a kilt is just the skirt-like garment, but it traditionally includes several important accessories. That is why knowing and attaching them all properly is essential. Here are its components to complete the Scottish look.
| A kilt itself | Kilt shirt | Jacket |
| Waistcoat | Ghillie/Jacobite Shirt | Fly Plaid |
| Brooch | Belt and Buckle | Kilt Pin |
| Sporran | Kilt Hose and Flashes | Sgian-dubh (optional) |
Wearing the Kilt Properly
The next etiquette is wearing the kilt properly. Newbies are unaware of it, and attiring it in improper ways equates to disrespecting it. First of all, wear appropriate patterns, depending on the event’s theme. Wear it at the natural waistline, and the drop should fall to the middle of the kneecap. Keep pleats on the backside, and the kilt should be neither tight nor loose.
Behavior and Respect
When wearing a tartan kilt, just keep in mind that it is cultural heritage and people respect it cordially. So, you must behave respectfully even if you are non-Scot.
- You should follow the sitting etiquette, which demands a specific posture to prevent damage.
- People usually make jokes like “what have you worn under the kilt?” It is not a good approach at all.
- Do not feel shy or adopt any inappropriate behavior, even if you are wearing it for the first time.
- Most Scots appreciate when their culture is honored respectfully. It makes them happy to see others wearing kilts and proper etiquette.
Common Kilt-Wearing Mistakes to Avoid at Events
Many consider that having knowledge about kilt-wearing etiquette is sufficient. They are right, but still knowing the mistakes while dressing up in kilts is also important. Some minor mistakes have the potential to impact your personality and ruin the charm of your attire.
Wearing the wrong tartan: Even though there are no restricted rules to wear your family patterns, clan-specific events have some requirements. At such occasions, prefer your clan patterns as a priority.
Mixing formal and informal accessories: Kilt accessories exist in different forms today. People usually make mistakes while selecting between formal and informal accessories.
Over-accessorizing: Some individuals ignore the importance of the kilt outfit checklist and over-accessorize themselves. Remember that customary looks are not good options for formal events.
Treating the outfit wrongly: This approach is pretty common among non-Scots, as they treat Scottish outfits as regular outfits rather than traditional dress. Meanwhile, they do not ensure attaching all accessories.
Skipping the sporran or belt: It is a practice not to pair the belt and buckle with the Prince Charlie Kilt Outfit because of their cuts. Wearers continue this approach with every outfit, which is not accurate.
Explore The Collection of Tartan Kilts at The Utility Kilt
Now that you are familiar with the proper etiquette for wearing a tartan kilt, you are all set to buy the one for you. Therefore, you should consider buying from a store that provides excellent quality at affordable prices. Visit The Utility Kilt once, as we provide many other services besides quality and affordability. Our team of experts have years of experience in customizing tartan kilts. Moreover, we use the safest payment gateways to keep the transactions secure and partner with reliable sources to deliver your kilts.
Our Excellent Tartan Kilts
FAQs About Tartan Kilt Etiquette at Events
What’s the difference between a kilt and a kilted skirt?
A kilt is knee-length apparel while the skirt is shorter in size. Similarly, the weight of fabric differs significantly. Kilt, being specific to men, is made up of heavier fabric, while skirts are lightweight and specific to ladies.
Are children allowed to wear kilts at Scottish events?
Yes, children can wear kilts at Scottish events. Many kilt sellers, such as Utility Kilt UK, The Utility Kilt, and Irish Kilt Shop, have a range of kilts for kids.
Is it acceptable to rent a kilt for a Scottish event?
Are there specific tartans for Scottish regions or cities?
Indeed, Scottish kilts usually represent the clans, but some patterns are also specific to regions, such as District tartan and Caledonia tartan.
What should I wear over a kilt in cold weather?
An appropriate option to attire with tartan kilts in cold weather is a Scottish jacket. With modern kilts, you can pair modern apparel such as denim or leather jackets for contemporary looks.
Can women wear tartan kilts at formal Scottish events?
Yes, tartan kilts remained specific to men a couple of centuries ago. They are valid options for every gender today. Therefore, the size of kilts and other accessories differs from men’s outfits.
