Kilts for Women: Traditional Roots and Modern Looks

7 5 minutes read

After remaining exclusive to the men for centuries, kilts finally broke the norms and became appropriate for both genders. The journey of women’s kilts began as kilted skirts and modernized over time. In today’s era, men and women share most of the kilt variations. In this guide, we will highlight different ladies’ kilts, how they differ from men’s clothing, and much more. Let’s begin our discussion with answering some frequently asked questions by those who are new to kilts.

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Do Women Wear Kilts?

Do women wear kilts? Why do women wear kilts? Which kilt is appropriate for women? These questions are often asked. Yes, Scottish women do wear kilts, and the purposes are the same as for men, including cultural admiration, clan association, and ease of movement. As far as the appropriate one is concerned, they wear most of the kilts that men wear, and the role of the event is very specific in deciding their appropriateness.

Types of Kilts for Women

Women’s kilts come in several designs, each with unique purposes and suitability for specific settings. After remaining reserved for dancing events for many decades, they are versatile today. Let’s explore their several variants.

Tartan Kilts for Women

Also known as traditional kilts, the construction of women’s tartan kilts takes place with the same wool. When wearing them, clan association is the primary factor. If a lady is married, choosing between her new or previous clan’s tartan pattern is a personal choice. These kilts are meant to be durable, warm, and comfortable and are suitable for formal and semi-formal events, including Highland games, weddings, and other cultural celebrations. Some considerable options to choose from are:

Ladies’ Utility Kilts

Another variant that women also wear is a workingkilt, suitable for physical performances. Named as utility kilts, they are often cotton-made, which are more durable and pose enhanced comfort comparatively. Favoring functionality is their core feature, as the name represents. That’s why they have several built-in features that traditional kilts lack, such as pockets, rings, chains, and even more. In addition to being apparel for working purposes, they also perform well in outdoor activities. If you are planning to buy a utility kilt, consider any of the below.

Denim Kilts for Women

Kilts made with denim jeans are called denim kilts, and they are also common in women. Some factors popularizing them are comfort and durability, while the stylish looks are the most important ones. Kilt-wearers assume them to be the most versatile ones because they fit every situation, whether it is a working situation or you need them as everyday wear. Some of our best-selling denim kilts are mentioned below.

Hybrid Kilts for Women

Women also wear hybrid kilts, which are a unique blend of heritage and modernism, and the fabric plays an important role. It is often made with 2 fabrics, including tartan, while others are anything from leather to denim. Women’s hybrid kilts also have some practical features, and a combination of two different fabrics makes them suitable for semi-formal events. The Utility Kilt has a wide range of hybrid kilts, a few of which are mentioned below:

What is the difference between men’s and women’s kilts?

When it comes to the difference between men’s and women’s kilts, they differ in many angles, including weight, size, and construction.

Features	Men’s Kilts	Women’s Kilts
Weight	Typically heavier due to use of thick, traditional wool (16-18 oz)	Often lighter fabric (10-14 oz), more comfortable and easier to move in
Length	Generally longer, falling to the middle of the knee	Usually shorter, often above the knee or mid-thigh
Construction	Heavily pleated with a structured waistband and deep pleats at the back	May have fewer pleats, softer tailoring, and often elastic or zippered waistbands
Fit	Designed for a straighter, more angular body shape	Contoured to fit curves; often flared or A-line in design
Purpose and Styling	Traditionally formal or ceremonial	Often casual, fashionable, or for dancing; paired with modern accessories

When to Wear a Woman’s Kilt

The description of all kilts for women should have clarified that every kilt fits different events. Women’s Tartan Kilts: These kilts are formal ones and often worn at formal or ceremonial events such as weddings, clan gatherings, Highland games, Burns Night, and more. Utility Kilts for Women: Ladies wear utility kilts at several settings because of their versatility and some key benefits. However, they better fit outdoor activities and working conditions. Hybrid Kilts for Ladies: Hybrid kilts are semi-formal kilts, and women are seen wearing them at cultural festivals, such as Hogmanay, Burns Night, and Highland Games. Denim Kilts for Women: As ladies’ denim kilts are the most versatile options, they are equally important for casual events and even as everyday wear.

Where to Buy Kilts for Women

When buying any kilt for a woman, it is essential to approach a store that offers some benefits, including a wide range of kilts, customization, fair prices, and 24/7 customer care service. Finding such things under the same roof might be challenging, but The Utility Kilt proudly offers all. So, visit our store today and describe your requirements; we will craft the kilt as you want.

FAQs About Women’s Kilts

Are there specific tartans designed exclusively for women?

Yes, most of the women’s kilts are specifically designed for them, while unisex designs are also popular nowadays. So, choosing the required style and right tartan is necessary.

Do kilts for women follow the same pleating and wrapping techniques as men's kilts?

wrapping style of women’s kilts may be similar to men’s, but the pleating technique differs significantly, as men’s kilts often have more pleats.

Do women wear sporrans with kilts, or are there alternative accessories?

Yes, women also wear sporrans with the traditional kilts, as pockets are not their parts traditionally. However, the sporrans for women are usually smaller than those of men.

Are kilts for women included in school?

Several schools in Scotland and Canada use kilts as part of their uniforms.

What’s the symbolism behind certain colors or patterns in women's kilts?

The patterns of women’s traditional tartan kilts represent Scottish clans and regions. Colors, on the other hand, signify the nature of clan members and the past of the tribe.