Kilts are more than just something you wear at a wedding, they are a symbol of heritage, pride, tradition and Scottish style. From its humble beginning as a practical garment in the highlands of Scotland to a globally recognised item of clothing, kilts over the centuries have grown in popularity. With that popularity comes myths and misconceptions, so let's set the record straight and tackle some of the biggest myths about kilts.
You Must Be Scottish to Wear a Kilt
One of the most common myths we hear is that only Scots can wear a kilt, and wearing one if you aren’t is cultural appropriation. This couldn’t be further from the truth, kilts are for everyone. We call it ‘cultural celebration’ and encourage everyone to wear a kilt at least once in their life. This myth stems from the deep roots that kilts and tartan have in Scottish culture. With the majority of tartans having links to specific surnames, people will immediately think that because they don’t belong to a particular Scottish clan, they can’t wear a tartan kilt. There are no rules or customs around wearing a clan tartan, and if you like the design, then go for it. If you still don’t like the idea of wearing a clan tartan, then there are countless other universal tartan options that have no clan affiliation for you to choose from. Wearing a kilt is about celebration, not ancestry, so get yourself in a kilt at your next event.
Kilts Are Only for Weddings
While kilts are a go-to choice for weddings, there are many other occasions that a kilt outfit is the perfect choice. A traditional kilt outfit, like an Argyll or Prince Charlie, is considered the most formal highlandwear option. These are great for all black tie events and are a particularly good choice for Burns Suppers. Tweed kilt outfits like our Arran Navy are considered slightly less formal and a more contemporary look. These are great for graduations and other less formal occasions, but with the right accessories can be worn at almost any celebration. If you’re not ready to commit to a kilt outfit of your own, our kilt hire service makes it easy to experiment with different styles before making a purchase.
Traditional Kilts Are Uncomfortable
A well-fitted, made-to-measure kilt is a very comfortable item of clothing. Being made from worsted wool, it allows for breathability, freedom of movement, and temperature control. This means that a kilt is warm in winter and cool in summer, the perfect outfit choice for events all year round. The key is getting a kilt that fits properly. Too loose and you’ll keep having to adjust it all day long, and too tight will make sitting down uncomfortable. Whether you are hiring or buying, our team of stylists can help you get your measurements, either in-store or through our Virtual Kilt Fitting service, to ensure the perfect fit.
You Can’t Wear a Kilt Without a Full Outfit
While a traditional kilt outfit includes a sporran, kilt jacket, ghillie brogues, flashes and a sgian dubh, you can customise your outfit to your own personal preferences. Whether you want to wear a sports shirt, a corded wool sweater or even just different footwear with your kilt, how you style it is up to you. You could also choose to wear tartan trews or trousers as a stylish alternative.
Kilts Are Only Available in Clan Tartans
Another common misunderstanding is clan vs universal tartans. When choosing a tartan for your kilt, you don’t have to choose a clan tartan. If you don’t have a Scottish surname or would just prefer to wear something with no ancestral ties, then universal tartans are a great option. There are hundreds of different universal tartan designs. Black Watch is one of the most well-known and our Mist range is also very popular, but have a look at our Tartan Finder to find your favourite. When buying a kilt from MacGregor and MacDuff, you have the choice of over 4,000 tartans and when hiring, we have a range of hire tartans you can choose from. If you’d like to hire a tartan that isn’t part of our hire range, our Choose Any Tartan Hire is the ideal choice for you.
Real Scots Never Wear Anything Under Their Kilt
The ‘true Scotsman’ or ‘going regimental’ is arguably the most famous myth surrounding kilts. While tradition might say otherwise, the reality is that wearing underwear under your kilt is a personal choice. However, for sanitary reasons, we require all customers to wear underwear under their kilt if it's one that has been hired. If it’s your own kilt, then it's completely up to you, but from a comfort point of view, underwear is a more comfortable choice.
Buying a Kilt Outfit Is Too Expensive
While a high-quality kilt is an investment, there are options for every budget. Our 7-yard Kilt is a cost-effective choice and you can also choose our Starter Kilt Outfit if you need the full ensemble. The only difference between a 7-yard and an 8-yard kilt is the amount of wool that goes into making it. The only noticeable difference is that the pleats on a 7-yard kilt are slightly wider. A 7-yard kilt is an excellent choice not just for budget, but also for travel. As a 7-yard kilt is lighter, it is slightly easier to take with you when your event is further afield.
The Truth About Kilts
Whether you are considering buying a kilt outfit or hiring one for a special occasion, don’t let any myths hold you back. Kilts are all about celebrating Scottish style and tradition, embrace it. From Burns Suppers to weddings, wear a kilt and stand out from the crowd. Remember that our team are on hand to help you find your perfect kilt. Click here to book an appointment.
