When you wear a kilt outfit, you need a sporran, not just for tradition's sake but for the practical advantages a sporran can provide. Whether you are attending a formal celebration with an ornate dress sporran or a casual event with a simple leather day sporran, our guide will help you learn which option is best for your upcoming events.    What is a sporran? Sporran is a Gaelic word which, when directly translated, means purse or pouch. In short, a sporran is the pocket of a kilt, and it's where you will keep things like your wallet, hip flask and phone during your event. The items of today may be a far stretch from the original contents of a sporran, such as oatmeal and tools, but the practicality remains the same. Sporrans were originally simple pouches made from animal hide with little to no design, but as time went on, the symbolism of a sporran grew, and their look became more intricate. Today, there are a range of different sporran options you can choose from for a range of different types of celebrations.   The Three Main Types of Sporrans Sporrans come in many different styles and designs to help you find your own highlandwear look, but every design falls into one of three main categories: Day, Semi-Dress or Dress Sporran. Choosing the correct option depends on the type of event you will be attending, your personal tastes and your outfit type.   1. Day Sporrans - Casual and Functional Material: Natural leather or synthetic leather Design: Minimal decoration, with optional tassels or embossed detailing Closure: Folded leather lid secured with a stud popper Best for: Daytime events or ceilidhs Casual or ghillie kilt outfits Style Tip: Avoid day sporrans when attending formal events, even if they are held in the day. Day Sporrans are designed to be simple, practical and worn to casual occasions only. Additional insight: Day sporrans are designed to be understated and not detract from your outfit. They are perfect options for ceilidhs, relaxed daytime weddings or sports functions like highland games. Thanks to their simple construction, real leather day sporrans can be incredibly durable and will easily last a lifetime and beyond if taken care of.   2. Semi-Dress Sporrans - Versatile from Afternoon to Evening Material: Leather construction with a front panel which features short hair hide or tweed Design: More decorative than day sporrans, often with metal accents and embossed patterns Closure: Folding leather lid secured with a stud popper Best for: Semi-formal events Occasions that run from day into night Tweed or Argyll outfits Style Tip: Semi-dress Sporrans are a great in-between option that helps bridge the gap between casual and formal events. If you are unsure about how formal the event you are attending will be, choose a semi-dress option, as this will work in both cases. Additional insight: Semi-dress sporrans are a versatile choice for highlandwear as they can work at any event, regardless of the dress code. If you only plan to buy one sporran in your life, choose a semi-dress sporran. They are great for Burns Suppers, evening ceilidhs and weddings where you want a touch of formality, without going full ‘black-tie’. With semi-dress sporrans coming in a range of different styles, like tweed or fur, they are a great choice for showcasing your individual Scottish style, without going over the top.   3. Dress Sporrans - The Formal Statement Piece Material: Natural or synthetic fur Design: Fur tassels with metal finishing Closure: A metal cantle (decorative clasp), often intricately designed Best for: Weddings (Especially for grooms) Black-tie events Prince Charlie Kilt Outfits Style Tip: Dress sporrans are a statement piece to a kilt outfit. Available in a range of different styles, colours and finishes to complement your outfit and personal Scottish style. Additional insight: Dress sporrans are the most striking item of your kilt outfit and should be carefully considered when purchasing. There are thousands of different style combinations, and finding one that matches your desired look will take some consideration. Whether you want your sporran to feature traditional Celtic knotwork or to showcase your clan history and Scottish heritage, there is a dress sporran for every desire. Take your time choosing yours and give your outfit that extra touch of refinement.   At MacGregor and MacDuff, we have a huge range of sporrans for you to browse. Whether you are looking for traditional craftsmanship or a contemporary look to help you stand out from the crowd, you’ll find something to match your outfit seamlessly. If you’d like help choosing a sporran, give us a call on 0141 280 3398 and we’d be happy to walk you through our range.