Today, highlandwear is often associated with formal occasions and celebrations, particularly weddings. But, the kilt and other elements of highland dress were not always reserved for special events. Originally, highland clothing was purely practical, using durable, thick wool to provide warmth in Scotland’s cold and unpredictable climate.
The design of the early highland dress also provided freedom, making it a great option for Scots travelling long distances by foot on rough terrain. The generous amount of fabric also doubled as an additional layer of warmth when sleeping.
One of the earliest forms of highland dress was the féileadh mòr. Rather than the tailored kilts we know now-a-days, the féileadh mòr was made from a large piece of woollen cloth gathered around the waist, pulled diagonally across the chest, and secured with a belt. Highlandwear has come a long way since then, whilst still practical, it mostly serves as a formal dress option that allows people to express themselves through fashion.
From Practical Clothing to Formal Highland Dress
One of the most significant changes in the history of highlandwear came during the 18th and 19th centuries, as highland dress became increasingly associated with Scottish heritage and fashion.
A particularly memorable moment came during King George IV’s visit to Edinburgh in 1822. The King’s appearance in highland dress helped bring back Scot’s attention. The outfit encouraged tailored jackets, waistcoats and accessories to be paired with a kilt more often.
The kilt was no longer simply a practical garment, and became the foundation of a stylish outfit.
How Highlandwear Continued to Evolve
Of course, highlandwear did not stop evolving in the 19th century. The modern kilt is a much more structured and tailored version of the earlier féileadh mòr, and the way it is worn has continued to develop.
Details such as the position of the kilt, the pleating, the shape of the jacket and choice of accessories can all influence how the final full outfit looks. The kilt itself is the starting point, with the rest of the styling coming from additional items. Items such as a sporran, kilt pin and contemporary tweed jackets can all make the highland outfit more modern.
And to this day, people are increasingly experimenting with how they wear kilts.
Highlandwear doesn’t mean a complete formal outfit. Kilts can be paired with more casual pieces, including knitwear, boots and contemporary jackets, creating a look that represents Scottish heritage but feels less formal.
MacGregor and MacDuff have explored dressing down highlandwear, in a previous shoot we styled kilts in a more contemporary way, pairing them with high-fashion staples. The results demonstrate how versatile kilts can be.
Traditional or Contemporary: How will you wear yours?
There is no single way to wear a highlandwear outfit.
For those who want a classic look, a traditional highlandwear outfit might include a kilt, formal jacket, waistcoat, shirt, tie, sporran, kilt hose, flashes and brogues. Together, these pieces create the recognisable formal highlandwear dress we all know of.
For others, a contemporary highlandwear outfit provides the opportunity to experiment. A less traditional jacket, a bold waistcoat, adding an unexpected colour or more casual footwear can allow your personal style to shine through.
There is no one way to wear a kilt
From the practical féileadh mòr of the Scottish Highlands, to the formal highland outfits we recognise today, highlandwear has continuously evolved.
The kilt may have started as practical clothing, but centuries of changing fashion, cultural influence and people exploring their individual styles have transformed it into something much more versatile.
Whether you are looking for a traditional outfit, a more modern interpretation, or simply the individual kilt to build your own look around, MacGregor and MacDuff is a great option to get you started.
