Why Is Kilt Hire So Popular for Weddings, Events & Special Occasions?
For many people, kilt outfits and highlandwear are only worn a couple of times a year, making kilt hire a much more practical option over buying their own. With hiring a kilt being so cost-effective and flexible, it's become one of the most popular ways to wear traditional highlandwear across Scotland, and the UK as a whole. Whether it's for a wedding, formal celebration, graduation or even a ceilidh, kilt hire makes a lot of sense for a lot of people.
However, kilt hire isn’t just about saving money. The freedom to try various tartans and styles allows wearers to look exceptional at every event, without ever repeating an outfit. While buying your own kilt outfit has its advantages too, the flexibility that comes with hiring your highlandwear is significant. It’s also a great way to trial different styles before committing to purchasing one in particular. Not to mention hiring for wedding groups and being able to ensure everyone has a consistent, coordinated look.
Our MacGregor and MacDuff kilt hire service combines traditional craftsmanship with expert knowledge, support and advice. This allows our customers to hire with confidence, no matter whether they visit us in-store, through a virtual fitting or order online.
How Does Kilt Hire Work?
Understanding how kilt hire works helps make things more straightforward and simple.
We like to think of it as 7 simple steps:
- Choose an outfit style: From the ever-popular Prince Charlie to the contemporary style of a tweed outfit, find a look that matches not only the event, but your personal taste.
- Pick a tartan: Choose one of our standard hire tartans or opt for our Choose Any Tartan Hire and select from any of our 4,000 tartans. Make sure whatever you choose matches your jacket, and you’ll be photo-ready.
- Take your measurements: Whether we help you do this via an in-store or virtual appointment, or you take advantage of our self-measurement guides online, we will use your sizes to get the perfect fit.
- Preparation: Once we have your order, we will get your hire prepared and packaged, ready for your event.
- Collection or delivery: Depending on your location and preference, we will either post your hire so you receive it at least 4 days before your event, or you can collect it 2 days before from one of our stores.
- The event: Enjoy your hire and stand out from the crowd in your chosen highlandwear style.
- Simple return: If your hire was delivered, DPD will arrange a collection from you to send your hire back to us. If you collected it yourself, you simply return it to the same place or another one of our stores if it's more convenient.
Our kilt hire service focuses on making the hiring process as simple and stress-free as possible. We offer expert guidance and support at every stage, which allows our customers the freedom to focus on the event itself.
How Much Does Kilt Hire Cost in 2026?
The cost of kilt hire varies depending on several factors:
- Outfit style
- Tartan selection
- Accessories included
- Length of hire
- Premium service features
It’s difficult to put a single average price on kilt hire due to these factors. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option and aren’t too worried about the style, Our Choice Kilt Hire is an excellent option. For more traditional looks like the Prince Charlie or Argyll outfits, you’d be looking at a mid-tier price. Contemporary outfits like our Arran Tweed or Tarbert Tweed outfits are in the more premium price bracket.
What Is Included in a Full Kilt Hire Outfit?
A complete kilt hire package includes, as standard:
- Kilt
- Jacket
- Waistcoat
- Sporran
- Hose (socks)
- Flashes
- Ghillie brogues
- Shirt
- Bow tie or Ruche
There is also the option to upgrade some of the accessories, like swapping a ruche tie for a tartan or tweed straight tie, which is great for special occasions like weddings. A shirt isn’t included as standard, but can be added for an additional charge.
What Is the Difference Between Hiring and Buying a Kilt?
This is one of the most common questions customers ask.
- One-off events
- Weddings and special celebrations
- People who enjoy wearing different outfit combinations
- Trialling different styles before you buy
Buying a kilt is better suited to:
- Frequent wearers
- Special occasions (grooms on their wedding day)
- People looking for something they can pass down to their children
- Customers who want something bespoke and made-to-measure
Made-to-measure kilts typically require longer lead times, particularly during peak wedding season, but offer an unmatched fit, craftsmanship, and long-term value.
When Should You Book Kilt Hire?
Timing is important. We tell customers to book as early as possible, as this secures the availability of their desired style for their event. A lot of customers leave it too late, worried that their size may change if they arrange their hire too early. The reality is, we will ask you for up-to-date measurements closer to your event if that's the case, so there's really no need to wait. We do offer last-minute hires, but during busy periods, options become limited, and you may have to settle for something other than your first choice. With highlandwear, it's always better to be safe and early, there's no need for unnecessary pressure or stress.
Where Can You Hire a Kilt?
At MacGregor and MacDuff, we have made it as simple as possible for people across mainland UK to hire a kilt. You can choose to hire from us through:
- Any of our four physical kilt stores in Scotland
- Any of our pop-up UK kilt fitting services
- Via a virtual kilt fitting
- Website
- Telephone
Regardless of your location or proximity to one of our stores, we can help you find the perfect Kilt Hire Outfit for your next event.
Kilt Hire in Glasgow: What Should You Know?
As one of the UK’s largest cities, Glasgow is a hive of events, weddings and celebrations, making it the perfect place for kilt hire. We have two stores in Glasgow, both great options for different reasons.
Our Glasgow City Centre kilt shop is our flagship store and features three floors of highlandwear, as well as easy access to transport links. Our Glasgow West End kilt shop has excellent parking availability and is a great place for large wedding parties. Its changing rooms are also wheelchair accessible.
Kilt Hire in Edinburgh: What Makes It Unique?
Away from the tourist hustle and bustle, our Edinburgh kilt shop is situated in Newbridge, just a 5-minute drive from Edinburgh airport. It features a relaxed in-store experience with great parking, expert staff and a wide selection of highlandwear options.
Kilt Hire in Prestwick & Ayrshire
Our Prestwick kilt shop is ideally located for not only residents of Ayrshire, but also for those who are getting married at one of the many picturesque venues on the west coast. Whether you are dropping your hires off after the big day or picking them up, our Prestwick store makes things that little bit easier for seaside weddings. Not getting married? While our Prestwick kilt shop is the smallest of our stores, our Prestwick staff are second to none and can help you find the perfect look, no matter what event you are preparing for.
How Do Virtual Kilt Fittings Work?
Virtual Kilt Fittings allow customers to get the kilt shop experience from anywhere in the world. It’s the ideal solution for people who live too far from one of our stores or pop-up fitting locations but still want the guidance from one of our expert stylists. It allows people to receive measurement guidance, as well as detailed product knowledge, from the comfort of their own home over video call. It’s a personalised service that gives customers peace of mind when ordering their highlandwear and ensures size accuracy. It’s just like visiting one of our locations, without having to travel anywhere.
Ready to Book Your Kilt Hire?
Whether you are a groom or you’ve got an upcoming celebration, click here to book an appointment and let us guide you through all your highlandwear options.
