When is a kilt appropriate to wear? This question often arises for those new to Scottish culture or planning to incorporate this iconic garment into their wardrobe. Kilts, with their rich history and distinctive style, are perfect for a variety of occasions. From weddings and formal events to Highland Games and cultural celebrations, the kilt stands out as a symbol of tradition and pride. With so many great reasons to wear a kilt, are there places or times where a kilt wouldn’t be appropriate?
Can you wear a kilt to a black tie event?
Just the mere mention of black tie sends images of tuxedos through your mind and for good reason, they are the most formal event type. Burns supper? Charity evenings? Business events? As a general rule, you can indeed wear a kilt to a black tie event but you need to be specific in your outfit choice. While any traditional kilt will work, not all jackets are equal when it comes to their level of formality. Tweed kilt jackets for example are a stellar choice when it comes to modern styling as they are fashionable but aren’t considered ultra formal. Prince Charlie and Argyll jackets on the other hand are the most formal kilt jacket styles and are ideal for black tie events. In terms of formality, the Prince Charlie actually has a slight edge over the Argyll as it is most traditional, with a shorter cut and tails at the back. The Argyll has a more modern design with a familiar suit jacket cut. Pair either jacket with a wing collar shirt and a black bow tie for the ultimate black tie event outfit.
Should I wear a kilt to a Scottish Wedding?
Whether you are a guest or groom, a kilt outfit is at home at wedding celebrations. Kilts are great at weddings because as a whole outfit, they can help you show off your personal highlandwear style. From accessory choice to tartan selection, it's really quite easy to build a one-of-a-kind look. More often than not, these days the most popular options for weddings are tweed kilt outfits. Unlike the Prince Charlie and Argyll jackets, tweed options come in a variety of different colours and styles. They also have a familiar suit-style cut and are available with or without epaulettes. For most men in Scotland, kilts are their first choice for attending a wedding but for those who aren’t from Scotland, is it still an appropriate outfit choice? Absolutely. We encourage everyone to wear a kilt, regardless of their heritage and especially when attending a Scottish wedding. Our Virtual Kilt Fitting service makes it easy for people outside of Scotland to get a kilt organised. Whether they are looking to hire or buy, our Virtual Kilt Fitting Service allows customers to connect with our highlandwear stylists over video call who will then help them find their dream outfit.
Can I wear a kilt casually?
When it comes to ceilidhs, sporting fixtures or parties, there are countless ways to wear a kilt in a relaxed fashion. For warmer times of the year, you can choose to go for a traditional casual look by wearing a ghillie shirt and a day sporran or belt. Ghillie shirts are light and come in a range of different colours. You can also pair your kilt with a polo or sports top if a ghillie shirt is a touch too traditional. For the winter months, we love seeing woollen jumpers worn with a kilt. Cosy, stylish and comfortable, there’s a lot to like about this look and a great choice all-round. Whether you decide to include kilt socks in your casual highlandwear look is up to you and for your feet, we would recommend a pair of boots to give your look a final touch.
Kilts are a superbly versatile garment and will look at home in any setting. The most important thing is to make sure you pair your kilt appropriately to the correct level of formality and dress code. If you do that, then a kilt is an excellent way to show off your own unique highlandwear style, showcase your heritage and make a statement. At MacGregor and MacDuff we have a wide range of both hire and purchase highlandwear options available. If you’d like one of our stylists to help you create your next look, book a Virtual Kilt Fitting Appointment or visit us in-store.
