The kilt is recognised worldwide as part of Scottish heritage, so why do we see people wearing kilts outside of Scotland? From weddings in the USA to highland games hosted across the globe, kilts are increasingly being worn far beyond Scotland’s borders.
Kilts Have Become a Global Symbol of Scotland
Scotland is loved by many internationally due to its heritage, traditions and culture. The kilt has naturally become an important part of that.
Scottish weddings are a good example, many couples who have ties to Scotland enjoy incorporating highlandwear into their special day, with kilts being worn by grooms, wedding parties and guests.
Highland Games are traditional Scottish festivals involving heavy athletics, piping and dancing, and have helped bring awareness to highlandwear, and Scotland in general, across the globe.
People often believe they need to have a Scottish connection to include highlandwear or Scottish traditions in their wedding, attend highland games or even wear a kilt. However, this is not necessary. As one of Scotland’s leading highlandwear companies, we enjoy encouraging those without Scottish ties to celebrate our culture and traditions alongside us!
What If I Don’t Have a Clan Tartan?
One of the biggest questions for those without Scottish heritage looking to purchase or hire a kilt is what tartan should they choose if they are not part of a clan. Aside from clan tartans, there are also universal tartans, some examples include Black Watch, Scotland Forever and Hebridean Heather.
A universal tartan is a design that isn’t associated with a clan or family, some represent moments from Scottish history, others may represent landscapes or regions.
Similarly, MacGregor and MacDuff’s Mist collection is an exclusive universal tartan range, all created as a tribute to some of Scotland's most Scottish landscapes. These tartans are ideal for those looking for a more contemporary look or who are not looking to wear a clan tartan.
Kilts Aren’t Reserved for Scots
So, to those questioning ‘can I wear a kilt if I'm not Scottish?’, we at MacGregor and MacDuff say absolutely!
The kilt remains part of Scottish culture, but the appeal has grown far beyond Scotland. People from all walks of life can, and should, try wearing highlandwear at least once in their life. It's not cultural appropriation; it's cultural celebration.
How can I buy a kilt outside of Scotland?
You don’t need to live in Scotland to experience MacGregor and MacDuff’s expert highlandwear services.
We work with customers across the globe, helping them select the right kilt for them, accessories for the occasion and styling advice. For those in the USA and Abu Dhabi we host international kilt fitting services, providing customers with the opportunity to meet our expert team without having to travel. In addition, for customers in England, we host pop-up fitting service in London and Manchester.
And for those outside the areas of our international fitting services, virtual appointments can be arranged with a member of our team. The stylist will talk you through how to accurately measure yourself for a kilt and discuss styling options with you for your event.
