Kilts, Kilt Jackets and Kilt Outfits
Traditional kilt outfits for special occasions, along with kilt jackets and two different weights of kilt for every climate and budget.
Traditional kilt outfits for special occasions, along with kilt jackets and two different weights of kilt for every climate and budget.
Buying a kilt is an investment, the first part of a whole outfit that can be built up over years to come. A sustainable addition to your wardrobe that can be passed on to generations to come carrying with it your family history and heritage, and stories of celebrations and special occasions. Starting out life as the Great Kilt in the 1600s, the Feileadh Mòr as it is known in Gaelic, was an entirely practical full-length garment, with the top half versatile enough to be worn draped over the shoulder, or pulled up over the head as a hood, depending on the inclement Highland weather that day. The heavy wool fabric was nice and warm and dried out quickly, and the style gave freedom of movement whatever the hunting or battling. The kilt as we know it today is a development of the belted plaid or Breacan an Fhéilidh in Gaelic, and was in use from the late 17th century, made popular after the Highland Regiment of the British Army adopted it as their military kilt.
Here are your most frequently asked questions on our kilts and kilt outfits. If you can't find the answer to your question and it is about a specific product you might find it on the product page. If not then please use LiveChat, e-mail us or give us a call and we will answer your questions as quickly as we can.
Kilts are the national dress of Scotland, a time honoured symbol of identity and patriotism, as well as being a way for men to show their clan allegiance. Originating in the Scottish Highlands, the early Scottish kilts were multi-purpose; they provided excellent protection from the weather and elements, they served to cover and guard weapons such as muskets worn about the person, they could be removed and used as a camping blanket, and they served as a marker of wealth and status depending on their size and material.
Anyone can wear a kilt if they choose to, there are no set rules. There is however, a set way for a kilt to be worn:
Traditionally you should wear your 'clan' or family tartan, if you're not sure which clan you belong to you can use our search to find out. There are many variations of clan tartans. If you don't have any clan connections, or perhaps you're not of direct Scottish decent you can choose from many generic or district tartans.
The key components of a kilt outfit are as follows:
Scroll down for a fuller explanation of each element and how to wear them.
There are two kilt jacket options, the Prince Charlie or the Argyll. Considered the more formal of the two, the Prince Charlie jacket and waistcoat is seen as the more formal of the two, commonly worn as evening wear to weddings and black tie events. This is only available in black and should be paired with a wing collar shirt and bow tie. The Argyll jacket is available in black as well as several other tweed colourways and is a more casual style suitable for all day weddings and day-time events. This jacket is worn with a standard collared shirt and standard tie.
A Prince Charlie outfit must be worn with a bow tie, whereas you can wear any kind of tie in your choice of plain or tartan with an Argyll. Don't forget a wing collar shirt if you choose a bow tie.
An essential part of any outfit and available in many variations from day to semi-formal and formal, usually made from animal hide and an opportunity to make quite a statement if you want to!
Finish off those cuffs with cufflinks in tartan to match your kilt, opt to show off your clan crest in pewter or continue the thistle theme.
Another chance to continue a clan or other theme, your kilt pin should be pinned on the apron of the kilt and acts as a weight on windy days.
Another chance to add a little colour and highlight a stripe in your tartan, or go muted and match with the base colour or stick to simple and traditional Ecru.
Go for tartan to match your kilt or pick out a stripe with a plain colour. Your kilt flashes have a practical purpose and hold your socks up to cope with even the wildest ceilidh.
Tucked in to the top of your kilt hose ready to fend off Highland raiders, we have real and safety Sgian Dubhs as well as the very handy Sgian Brew bottle opening variety.
Black, tan or tartan, don't panic we have a guide to help you tie those long laces. Quality leather guarantees you comfort and a shoe that will last for years.
Create your very own kilt outfit with our exclusive ScotlandShop Kilt Measuring Experience, available at both our Edinburgh and Albany, NY stores. Our expert team will take your measurements and guide you through from the main outfit elements, to all of the accompanying accessories and every little bespoke detail, all while explaining the history and traditions of this national dress.
Buying a kilt is a rite of passage for many Scots and those of Scottish descent across the world. It is not only an investment in your heritage, but an investment in a high-quality garment. A good kilt can become a family heirloom, lasting for at least a generation or two if cared for properly. Whether you already own a kilt or are thinking about buying one, we're here to help with an informative guide on how to care for your kilt.
Join Monja & Anna live on the sofa from the comfort of your home as they talk all things Scotland and kilts. From traditional Highland Wear outfits to today's fashion, what to wear with your kilt and which tartan to choose.
Do you want to be truly traditional when you don a kilt? If so, then you want to go for The Great Kilt, also known as the feileadh mòr, which was a piece of cloth 8 yards long that was pleated and wrapped around the body to create what we know as a kilt. Today we teach you how to pleat and wear a Great Kilt. Check out our selection of 16oz Tartan Fabric so you can create your very own version.
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