A plaid or tweed skirt is a timeless wardrobe essential for ladies, across all generations. There's a style to suit everyone, from a full length floaty a-line skirt to a traditional plaid kilted skirt or a cheeky little plaid mini kilt, available in an array of traditional, sustainable plaid or tweeds.
Our kilts and skirts pair perfectly with our cosy cashmere and lambswool knitwear.
Here are your most frequently asked questions on our women's tartan skirts and kilts. 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.
Though any kilt without a sporran may be considered a skirt, there are a number of differences which separate the two. A traditional kilt has deep pleats, is made using a heavyweight wool fabric and the amount of fabric used in its construction is much greater. A plaid skirt can be made in any fabric, style and length. A kilt (and a women's mini kilt or kilted skirt) is distinguished by its wrap-around style and adjustable buckles. Without these key features, a Scottish plaid skirt is just that - a plaid skirt.
Yes! Plaid skirts are for everyone, even if you're not Scottish. Plaid is a classic design that returns to the catwalk year after year, making a plaid skirt a great investment for your wardrobe, and sustainable too.
A female kilt is often referred to as a kilted skirt and can be made to any length. Though kilted skirts are ever popular, there is really no reason that women shouldn’t opt for a more traditional style kilt if they wish to.
Ultimately, yes there is a difference between a kilt and a skirt. The Kilt is a special type of ‘skirt’ traditionally worn by Scottish men. Historically, kilts have deep meaning and kilt-wearing is a way to represent heritage and culture through your family or clan plaid.
A traditional kilt is made using 8 yards of heavyweight wool fabric, fastening to the right in a wrap around style with leather buckles and straps. Skirts by comparison can be made of any material or pattern, usually depending on a person’s preference, although we of course make all our plaid skirts in a pure wool fabric and you can choose from over 500 authentic plaids woven in Scotland. another key difference is that women's skirts traditionally fasten to the left.
A skirt may also be worn above or below the knee, and a kilted or plaid skirt is no different, however, the traditional kilt is worn to fall strictly to mid-knee cap only.
While there are more set guidelines and traditions with kilts, plaid skirts are far more versatile and can be worn however and wherever you wish.
Plaid skirts can be worn in any season, both casually and formally.
Co-ordinate your plaid skirt with colour block basics, think knitted jumpers, t-shirts and shirts, letting your plaid skirt be the focal point of the outfit. Go casual and trendy by pairing them with sneakers or leather boots, and layered with a bomber or denim jacket.
For a more formal, sophisticated tailored look, plaid skirts can be worn with a coordinating or contrasting blazer and a delicate blouse. Finished off with a heeled court shoe, boot or brogue.
For a classic look, a slim tartan pencil skirt works very well with a pair of heels and a plain roll neck or sweater, for added sophistication pair it with a tailored jacket or blouse.
For optimal elegance, ensure that the hem of your plaid pencil skirt sits at the smallest part of your leg, just above the knee. A good fit is also key - the material should always be smooth and not too tight. Opt for a high waist to lengthen the appearance of your legs, or choose a bold pattern to achieve the classic hourglass shape.
A full-length, over-the-knee tartan skirt is often called a hostess skirt and is traditionally worn at formal events. For a very traditional Scottish and formal look, you could pair this with a plain blouse and matching tartan sash.
A shorter mini skirt or mini kilt in plaid fabric offers a contemporary and fun look.
The variety of fabric finishes and weights available make tartan mini skirts a lighter option for summer, worn with sneakers or pumps. Alternatively you can style your plaid mini kilt for winter, with a cosy cashmere sweater tucked in, tights and boots.
From the flapper skirts of the 1920s to the retro skirts of the swinging 60s, pleats have always been in vogue. Recent times have seen longer calf or ankle length pleated skirts on 70s inspired runways, paired with brightly coloured knitwear and eye-catching accessories for a haute couture feel.
Of course the most iconic pleated skirt is the plaid kilt. Traditionally designed with a high waist and generous fabric to emphasise movement, contemporary kilts are available in a variety of styles and colours. A feminine tartan mini-skirt boasts the same features with a freer fit.
Our hard working Tartan team are dedicated to providing the very best garments, tailor made just for you. We offer a wide range of women’s skirts, dresses coats, boleros and all the accessories, custom made in a choice of over 500 plaids and over 200 tweeds. Book your suit measuring experience with us today. Available in store, in Albany NY, Edinburgh and Crieff or choose a Virtual Appointment via video call.
Our women's plaid kilts and skirts really are suitable for any occasion, switch up your accessories and you have a completely different outfit. If you are looking for ideas for what you might wear with our plaid kilts and skirts, we have put together some style mood boards for inspiration:
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Plaid and tweed skirts work well with warm autumnal colours and complementary woollen fabrics. For the authentic Highland style, try pairing a red plaid skirt with a simple black cashmere sweater and cosy plaid scarf, with a thick winter coat to keep out the chill. Or try this classic combination in classic autumnal hues - plum, amber or olive. A black plaid skirt is a versatile wardrobe staple that can be paired with a multitude of colours and garments.
For an everyday preppy style, pair a neutral tweed skirt with a classic breton stripe top. Or try a nautically coloured plaid skirt with a white shirt, accessorised with a tan satchel and loafers. Take the preppy look one step further with colourful sweaters, knee-high socks and brogues.
Give your workwear a plaid twist with a knee-length tartan wool skirt (pencil, a-line and pleated all work well) and smart blazer or jacket, finished with stiletto pumps. Tuck a pale shirt into your plaid skirt for a casual 'about town' look and pair with a basket shopper - perfect for running errands.
