HOW TO WEAR A KILT

Posted by danish on February 25th, 2021

HOW TO WEAR A KILT

New to kilt wearing? Figuring out how to wear an outfit so steeped in tradition and heritage can seem daunting.

Even if you've been wearing a kilt since you were a lad, remembering how to wear all the kilt accessories can be a challenge. 

The team at utilikilts lives and breathes kilts. We're are all about helping you design and style the kilt outfit you want. That's why we've created this easy-to-use guide so you can rock your kilt with style, no matter the occasion.

KILT

Let's start with the basics, shall we?

Your kilt should be wrapped around your body with the pleats to the rear and the aprons overlapping at the front. The fringes should fall to your right-hand side.

A kilt is meant to be worn high on the waist (above your navel), causing it to drop down to the middle of the knee.

SHIRT & TIE

We offer three types of shirts to pair with your kilt:

- The ghillie shirt is a traditional, loose-fitting shirt. There's no need for a tie: the leather lace can be fastened in a simple knot or left to hang down the front of your shirt.

- Standard wing collar shirts are usually combined with bow ties for a formal kilt outfit. However, they can also be styled down with a straight neck tie for a daytime or outdoor event.

- Victorian collar shirts are the most formal option and are usually paired with a bow tie or a ruched tie or cravat.

No matter which shirt you choose, it should be neatly tucked into your kilt.

JACKET & VEST

Whether you choose a casual three or five button waistcoat or decide to go full formal with a Prince Charlie jacket & vest combo, your selection should always complement the colours in your kilt. 

The jacket is normally kept open to show off the waistcoat's polished buttons.

BELT & BUCKLE

Kilt belts and buckles generally run wider than normal belts and are only needed when opting not to wear a waistcoat. 

Kilt belts are worn through the kilt loops at the rear and fastened on the front, above the sporran.

SPORRAN

Our sporran guide will help you figure out whether you're looking for a full dress, semi dress, or day sporran. 

The chain strap should be brought through the kilt loops at the rear so the sporrancan be worn at the front.