Kilt Wearing Primer

While there are many forms of kilts out there (considering the utility kilt and other modern forms) and ways of wearing them, I feel there is a serious need for yet another primer on "proper" Highland attire.  I am no expert, tradition is an evolving thing, opinions differ, and there are no real rules, BUT... I hope to provide some guidance that you can use to wear a kilt and Highland attire without looking like a total numpty.

• The kilt's pleats go in the back.  Although this may seem simple, I have seen it done wrong far too many times.

• Most kilts are not made to be worn low on the hips like today's jeans but on the natural waist.  The bottom of the kilt should reach the middle to top of the knee cap.

• Kilt "hose" are the socks that are traditionally worn with a kilt.  They come in a variety of colors, and I highly suggest exploring those colors.  White hose scream rented outfit and/or lack of style.  If nothing else, find a simple tartan/hunter green or lovat green pair.  Lovat green looks great with almost all tartans.

• Kilt hose should be worn just below the knee.  A typical trick is to use your fingers to measure.  Two to three fingers' width is a great distance below the knee.

• Do not be afraid to show a little knee!!!

• If using flashes or traditional garters, they should be worn on the outside of the leg and slightly to the front.  Allow only a small portion to show from beneath the cuff of the hose.  You do not need flags or wind-socks blowing about from your legs.

• Do not fall into the category of over dressing/eveningwear-always-with-the-kilt syndrome.  Dress sporrans, formal jackets, etc. should be left to formal wear.  For daywear, go with a simple daywear sporran (some fancier sporrans are acceptable for daywear, but hold off from that until you understand what).  "Semi-dress sporrans" that are often sold today are considered neither fish nor fowl and really are best avoided altogether.  

• A proper belt can look nice with a kilt but is not needed.  Belts SHOULD NOT be worn with a waistcoat/vest unless you are wearing a dirk. 

• Highland attire is clothing, not costume.  Unless you are wanting to look like it is a costume, avoid those faux-renaissance/Jacobite shirts with the lace-up neckline.  The same goes with the quasi-historic sleeveless doublet thing that some wear.

A wonderful forum thread on traditional kilt wear with images can be found here.

Here is a brief slideshow using myself as examples of how to wear Highland attire .  The slides advance every 10 sec.  If you need to pause or manually go through the slides, please do!

Another slideshow with a small handful of vintage images to inspire some quality Highland attire.

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