When the weather gets colder, the natural thing to do is bundle up. However, for those who like to wear a kilt for everyday use, bundling up doesn’t seem like a possibility. While you could put the kilt in the closet and break out a regular pair of pants instead, we believe that you shouldn’t have to sacrifice style because of a little cold.
So, with that in mind, we want to share some tips on how to wear a kilt in winter. Whether you like wearing this garment all the time or you have to attend a special outdoor event, these tips will ensure that you remain warm and comfortable the whole time.
Kilts vs. Pants: Which is Better in the Winter?
For many men, the natural instinct is to ditch the kilt and upgrade to pants when the season turns. However, if you really want to stay warm, the fact is that a kilt does the job better. It all has to do with how air flows throughout each garment.
With pants, you can stay warm if you stand still. Your body heat will permeate into the fabric, creating a thin layer of hot air around your legs. Unfortunately, once you start moving, this air disappears because there is so little of it available.
In a kilt, however, that pocket of warm air stays inside no matter how much you walk or move. Because there is more room for the air to collect, it doesn’t disappear immediately. Not only that, but because kilts are made from heavier fabric than most pants, the air can’t dissipate as efficiently, no matter what. Even better, your shirt tucks into the kilt, meaning that cold air can’t get in, unlike wearing a t-shirt and pants.
That being said, you should still prepare yourself for cold temperatures while wearing a kilt. Here’s what we recommend.
Upgrade to a Thicker Material
Kilts come in all shapes and sizes, which make them such a versatile piece of clothing. Part of that versatility comes from the fact that you can adjust the thickness of your kilt as you see fit. For everyday use, you may have summer and winter varieties to ensure that you don’t get too hot or cold.
When wearing a thicker kilt, you’ll notice that heat gets trapped inside much easier, making your legs nice and toasty all day long. Wool is particularly useful for insulation; just make sure that you’re wearing sufficient undergarments to prevent itchiness from the coarse material.
Along with a thicker kilt, you should look into longer versions, as well. The less skin you have exposed, the warmer you’ll be.
Wear Thick Socks and Boots
Realistically, the only parts of your body that will get cold are the ones exposed to the elements. However, your legs can handle colder temperatures much better than your feet, so your primary focus should be on high-quality winter footwear.
Fortunately, it’s customary to wear knee-high socks with a kilt already, so no one is going to look at you funny if you start doing so in wintertime. All you have to do is get thicker pairs that can insulate your calves and feet more efficiently.
In addition to the socks, you should also wear thick, waterproof boots. Nothing is worse than having wet feet when it’s cold outside, so make sure that your shoes are up to the challenge of facing ice and snow.
Use Kilt Hose
While your socks are going to provide most of the warmth for your legs, you can take things a step further by getting full-length kilt hose. This clothing is similar to wearing long johns, and it can help you feel better when the temperature drops significantly.
Wear Multiple Layers
We’ve taken care of the bottom half of your body, but the fact is that your torso, arms, and head need protection as well. We highly recommend putting on several articles of clothing, such as an undershirt, a fleece, and then perhaps an overcoat, depending on how cold it is outside.
The other benefit of using multiple layers is that you can remove them as necessary. Once you get inside, you’ll warm up quickly, so you must shed unnecessary clothing as efficiently as possible (unless you want to become a hot, sweaty mess).
Wear a Wool Hat
Like your feet, a lot of heat can escape from your head when you’re exposed to the elements. Fortunately, a traditional Scottish Tam O’ Shanter cap is the perfect accessory for staying warm during the harshest parts of winter.
If you want something a bit more modern, any kind of hat will be ideal, including beanies and baseball caps. However, since you’re already wearing the kilt, why not go all the way and wear some old-fashioned accessories as well?
Rent Your Winter Gear from Kilt Rental USA
Don’t be an icicle this winter season. Upgrade to a high-quality kilt and experience the difference. Once you see how well kilts hold up in cold temperatures compared to pants, you’ll wonder why you didn’t switch earlier. At Kilt Rental USA, we have a wide selection, both for everyday and formal use. Browse our selection today.
