Just like a belt or a scarf can increase the impact of an outfit, a good kilt accessory can transform your kilt from a casual piece of clothing into a fashion statement. From sporrans to sgian dubhs to kilt pins, there are a lot of ways to bring out your sense of style and make a fashion statement.
Here at Kilt Rental USA, we’re often asked about what should be kilt accessories and types of accessories to wear with a kilt. Our highly experienced staff is more than pleased to assist.
In this article, we have some great tips to help you choose the best accessories for your kilt. Some of these kilt accessories are practical, but others are purely for decoration and to show your kilt-wearing pride.
What Is a Kilt?
The kilt is a knee-length non-bifurcated dress worn by men in Scotland and Ireland as a part of traditional Gaelic and Scots dress. The Scottish kilt , the "Loud MacKenzie" is recognized worldwide, but most people don't know much about the kilt's origins.
According to the Gaelic Dictionary, the word "kilt" comes from an old Norse word, kjalta, which means to tuck up the garments. Prince Charles Edward Stuart (Bonnie Prince Charlie) wore this distinctive dress during his campaign to regain the British throne.
The kilt stayed in the closet as the traditional dress of the Scots, but was brought out again by the Jacobites in the 19th century.
What to Wear With a Kilt
Tartans
In Scotland, the word tartan refers to the pattern of a woven fabric, not the pattern of a printed fabric. The patterns are known as tartans because they were originally made from the tartan cloth, a cloth woven using a special technique called tartan that gave it a distinctive appearance.
The word tartan was applied to the pattern of the cloth, because of the original Scottish Gaelic word "tart", meaning "tent", which refers to the original role of tartan in the Scottish Highlands.
Ghillie Brogues
Most kilt wearers are well aware of ghillie brogues, but for those who are not, here’s a quick explanation. The ghillie brogue is a certain style of shoe, which originated in Scotland, and is now worn by people all over the world.
These shoes are most commonly seen in the 'traditional' style, which are similar to a normal loafer, or slip on shoe, but with a pattern of holes in the leather in a checkerboard pattern.
Ties
Wearing a kilt without a tie is a little like getting ready to wear a suit without a shirt or tie. It makes little sense. A tie is not an accessory, it's a necessity. Indeed, the majority of kilts will include a matching tie.
The only exceptions are those kilts that are designed to be worn with a vest or waistcoat.Ties are an essential part of the kilt outfit, and there are a number of different ways to tie them.
For example, if you're wearing a traditional Scottish kilt, you can choose from a half-Windsor knot or a Prince Charles knot. You can even choose a different way to tie your tie each day.
Jacket
Just like with a standard suit jacket, the length of the jacket is going to be important. When you are wearing a kilt over a jacket, you want the kilt jacket to be long enough to cover your kilt and to protect it.
If you are wearing a kilt by itself, though, you are going to want your kilt jacket to be just a little shorter than your kilt. Either way, though, you will want it to be short enough to not look like you are wearing a dress!
There are a number of different types of jackets and coats that can be worn with a kilt. But which one is best?
That can depend on what type of kilt you are wearing, what activity you will be participating in and what type of jacket you like. But, there is one jacket that is the most popular among kilt wearers and is perfect for most situations.
The belted jacket is the perfect jacket to wear with your kilt. It is the most versatile jacket and can be worn with formal as well as casual kilts. Just think, you can wear your kilt for any event or occasion, formal or casual and pair it with the belted jacket.
Sporran
A sporran, also known as a fob or purse, is a leather pouch that characters have worn in the Scottish Highlands for centuries, and you can still buy them today. In the past, sporrans were used to hold various items, including food and money.
Modern sporrans are mostly used together with dress kilts to hold small to medium items, but some people still wear sporrans for practical purposes.
Flashes
In the world of kilts, there are two types of flashes: those worn on the front and those worn on the back. The ones worn on the front are typically associated with regiments, which is why they tend to be more ornamental.
When selecting your front flash, your choice of tartan will depend upon your regiment or clan. The tartan on the back flashes, on the other hand, typically represent the wearer's family's crest.
Fly Plaid
The plaid can be worn as a kilt (to which it has lent its name), as a scarf, or wrapped as a sash. In addition, the bright colors and bold patterns of the plaid (particularly the tartan) lend it to use for kilts (the most common use), scarves (for warmth), and sashes (for decoration).
The word plaid is also used to refer to a type of fabric. The Scot's tartan is a famous plaid, which is incorporated in some kind of fashion into many garments, accessories, and items of household decor.
Kilt Rental USA Has Got the Kilt Accessories You Need
Whether you need a kilt, jacket, sporran, plaid or anything in between, Kilt Rental USA has got you covered. Our family owned business has been proudly serving our local Scottsdale, Arizona customers and other clientele since 1998.
We know a thing or two about kilts and what should be worn with them. Contact Kilt Rental USA today for more information.
