Intro: Kilts symbolize national identity and serve as a tribute to Scottish heritage. To show Scottish pride, you want to have the complete Kilt package with all the accessories included. This article will discuss:

  • The purpose of a Kilt.
  • All that’s included in a Kilt package.

Purpose of a Kilt

 

The kilt to Scottish Highlanders was a symbol of their heritage, rather than a versatile piece of clothing. A kilt is more than, what some may claim it to be, "a skirt worn by men”. It’s an all-purpose garment that can be worn for tough activities like hiking up a mountain to something more formal like a wedding.

A kilt gives complete freedom of movement with a neat, crisp appearance while displaying confidence and Scottish or Irish pride. This is especially in the Highlands of Scotland where the weather can often get pretty damp. The kilt had a tight weave of strong wool, thus creating a barrier between rain and skin. When certain armies of the past were fighting in Scotland, the kilt with its pleat provided protection for the soldier, a lot like armor would. When the nights became cold, this garment could easily be removed and was spread out to create a blanket. This was to keep the person who owned it warm.

Kilts are symbols of national identity and patriotism, with deep-seated historical and cultural roots. Scottish people everywhere show off their kilts and kilt accessories as a tribute to their heritage. Scottish people normally wear kilts to formal events and the competitors usually wear them at the Highland Games.

They often wore them to festivals, weddings, family parties, funerals and more. It’s adapted recently into an item of modern fashion wear while the accessories give off the “total look”. In the traditional Scottish Highland, participants, Highland Dancers and Highland Bands also wore these.

What’s Included in a Kilt Package?

 

For a completely authentic look, you’ll want all the kilt accessories that you’re supposed to wear with it. A kilt package includes:

  • Sporrans: This is from the Gaelic word “spleuchan” which means “purse”. Kilts do not have pockets, so at the very least you need to have a sporran to hold your significant items. The sporran is a small pouch that’s constructed of leather or animal hide. It had great simple designs and was gathered together by a drawstring at the top. Throughout the years they have evolved to have brass and silver catches. It even had traps set so that any thief would get punished for breaking in.
  • Belt & Buckle: This belt is usually made of black leather. The traditional ones are wider than most average belts. The reason for this is that 300 years ago, these belts were originally designed to carry things like sporran pouches, pistols, swords, daggers, etc. They were also meant to keep your Great Kilt closed. These days, we don’t carry as much gear, but the traditional kilt belt & buckle is still an easy way to dress up even a Casual Kilt. Be sure that the back of your kilt has belt loops before purchasing the belt.
  • Kilt Pin: This is a piece of jewelry that’s often worn on the front panel of the kilt to weigh it down and prevent it from falling open. These pins are meant to be small and decorative. ​​The kilt pin must be worn on the right-hand side of the front apron, at least 4” from the bottom of the kilt and roughly 2” from the fringe.
  • Hose: The Kilt Hose is knee-length woolen socks that are needed unless you’re going to a sports event or hiking. It can either be one simple color or a checkered pattern. These are generally worn pulled up, and the top stops about 1.5-2" beneath the bottom of the kneecap.
  • Kilt Knife: This is called a “Sgian Dubh” from the Gaelic meaning a “black dagger”. It is indicated that the word “black dagger” refers to the fact that centuries ago it was tucked away in clothing. It served as a weapon of self-defense. The small knife often has a decorative bone handle with a leather sheath. This knife is traditionally tucked away inside the top of a mans' socks (hose) as a traditional part of highland attire.
  • Shoes: The shoes are known as Ghillie Brogues. They’re sturdy leather shoes with shoe strings that tie around the ankle, while traditionally made without a tongue. They’re likely to have evolved from the early Highlanders’ footwear. They wrapped leather or hides around their feet, securing them with leather thongs.
  • Jackets: The most popular styles of jackets are Prince Charlie and the Argyll. Prince Charlie is a short-bodied jacket that’s also called a "coatee" and normally comes with a vest. This jacket is meant for formal occasions. The Argyll is a longer-bodied jacket that’s more adaptable than the Prince Charlie jacket. You can either wear it out to dinner or to a formal event. It’s best for occasions where a suit or sport coat is needed.
  • Fly Plaid & Brooch: This is pronounced “fly played”. The plaid connects to the left shoulder using a brooch or pin while hanging down the back. A plain or straight fringe, usually about an inch or the longer knotted fringe, can be used to make a fly plaid. The Knotted Fringe has a look of elegance, but also has a very labor-intensive process, meaning a premium price. Most people often wear this on formal occasions.
  • Jacobite Shirt: They are also called Ghillie shirts. This shirt is in general made of cotton or muslin with a leather face at the neck. It’s designed to be a historic or casual look. The lacing that wraps around the collar gives it both a stunning yet casual look. It is very lightweight and quite comfortable to wear.

Conclusion

Now that you know all the accessories that are included in a Kilt package, you can go shop for your own kilt package at Kilt Rental USA! We have a wide selection of kilt packages with plenty of accessories to best suit your needs. Browse our collection or contact us today for further information.