The kilt can be traced all the way back to the 1500s. Because the kilt has such a long history, there are many customs and traditions associated with it. The style of kilts people wear today has been around for about a century, and it has not changed much during that period. If you’ve never worn this Highland style before, and you’re preparing to buy a kilt for the first time, there are a few things you’ll want to know. Once you have a better understanding of men’s kilts, it will be easy to select a kilt that’s right for you.

The Essentials Of Men’s Kilts

The Pleat: This is a section of fabric that is stitched over itself, creating a fold. You’ll find a pleat on the back of many men’s kilts.

Apron: This is the panel at the front of the kilt. It is not pleated and overlaps with the rest of the kilt.

Kilt Straps: These are buckles that can be used to secure a kilt. They are located at the kilt’s side.

Kilt Pins: This pin serves a purely decorative purpose. It is located at the front portion of the kilt, along the apron.

Sporran: Historically, this is a purse made from fur. Modern kilts often feature a purse made from leather. This purse is typically worn at the front of the kilt.

Styles of Kilts

Walking Kilts: Sometimes referred to as small or Philbeg kilts, these kilts span from the waist to the knees. It is designed to cover the lower portion of the body and is the most popular style of men’s kilt.

Great Kilts: This is a full-length style of kilt. Because it is so long, it is possible to have the kilt cover both the upper and lower body.

Choosing The Right Tartan for Your Kilt

There are many different tartan patterns for kilts. These patterns are referred to as “setts.” This describes the colors of the kilt, its weight, its weaving pattern, and its thread count. The majority of setts aren’t trademarked, which means there are no legal restrictions on who can wear certain tartan patterns. However, there are social restrictions to consider. Most patterns are registered to a specific clan. If you do not know what your clan tartan is, you can utilize a site like House of Tartan to trace your roots. All you’ll have to do is enter your surname to find out what clan you’re a part of. This will help you to choose the right tartan sett for your kilt. If you can’t find a clan connected with your surname, you can try using the maiden names of your mother and grandmother. If you don’t have ancestral ties to a specific clan, there are also many universal tartans to choose from, like Hunting Stewart, Jacobite, Caledonian, and Black Watch. Kilts are a fantastic new born gift for a baby with Scottish heritage visit www.tartantweeds.co.uk/baby-kilt-outfit.

Men’s Tailored Kilts

Authentic men’s kilts are tailored to fit the wearer, just like a suit would be. If you buy a kilt off the rack, it won’t be sized correctly, and it may not be flattering. Furthermore, the kilt may not be mid-knee length. When a kilt is handmade, you can trust that it will fit you perfectly. A kilt is a garment you can wear on multiple occasions, and it’s likely to be worn around people that are familiar with men’s kilts. If you wear a poorly-made kilt, others will notice. To get the right fit for your custom men’s kilt, you must measure your waist and hips. You may also want to measure your rise, which is the distance that spans from your waist to your groin. When you have a great fit on your kilt, you can make sure you honor traditions every time you wear it.

What You Should Wear With a Men’s Kilt

If you’re wearing your kilt to a formal affair, the appropriate accessories are key. You should wear your kilt with a dress shirt, waistcoat, jacket, and tie. You should also wear hose, a type of knee sock that is traditionally worn alongside kilts. You’ll also want to make sure you have a kilt pin and sporran. For footwear, you’ll want to wear Ghillie brogues. Other items you could wear include:

Sock Flashes: These are pieces of tartan that are connected to your hose. Flashes should always match the tartan you are wearing.

Sgian Dubh: This is a type of ceremonial knife. Most of the knife will be concealed by your hose. However, the hilt will still be visible.