Related Articles: Round Table Tartan
A KILT IS AN UNBIFURCATED garment, i.e., not split between the legs. It does indeed take a bit of courage to wear a kilt if you’re not a traditional Scot. In fact, many more kilt wearers of non-Scottish origin appreciate the style and look a kilt represents. One thing is sure: it gives you freedom of movement.
There are a few things to consider.
➤ Pleats to the back
➤ Traditional kilts are worn on the waist, not the hips.
➤ The rest is up to you and the situation in which you will rock your kilt.
TIPS FOR SPORTING YOUR KILT:
A kilt can be dressed up for the most formal of occasions as well as worn casually. What other garment gives you this much choice?
🔶 1 Jacket: The choice depends on the occasion. Stick to a traditional black Prince Charlie or Argyle jacket for formal events. A plain black blazer will also work well.
It is entirely up to the wearer to use a waistcoat. The choice between black and tartan is altogether individual. Just ensure that the kilt’s tartan and waistcoat’s tartan match.
🔶 2 Kilt: Your kilt should have pleats to the rear and a fringed edge on the right-hand side. It should sit high on the waist, at the navel.
Kilt Pin: The kilt pin is decorative, a remnant from the great kilt, and is optional today.
If you have a favourite pin, plain or highly ornate, it should be placed on the outside apron only and not used to pin the two layers together. Otherwise, you may inadvertently tear your kilt.
Shirt: Anything that matches the tartan or the occasion is fine, especially if you intend to wear your kilt casually. For formal occasions, the normal guidelines for suits and ties apply, but you have more freedom.
To create a modern look, wear a Victorian collar shirt with a Ruche tie or a self-tied stylish Windsor knot. You can also try a bow tie with a Victorian collar shirt. For a formal “country” look, wear a tweed jacket with a business collar shirt and a knit tie. If you opt for a bow tie, please learn how to tie it yourself. Nothing says the party is about to start more than a properly tied bow tie and an undone top button.
🔶 3 Belt: A good, heavy broad belt nicely finishes off the waist. Opt for a bold buckle. Belts are optional when wearing a kilt with a waistcoat.
🔶 4 Sporran: The sporran is the goody bag worn in front of the kilt. It should be positioned around 12 to 15cm below the top of the kilt. You can choose between sporran loops and a sporran chain. The latter tends to chafe the kilt, so it’s not always the best option. The loops ensure that your sporran is always at the right height.
Sporrans can be minimalist or highly elaborate. Choose one that accommodates most of the items you need to have with you.
It is best not to wear a furry sporran unless made from bovine hair. This is not only to conserve furry animals but also to protect your wardrobe. The hair on a sporran is an ideal place for moths to lay eggs, and bringing them into your house can lead to a disaster in the next season.
🔶 5 Kilt Hose: Let the colour of your hose match the occasion and the overall look you want to achieve. Ensure the socks are long enough for a fold-over and fit 3cm under the knee.
For formal events, wear black hose, as cream socks with a white shirt don’t go well together.
For anything else, who cares? Ditch the socks altogether and go barefoot.
🔶 6 Shoes or Boots: Match your footwear with the occasion.
Traditional brogues are perfect for a formal highland event. Still, at the end of the day, a pair of well-fitted, nicely-cleaned boots is often the best option.
🔶 7 Hose Flashes: Flashes or garters are there to keep your socks up and add a nice finishing touch. Wear them at 11 o’clock on the left and 1 o’clock on the right.
Sgian Dubh: Meaning “little black knife.” It is worn tucked into the hose at the side of the calf, with the handle of the Sgian Dubh protruding from the hose about 5 to 7cm. Wear it on the right leg if you are right-handed and on the left if left-handed. Many countries consider it a weapon, and some venues may not allow you to carry it. These days, few people actually bother wearing it due to these risks. Just don’t substitute it for a comb.
Plaid: If you want to add drama to an already stylish outfit, get a plaid to wear with your kilt.
It is a frayed square piece of tartan worn at the bias under the left epaulette of the jacket and pinned to the jacket. Not more than a quarter of the plaid should be in the front. Be mindful not to catch it in the car door and ruin it that way.
Underwear: If you’re renting a kilt, keeping your underwear on is advisable. You have no idea who wore it before you, and neither do you or the next customer of the rental company want those worries.
If you own the kilt, let the situation and season dictate your choice.
If you get asked what is worn under your kilt, the best answer is: “Nothing, it is in perfect working order.”
Please note that the tartan shown in the photos is not the official Round Table International Tartan. Many Round Table tartans exist, such as RTBI, RTI 1983, RT Sweden, RT Iceland, RT Germany, RT Estonia, and more.
For information on Round Table Tartans or to create your own for your association, don’t hesitate to contact Cargokilts at [email protected]
This article was written by the Owner & Master Weaver at Cargokilts, Egbert Harmse (South Africa), and was featured in the July 2023 issue of LEGACY
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