New to kilt wearing? Figuring out how to wear an outfit so steeped in tradition and heritage can seem daunting.

Even if you've been wearing a kilt since you were a lad, remembering how to wear all the kilt accessories can be a challenge. 

The team at Kilt Society™ lives and breathes kilts. We're are all about helping you design and style the kilt outfit you want. That's why we've created this easy-to-use guide so you can rock your kilt with style, no matter the occasion.

The Basics

Kilt

Let's start with the basics, shall we?

Your kilt should be wrapped around your body with the pleats to the rear and the aprons overlapping at the front. The fringes should fall to your right-hand side.

A kilt is meant to be worn high on the waist (above your navel), causing it to drop down to the middle of the knee.

Shirt & Tie

We offer three types of shirts to pair with your kilt:

No matter which shirt you choose, it should be neatly tucked into your kilt.

Jacket & Vest

Whether you choose a casual three or five button waistcoat or decide to go full formal with a Prince Charlie jacket & vest combo, your selection should always complement the colours in your kilt. 

The jacket is normally kept open to show off the waistcoat's polished buttons.

Not sure what jacket you want? There's a guide for that too!

The Accessories 

Belt & Buckle

Kilt belts and buckles generally run wider than normal belts and are only needed when opting not to wear a waistcoat. 

Kilt belts are worn through the kilt loops at the rear and fastened on the front, above the sporran.

Sporran

Our sporran guide will help you figure out whether you're looking for a full dress, semi dress, or day sporran. 

The chain strap should be brought through the kilt loops at the rear so the sporran can be worn at the front. 

Fly Plaid & Brooch

The fly plaid is a great way to add an extra level of formality to your kilt (and to really make you stand out from the crowd). 

Your fly plaid will typically match your kilt's tartan and is worn over your left shoulder. You secure the fly plaid to your jacket using a plaid brooch. 

Kilt Pin

The kilt pin is both decorative and functional. It adds a special touch to your kilt outfit, but also helps the front of your kilt from blowing open (especially important if you're opting to go au naturel).

Your kilt pin shouldn't be used to keep your kilt closed, however, as doing so may damage the kilt and alters the way it hangs. Instead, fix your pin to the top layer of cloth on your right-hand side.

Flashes

Flashes are worn to the side of the calf and help keep your hose from falling down. The garter should be hidden by the top of the hose.

Flashes are great for adding some extra colour to your look. You can choose flashes in a matching tartan or a complementary solid colour - whatever suits your style!

Hose

Like your other accessories, your Kilt Hose should complement the colour of your chosen tartan and jacket. We offer everything from basic Kilt Hose to Scotland-inspired designs, like our luxury Hebridean Kilt Hose.

Whichever design or colour you choose, your hose should be worn to the bottom of the knee with the decorative top folded down. 

Sgian Dubh

If you're really going for that historical look, a Sgian Dubh is a must. It should be worn tucked into your hose, on either leg, at the side of the calf. The top of the handle should stick out from the top of the hose. 

Brogues

Finally, the Brogues - because no outfit is complete without a pair of great looking shoes. 

We've got a pair of brogues for any occasion - whether you're looking for comfort, a contemporary look, or something traditional. Boots or other shoes also work for a more casual look.

The long laces should be pulled tight. We like to tie them in a half-hitch (over and under), twist three to four times, and wrap them around the calf twice before tying at the side.

Still not sure?

The Kilt Society™ team loves making sure our customers look and feel great in their kilts. If you still have questions, get in touch - we'd be happy to help.