Kilt Jackets Explained
Kilt Society™ is all about helping you wear your kilt the way you want to. We're inspired by tradition but equally inspired by our customers' unique sense of style.
It can be difficult to navigate the world of kilt jackets. That's why the experts at Kilt Society™ have come up with this handy guide to help you discover the perfect jacket for your kilt outfit. We're here to tell you all there is to know about each type of jacket, where to wear it, and what to pair it with.
Prince Charlie Jackets
Prince Charlie jackets are the most formal style of kilt jacket. Think the kilt equivalent of a 'black tie' outfit.
They are traditionally worn with a wing collar shirt and bow tie. Occasionally, they are worn with a Victorian collar shirt and a ruched tie for a more contemporary look.
The Prince Charlie Jacket is usually made from a 15oz heavy worsted pure wool fabric known as barathea.
This jacket is heavily decorated, featuring ornate buttons on the front, sleeves and tails at the rear. It also usually has satin lapels and silk braided epaulettes. As such, it is usually only worn to special occasions like weddings and formal dinners.
Prince Charlie jackets are normally worn with a matching three-button waistcoat. The waistcoat features the same level of decoration as the jacket, with ornate buttons and satin lapels. They may also be worn with higher-fastening five-button waistcoats to complement a ruched tie.
Wearing a full dress sporran complements the formal nature of your Prince Charlie jacket.
Argyll Jackets
Argyll Jackets are the versatile equivalent of a traditional dress suit. They are less formal than the Prince Charlie but can be worn to formal and casual functions alike. Think formal, but not too formal - perfect for attending a wedding.
The traditional Argyll Jacket is most suited to evening occasions. Our Kilt Society™ Essentials collection are made with 150z Barathea new wool.
While less formal than the Prince Charlie, the Argyll jacket is still decorated with polished buttons on the pocket flaps and gauntlets (but not on the jacket's back). The lapels and epaulettes are usually plain and made from the same material as the jacket, although some manufacturers use a braided epaulette.
Pairing the Argyll jacket with a vest isn't necessary, but is rather a matter of style and occasion. Normally, an Argyll would be worn with a standard collar shirt and regular neck tie.
For a slightly more formal look, the Argyll jacket can be worn with a high-fastening five-button waistcoat. If going the formal route, we commend pairing your Argyll jacket with a Victorian collar shirt and ruched tie.
Argyll jackets can be worn with either semi dress sporrans or full dress sporrans for formal functions or leather day sporrans for a more casual look.
Braemar Jackets
The Braemar Jacket, also known as the Araca Jacket, is a great contemporary option. As a more stylised jacket, the modern Braemar is cut even neater than the other jackets we've mentioned.
This jacket is particularly popular among fashionable men looking for a fresher take on the traditional kilt outfit. We often see them popping up at proms and graduations.
Our Braemar jackets come with a matching five-button waistcoat for an extra polished look.
If wearing your Braemar jacket with a kilt rather than trousers or trews, we recommend pairing it with a day leather sporran. You can also opt for a semi dress or full dress sporran if you want a slightly more formal look.
Anything else?
Kilt Society™ jackets tend to run neat, so if you find yourself between sizes always be sure to go up.
You can find our full range of jackets here.
Still not sure?
The Kilt Society™ team would love to answer any of your kilt jacket related questions. Feel free to get in touch at hello@kiltsociety.com. Our full contact information can be found here.