There is a right way to wear Highland dress, and once you know it, it is simple. This guide goes from head to toe, then covers what to wear for weddings, evening events and everyday.
The kilt
A kilt sits higher than trousers: the top edge should be at or just above the navel. The hem should finish around the middle of the kneecap. If it hangs below the knee, it is too long; if it shows the top of the knee, it is too short.
The two flat front panels are the aprons. The inner apron goes on first and fastens through a slot or with a strap on the opposite side; the outer apron wraps over it and buckles at the side. Tighten the straps evenly so the kilt sits straight, with the front centred and the pleats at the back.
Belt, sporran and pin
- Kilt belt. Worn through the kilt’s belt loops, with the buckle centred at the front.
- Sporran. Hangs at the front of the kilt from a chain or strap around the hips, about a hand’s width below the belt buckle. Use a leather sporran for daywear and a semi-dress or full dress sporran for formal events.
- Kilt pin. Goes on the lower corner of the outer apron, a few inches in from the edge. Pin through the outer apron only, never through both layers.
Hose, flashes and brogues
- Kilt hose. Pull them up and fold the top down so the cuff sits just below the knee, leaving a few inches of leg between the hem of the kilt and the hose.
- Flashes. Attached to the garters under the turned-down cuff, with the tabs showing on the outside of each leg.
- Ghillie brogues. The long laces wrap around the ankle a few times and tie at the side or front of the shin.
- Sgian dubh. The small knife traditionally sits in the top of the hose on the side of your stronger hand. Check the rules of the venue before you wear one.
Shirt and jacket
For formal wear, choose a white dress shirt with a bow tie or tie. For casual wear, a ghillie or kilt shirt with a laced neck is the classic choice. The jacket sets the level of formality:
| Jacket | Worn with | Occasion |
|---|---|---|
| Prince Charlie | Waistcoat, bow tie, full dress or semi-dress sporran | Evening events, black tie, most weddings |
| Argyll | Tie, with or without a waistcoat, semi-dress or leather sporran | Daytime weddings, formal day events, can also be worn in the evening |
| Tweed | Tie or open collar, leather sporran | Daywear, ceilidhs, country events |
For the most formal events, add a fly plaid pinned at the left shoulder with a kilt brooch.
Dress codes at a glance
- Wedding or evening event: 8 yard tartan kilt, Prince Charlie or Argyll jacket, waistcoat, white shirt and bow tie or tie, dress sporran, hose, flashes, ghillie brogues and kilt pin. See our Prince Charlie outfits.
- Formal daytime: tartan kilt, Argyll or tweed jacket with a tie, semi-dress or leather sporran, hose and brogues. See our Argyll outfits.
- Casual: tartan or utility kilt, kilt shirt or knitwear, leather sporran (optional with a utility kilt) and boots or brogues.
Need the whole look? Our complete outfits put the main pieces together for you.