Paul Henry Kilts

There are many ways  to wear a kilt in a traditional way.

Although some people feel that the kilt should only be worn with a Prince Charlie Jacket and all the trimmings of a Victorian fashion plate, there are many more ideas that will make the kilt just as traditional. Kilts being worn in such a formal fashion didn’t really happen until well after the visit of King George IV to Scotland in 1822 , and all the attendant pageantry  largely thanks to Sir Walter Scott.

Over the following years many  guidelines were created for the wearing of the kilt, and some of these seemed very rigid. Today we are less bothered about these restrictions and choose to look and feel smart and comfortable.

A key way to help to make a traditional  but less regimented look is to pair it up with a smart jacket, such as an tweed Argyll, a simple shirt and tie, and hose with flashes. Of course a classic sporran will also help to create a smart and elegant look.  There is no need to have a Skean Dhu , or even a kilt pin, but a belt worn without a waistcoat helps to punctuate the outfit nicely

Realistically there are no rules, but as with a normal traditional three piece suit, very similar conventions would apply. Generally speaking traditional Scottish attire doesn’t revolve about matching everything to everything, but has a healthy  regard to using  existing accessories, so there isn’t always a need to go and buy a complete new wardrobe!