When shopping for a formal kilt, there are many important factors to keep in mind. The first is that the history of the kilt is a long one, and wearing one for a formal occasion means you’ll be taking part in that tradition. Therefore, it’s worth taking some time to learn about how to choose a proper kilt for a formal setting, how to wear one, and what accessories go with it.
Choosing the Right Tartan
Kilts were traditionally worn with colours and patterns known as tartans that reflected one’s membership in a given clan or family. Some of the oldest families in Scotland and Ireland, such as the Bruces and the Mackenzies, have tartans associated with their name, so if you bear some relation to these families, you may want to look for a formal kilt in their colours! Notably, for those with no particular familial relationship to Scotland or Ireland, or who aren’t certain of their ancestral history, there are choices such as the Black Watch or Caledonian tartan, which are appropriate for all.
Fitting Your Formal Kilt
Just as with a traditional suit, the difference between a casual look and a formal one can often come down to fit. A proper formal kilt should be worn at the level of the navel, never higher or lower. You should also ensure that the centerline of the kilt is adjusted to run perfectly in line with the buttons on your waistcoat. The pleats of the kilt are always worn in the back, and length of the kilt should go down to your knees. One note on this last requirement: it is virtually always preferable to have your kilt measured by someone else, because trying to gauge an appropriate length while the kilt is on your own body is very difficult. This is one case where it may well be appropriate to consult a tailor or someone who specializes in handmade kilts.
Setting it Off with the Right Accessories
What truly makes a formal kilt sing are the right accessories. Your kilt should ideally be paired with a nice leather belt in a neutral colour such as brown or black, and with an accompanying coat, waistcoat, necktie, white shirt, and hose. Depending on just how formal the occasion is, a formal kilt should be finished off with two very traditional touches: the leather pouch with fur tassels known as the sporran, and a small ceremonial dagger worn half-hidden in one’s hose as a nod to the garment’s military history.
O’Neil of Dublin is a purveyor of high-quality formal kilts, proudly serving the Dublin community since 1956.
