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Home » Kilts » How To Wear A Kilt: Guide To The Casual And Official Kilt Wear

Published on February 8, 2023 | Last updated on February 8, 2023 | By Harshad

How To Wear A Kilt: Guide To The Casual And Official Kilt Wear

If you’re interested in attending an event that requires the wearing of a kilt, there is no need to panic.

Wearing a kilt is actually a lot easier than you might think, but as with other articles of clothing, there is a certain way to do it.

If you want to know how to wear a kilt, below are some easy tips for you that will help you wear it perfectly every time.

Contents:

  • Kilts Aren’t the Same as Pants or Skirts, and You Have to Learn How to Wear a Kilt.
  • 1. Lay The Kilt Out Correctly
  • 2. The Front of the Kilt Will be Open
  • 3. Buckle The Aprons Together
  • 4. Time for an Adjustment with the Right Kilt Accessories
    • Don’t Forget the Sporran.
    • Pins Contribute A Nice Added Touch
    • Sashes Make the Outfit Complete
    • Belts are Sometimes Included
  • Useful Tips:

Kilts Aren’t the Same as Pants or Skirts, and You Have to Learn How to Wear a Kilt.

First of all, a kilt is not worn the same as other items of clothing.

Although the bottom of the kilt will end up around the center-knee area, kilts are worn much higher than pants or skirts.

A kilt is made to be pulled up to the belly button area, so make sure that yours doesn’t go any lower than that.

This is also the best thing to do if you are wondering how to wear a kilt casually because a belly button-level kilt can have a more casual look overall.

1. Lay The Kilt Out Correctly

Start by laying the kilt out correctly, which means that the pleats will go to the back.

Spread it out fully on the floor so that you can see where the pleats are before you do anything else.

Make sure that nothing is folded over because you’ll want it spread out completely before you do anything else.

This is an important rule when learning how to wear a kilt.

2. The Front of the Kilt Will be Open

When you pick up the kilt and place it around you — again, with the pleats in the back — the front will be open.

With your right arm, wrap the kilt around your front area; notice that the right edge and left edge will meet up at this point.

You’ll also notice a small hole in the lining, and this is where a strap will go through in another step.

How to wear a kilt casually

3. Buckle The Aprons Together

More often than not, your right apron will contain a belt.

Pull the strap through until it’s on the outside and make sure that it’s comfortable.

Fasten that strap onto the buckle; it should meet the left waist’s outer edge. 

Ensure that your left hand is on your right hip, then take the strap on the left apron and tie it to the buckle on the right.

If there are two straps, make sure that you do the top strap first.

UT Kilts “The Standard” Men’s Kilt

UT Kilts 'The Standard Utility Kilt, Modern Kilt, Men's Kilt Black
UT Kilts "The Standard Utility Kilt, Modern Kilt, Men's Kilt Black
  • FOLLOW OUR SIZE GUIDE: Here at UT Kilts, we want you to choose the best-fitting kilt possible. Do not guess your size or order your jean size. Using a cloth measuring...
  • CHOOSE FROM 7 COLORS: Our 22-inch length utility kilt is available in 7 neutral colors: black, brown, dark blue, blackout, dark gray, olive green, and dark khaki. We also...
  • POCKETS & SNAPS FOR ACTIVE MEN: This kilt is made with quality poly-cotton material. Our utility kilts have side cargo pockets and brass studs. Anyone can enjoy the...
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Last update on 2023-03-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

This is a standard men’s kilt that comes in a variety of colors and sizes and has just the right number of snaps and pockets.

With brass studs and side cargo pockets, the kilt is both attractive and comfortable, not to mention high in quality.

One of the best kilts for men on the market.

The advantages of this kilt include:

  • Very well made
  • It comes in a variety of great colors.
  • It is a very reasonable price.

4. Time for an Adjustment with the Right Kilt Accessories

In learning how to wear a kilt, it is important to pay attention to every step.

In this step, you can adjust the kilt if you need to and use some important kilt accessories.

If the kilt is on correctly at this point, its fringed edge will be on the right side of the body.

The kilt itself will be perfectly centered.

If these things aren’t the case, you can make adjustments until you’re comfortable and everything lies the way that it’s supposed to.

Don’t Forget the Sporran.

In learning how to wear a kilt and sporran, all you have to do is attach the sporran’s strap to the loops in the back of your kilt.

The best kilt sporran should hang in the front of the kilt, and it should both be perfectly centered and hang below the belt at roughly the width of one hand.

You can also fasten the buckle in front of you, then turn the sporran around until it is in front of the kilt instead of the back.

Preview
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UT Kilts Scottish Kilt Brown Leather Sporran
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Last update on 2023-03-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Pins Contribute A Nice Added Touch

When wondering how to wear a kilt pin, just keep in mind it isn’t that complicated.

Kilt pins keep the kilt from flapping and offer a bit of decoration as well.

Kilt pins should only be placed on the front of the kilt, roughly four inches from the bottom hem and two inches from the side of the kilt.

From contemporary to traditional, you can easily find a kilt pin that is perfect for the occasion.

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AAR Shamrock Kilt Pin Antique Finish Highland Scottish Celtic Kilt
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Last update on 2023-03-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Sashes Make the Outfit Complete

For those wanting to know how to wear a kilt sash, it is good to know that there are actually different ways of doing this.

Much depends on the outfit or occasion itself, but sashes always start at the top of your shoulder.

It can be geared to the left or the right of your body, and you can attach it to your shoulder in many ways.

These include a pin, a brooch, or even tied.

The sash usually hangs down and can be tied close to the waist in various ways; again, the rules may be provided to you by the organization that is holding the event you’re attending.

Belts are Sometimes Included

Preview
KSUC Supplies High Quality Black Leather Plain Scottish Highland Kilt Belt With Celtic Design Chrome Buckle. (Extra Large)
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AAR Scottish Highland Kilt Belt Buckle Celtic Knot T Work Black Finish
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Last update on 2023-03-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

If your ensemble includes a belt, but you’re unsure how to wear a kilt belt, again, there is no need to panic.

Each belt will open and close a different way, but the important thing to remember is the location of the belt.

After your ghillie shirt and kilt are both on, look at the line where the shirt and the top of the kilt meet.

This is where your belt goes.

Once your belt is on, you should not be able to see where your shirt ends and your kilt begins.

That’s how you’ll know that the belt is on properly.

HOW TO WEAR A KILT A GUIDE TO THE CASUAL & OFFICIAL KILT WEAR

Useful Tips:

Learning how to wear a kilt is not difficult, but there are a few things that can help the process become a little simpler.

Below are a few of those tips.

  • Put your best ghillie shoes, kilt socks, and Jacobite Ghillie Shirt on before you put on your kilt.
  • Make sure that your kilt pin is in the correct location.
  • Make sure that the kilt is in an A-shape and the centerline is in the exact middle of the kilt.
  • Put your sporran on after the kilt is on.
  • Place the belt and buckle on next.
  • Put your waistcoat on and then your jacket.
  • Lastly, you should put on the tie or bow.

It isn’t complicated to learn how to wear a kilt, but if you put on the outfit in the proper order, both the kilt and the rest of the outfit will look much neater and better when you’re finished.

Filed Under: Highland Wear, Kilts

About Harshad

Hey,

My name is Harshad, and I like sharing useful bagpipe guides on CompareBagpipes.com.

With years of experience in listening and researching music, I now help others learn more about our traditional musical instruments.

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My name is Harshad, and I'm your guide and expert at CompareBagpipes.com!

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