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You are here: Home / Accessories / Kilt Accessories 2023 Guide: Scottish & Irish Kilt Accessories

Published on April 20, 2025 | Last updated on April 20, 2025 | By Harshad

Kilt Accessories 2023 Guide: Scottish & Irish Kilt Accessories

Kilt accessories are an important part of the modern Scottish kilt accessories set, also, a part of the Irish kilt accessories set, considered by some to be the manliest of all formal outfits as it is both bold and endearing.

What many people do not realize is that the kilt is a complex piece of clothing which needs to be treated with respect.

If you have Scottish or Celtic heritage, then a kilt should be an option for any formal gathering.

Of course, you should first understand when to wear the kilt as well as the history behind it.

Contents:

  • The Occasions to Wear Kilt Accessories
  • 1. Best Kilt Accessories Set: The Kilt
  • 2. Kilt Accessories: Kilt Jackets and Waistcoats
    • 1. Prince Charlie Jackets
    • 2. Argyll Jackets
    • 3. Day Jackets
  • 3. Scottish Kilt Accessories and Irish Kilt Accessories
    • 1. Tartan Neckties
    • 2. Kilt Accessories: Sporran
    • 3. Kilt Socks
    • 4. Ghillie Brogues
    • 5. Jacobite Ghillie Shirt for Kilts
    • 6. Kilt Belts Accessories and Buckles
    • 7. Kilt Flashes
  • 4. Kilt Accessories: Ornaments
    • 1. Kilt Pin
    • 2. Traditional Scottish Kilt Accessories: Sgian Dubh
  • In Conclusion

The Occasions to Wear Kilt Accessories

There are actually only three situations when the modern kilt accessories are appropriate.

The first is a formal event where black-tie attire is required.

This will include weddings and other formal gatherings such as funerals.

Another time when the kilt accessories are appropriate is during Scottish heritage events such as the Highland Games and Ceilidh.

The last situation is during Scottish National team sports such as football where fans become the tartan army.

During these events, the kilt is usually combined with a casual football shirt and chunky shoes which make up the uniform of the tartan army.

Some people wear kilts in more casual settings. 

However, this is frowned upon by many people and should be avoided.

Many people have taken to wearing utility kilts for casual activities, and this is not generally one of the occasions to wear a modern kilt with impressive kilt accessories.

1. Best Kilt Accessories Set: The Kilt

The usual form of the kilt is an 8-yard piece of wool cloth which has been hand-stitched and pleated.

The kilt will be durable and provide sufficient air flow through the pleats.

The pattern is typically tartan; usually the tartan colors of the family, and come with double buckles for the full wrap around effect.

The family tartan colors is a complex world of history and heritage. 

However, there are certain colors which relate to different activities, and this should be considered when looking at kilts.

Patterns with more white are considered dress colors; greener is for hunting, understated colors are for muted occasions.

Of course, the meaning of the colors may vary depending on the family.

Traditional Black Watch Tartan Kilt (Belly Button 34)
Traditional Black Watch Tartan Kilt (Belly Button 34)
  • Traditionally Kilts are fastened near BELLY BUTTON . DO NOT SELECT REGULAR PANTS/JEANS SIZES. Measure actual waist near belly button and select the size
  • ENJOY FREE FLASHES & KILT PIN Traditional 8 Yard 13 OZ Black Watch Tartan Kilt
  • Attractive Original Hardware Material Provides Long Life To Kilt , Black Straps to Adjust the sizes
Check More Details On Amazon

Last update on 2025-06-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

A kilt is traditionally worn around the midsection, just under the ribs.

This is much higher than trousers, and you need to consider this when looking at kilt lengths.

The end of the kilt should rest between the top and middle of the kneecap.

Any deviations from this would be an incorrectly sized kilt and would not keep with the traditions of the clothing.

2. Kilt Accessories: Kilt Jackets and Waistcoats

The clothing worn on the upper half of the body is important when looking at kilts as it must be appropriate.

It is possible to get a range of different kilt jackets, but there are three which you will commonly see.

These are the Price Charles jacket, Argyll jacket, and Day jacket.

All of the kilt jackets are wool and are made to balance the air circulation of the kilt with a warmer upper body.

It is a necessary part of the best kilt accessories set, and these jackets are available on Amazon.

1. Prince Charlie Jackets

Kilt Society Mens Scottish Black Prince Charlie Kilt Jacket & Vest
Kilt Society Mens Scottish Black Prince Charlie Kilt Jacket & Vest
  • Traditional Prince Charlie jacket, perfect with a kilt. Formal style of kilt jacket.
  • Made from 15oz Barathea new wool and finished with traditional polished buttons. Matching 3 button waistcoat included.
  • Kilt Society jackets tend to run neat, so if you find yourself between sizes always be sure to go up
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Last update on 2025-06-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Prince Charlie jacket is the most formal of the jackets.

This would be a good choice for formal occasions and any black-tie events. 

2. Argyll Jackets

Kilt Society Mens Scottish Grey Tweed Braemar Kilt Jacket & Vest
Kilt Society Mens Scottish Grey Tweed Braemar Kilt Jacket & Vest
  • Braemar jacket in grey tweed, perfect with a kilt. Great contemporary option
  • Made from 15oz pure new wool tweed and finished with imitation staghorn buttons. Matching 5 button waistcoat included
  • Kilt Society jackets tend to run neat, so if you find yourself between sizes always be sure to go up
Check More Details On Amazon

Last update on 2025-06-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Argyll is less formal than Prince Charlie and shaped in a more conventional way.

This is the most versatile of the jackets and can be worn in different situations, both form and informal. 

3. Day Jackets

House of Edgar Crail Highland Kilt Jacket and Five Button Waistcoat in Midnight Blue Arrochar Tweed - Long Fit
House of Edgar Crail Highland Kilt Jacket and Five Button Waistcoat in Midnight Blue Arrochar Tweed - Long Fit
  • The Crail Tweed Jacket and Waistcoat is beautifully made from 100% Pure New Wool. This jacket and waistcoat are available in three different colours, charcoal, midnight,...
  • The jacket has the following features: Single Button Fastening, Prince Charlie Cuffs, Plaited Epaulets, 2 Outside Pockets with 3 Button Scalloped Pocket Flaps, Chest...
  • The waistcoat has the following features: Five Button Fastening, High Neck Design, 2 Welted Pockets, Imitation Staghorn Buttons, Colour Matching Polyester Lining
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Last update on 2025-06-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Day jackets are the most casual of the jackets with a conventional shaping and are often made of tweed.

These jackets are also experimental regarding color and come in a range of greens.

Kilt Accessories Guide Scottish & Irish Kilt Accessories

3. Scottish Kilt Accessories and Irish Kilt Accessories

Many people believe that it is the accessories with the kilt that indeed makes them.

Accessories are usually small, and there are many that you can consider.

These will include neckties, socks, sporran, ghillie brogues, and more.

Here is the full list of accessories to wear with a kilt:

1. Tartan Neckties

IB 100% Wool Traditional Tartan Neck Tie - Royal Stewart
IB 100% Wool Traditional Tartan Neck Tie - Royal Stewart
  • Made in Scotland
  • 100% New Wool
  • Satin Lined
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Last update on 2025-06-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

When looking at neckties, there are three options which are appropriate with Highland clothing.

The most formal is a bowtie and will generally be black. 

Cravats matching or complimenting the kilt can be worn for more casual events.

The last is woolen or tweed ties which are worn for very casual situations.

This is an affordable and cheap kilt accessory for your traditional kilt set.

2. Kilt Accessories: Sporran

Embossed Black Leather Scottish Kilt Sporran With Pin Lock & Tassels
Embossed Black Leather Scottish Kilt Sporran With Pin Lock & Tassels
  • Made of genuine black leather
  • Three Tassels on the front
  • Pin lock to secure the flap
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Last update on 2025-06-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The sporran is the manliest bag possible and a traditional part of the kilt.

The bag was traditionally made of the hair of an animal that the wearer had killed.

The pouch is loosely chained around the waist and rests in the front.

It is possible to find simple Sporran made from plain leather, but others are more elaborate and ornate. 

These ornate pouches are usually saved for special occasions and the leather ones used for more everyday situations.

3. Kilt Socks

UT Kilts Hose for Men, Traditional Scottish Socks, Ribbed Design, Pull Up To Cuff Over Kilt Hose Flashes, (USA Men's Shoe Size Large 11.5+, Black)
UT Kilts Hose for Men, Traditional Scottish Socks, Ribbed Design, Pull Up To Cuff Over Kilt Hose Flashes, (USA Men's Shoe Size Large 11.5+, Black)
  • A Stylish Tradition: Complete your Scottish ensemble with our long kilt socks for men, an essential component of traditional attire; Embrace your cultural heritage with...
  • Easy to Combine for a Polished Look: With our Scottish Kilt Hose, men can choose from a variety of colors to pair with your kilt; Whether it’s dark green, gray, red,...
  • Premium & Comfortable: Experience supreme comfort with our Scottish kilt socks, designed to wick away moisture and prevent blisters; Crafted from soft materials, each...
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Last update on 2025-06-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The socks worn with the kilt are called kilt hoses and are made from wool.

These long and thick socks were traditionally cream and worn with formal kilts.

However, more modern kilt wearers choose to have black socks with both being appropriate for formal wear.

Colors other than cream and black are usually reserved for casual events when you would be wearing your Day jacket. 

4. Ghillie Brogues

Ghillie Brogues are seen as the only option when wearing a kilt to a formal event and they can be a nightmare.

These shoes are leather with a metal insert in the heel and laces that go halfway up the calf.

The laces are twisted around multiple times offering an accent to the outfit and ensuring that you can make the noise you should on the dance floor.

5. Jacobite Ghillie Shirt for Kilts

UT Kilts Jacobite Ghillie Shirt Cream X-Large
UT Kilts Jacobite Ghillie Shirt Cream X-Large
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Last update on 2025-06-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

There are traditional kilt shirts, called ghillie shirts and Jacobite shirts, that should be worn for formal events.

These shirts have a winged collar and are suited to bow ties and cravats.

If you are going to be dressed in a straight tie, then a regular shirt is acceptable.

6. Kilt Belts Accessories and Buckles

Tartanista Mens Black Kilt Belt & Buckle Size L - 36' - 45' (91-114cm)
Tartanista Mens Black Kilt Belt & Buckle Size L - 36" - 45" (91-114cm)
  • Mens Kilt Belt & Buckle
  • Pig's grain leather
  • Choice of Celtic, Thistle or Lion Rampant silver chromed buckle
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Last update on 2025-06-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Belts and buckles are not always necessary.

These accessories are usually only required when a waistcoat is not part of the outfit.

They are matched with Argyll jackets and a bow tie or straight tie.

7. Kilt Flashes

Tartanista Mens Green Irish Tartan Pointed Kilt Sock Flashes
Tartanista Mens Green Irish Tartan Pointed Kilt Sock Flashes
  • Flashes are mounted on white elastic with velcro adjusters and fit all sizes up to 20" (51cm)
  • (Pairs may vary slightly - not identical)
  • Backed with stiffener for firmer hold
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Last update on 2025-06-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Kilt flashes can be bought in solid colors or patterns to match the kilt tartan.

The flashes are worn on the outside of the calf with a garter hidden under the fold of the socks.

4. Kilt Accessories: Ornaments

About kilts, ornaments are very different to accessories and are authentic pieces of tradition.

These items will include some of the best kilt pin and Sgian Dubh knife. 

Each of these ornaments needs to be placed correctly, and you need to understand the symbolism and meaning behind them.

1. Kilt Pin

New Stag Head Kilt Pin Crest Mounted Chrome Finish Kilt Accessory
New Stag Head Kilt Pin Crest Mounted Chrome Finish Kilt Accessory
  • New Stag Head Kilt Pin Crest Mounted Chrome Finish Kilt Accessory
  • Swivel Locking Pin on the Back
  • Size: 4" Long
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Last update on 2025-06-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The kilt pin can be likened to a brooch for your kilt and will traditionally be made of silver.

The pin will often be in the shape of a weapon of animal feet. 

The pin will be placed in the stop apron, and the positioning can vary.

However, the pin is usually placed an inch above the end of the kilt and an inch to from the side.

2. Traditional Scottish Kilt Accessories: Sgian Dubh

www.mysticalblades.com 9' Thor's Hammer Twisted Steel Celtic Sgian Dubh Scottish Dirk Wedding Athame Dagger with Red Ruby
www.mysticalblades.com 9" Thor's Hammer Twisted Steel Celtic Sgian Dubh Scottish Dirk Wedding Athame Dagger with Red Ruby
Check More Details On Amazon

Last update on 2025-06-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Sgian Dubh is a small dagger which is placed at the top of the sock.

This ornament was originally a sign of manners as you would bring your knife to dinner, but this is now seen as something more assertive.

The dagger can be plain or ornate with some carrying a family seal.

In Conclusion

There is a lot to understand about the modern kilt before you start wearing one.

It is important that you under the tradition behind the kilt and why it is worn.

The different occasions where it is appropriate should also be looked into along with the jackets that are traditionally worn.

The accessories you can pair with the kilt are important as they each offer an additional accent to the outfit and are usually reserved for certain occasions.

The two ornaments also have traditions and should not be used simply to finish the look of the kilt.

Filed Under: Accessories, Highland Wear, Kilts

About Harshad

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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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