Getting your Kilt Right in Edinburgh

A kilt isn’t a piece of clothing you should just throw on. One should know a bit about the famous Highlander garment first, at least how to wear it without embarrassing yourself.

Many Princes Street hotels Edinburgh has to offer are nearby some of the best kilt tailors and suppliers in Scotland. So whether you are buying or hiring, you are sure to be well outfitted.

The most common kilt wearing error is having the kilt hang below the knees, making it look more like a dress. Instead, you should show off some skin between the hose and kilt. This means the hose should be above the calf but not cover any part of the knee. In addition, white hose are not allowed unless you are in a pipe band. The sporran is also an essential part of the kilt, as the pouch serves as a substitute for the pockets which the kilt lacks. The sporran should be worn high and not midway down the kilt.

The kilt today is most commonly worn for formal occasions such as weddings or for traditional Scottish events. However, it is increasingly being used as an everyday garment. It is not uncommon to see carpenters or other workers in basic and utilitarian kilts. The difference between the everyday and evening wear kilt is very straightforward. The former has a simpler design, often the hose is plain and the sporran is plain leather. In contrast, evening wear is more embellished. Hose will often be diced or tartan design and sporrans may be decorated with silver trim and hair or fur tassels.

Wear your kilt properly and you will not be shunned at any luxury hotel Edinburgh or local pub. As a final note, although tradition is that a true Scotsman does not wear anything underneath his kilt, it has always been acceptable to wear underpants, even advisable in many social situations… or in high winds.