How to Wear a Kilt

Welcome to our guide on wearing a kilt, brought to you by Eight Yards. We are passionate about the Scottish tradition and making it easy for you to look great. Whether you're preparing for a special event or just want to showcase your Scottish heritage, we're here to help you get it right! If you haven't worn a kilt in a while or it's your first time, you may be wondering about the best way to wear it when the occasion arises.

Picking the Right Kilt for You

The first step in your quest for the perfect kilt is choosing the right one. At Eight Yards, we offer a wide range of kilts in different styles, so you can find one that suits your taste perfectly. Whether you prefer classic tartan patterns or something more contemporary, we’ve got you covered.

Our experienced staff at the kilt shop can assist you in ordering the perfect kilt for your occasion. Schedule an appointment in-store or contact us for online support.

Kilt Hire Company Scotland

As Scotland's leading kilt hire company, we have the expertise to help you look great for any special occasion, whether it be a graduation, business event, or party.

We offer in-person appointments with our staff who will advise you on the best options for your occasion.

Try Our Kilt Hire Service

If you're not ready to purchase a kilt, worry not! We offer kilt rentals, which are not only convenient but also economical.

 Whether it's for a wedding or a fancy party, we have a wide range of kilts available for rent that will make you look dapper without breaking the bank.

 As a Scottish kilt company with years of experience, you can trust that you're in good hands. To find out more about our kilt hire service click here: Get started with kilt hire.

Wedding Kilt Hire

If you're hiring a kilt for a wedding event we can help ensure your kilt is ready for you on the special day. Come into one of our stores to be measured up and have your kilt booked for exactly when you need it.

 We have years of experience with wedding hire so you’re in safe hands. If you need expert advice we can help. We have an excellent range of wedding kilts for hire, we will ensure you look great on the big day.

Wearing a Bespoke
Handmade Eight Yards Kilt

Discover the difference of a perfectly fitted kilt from Eight Yards. Our process begins with precise measurements, taken by one of our experienced stylists to ensure your kilt fits flawlessly at the waist and crucially the length.

But the fit is just the beginning. Purchasing your custom-made kilt requires attention to detail: Our dedicated team will help you add your own personal style to your kilt, from the materials, the pleating options, custom linings, fringes to name but a few options!

At Eight Yards, we pride ourselves in continuing to ensure that every single one of our made to measure 8 yard kilts are handmade by skilled kilt makers using premium materials sourced from Scotlands finest mills, our custom-made kilts embody tradition and quality.

With our expert guide, you'll feel confident and comfortable your kilt from the moment you put it on, ensuring you exude style and sophistication each occasion.

How to Wear a Kilt, Our Quick Guide

Before you put on your kilt, make sure you have all the right stuff. You'll need a sporran (that's a pouch), a belt, a Sgian Dubh (the knife!), and some socks. Oh, and don't forget a shirt and jacket that match your kilt!

Putting On Your Kilt

  1. Get Set Up: Lay your kilt out flat with the pleats facing down and the straps at the top.
  2. Step In: When you open the kilt up you will find it has three panels comprising of the pleats, which can be found in the middle, the inside panel found to the right off the pleats as you wear the kilt and the front panel which should end up covering the inside panel as the final part when worn properly to the left of the pleats. Be careful to ensure you don’t wind up with the pleats to the front! Wrap the kilt around you with the pleats to the back, then take the inside panel from your right to left fastening using the strap and buckle. Next, you will need to take the front panel from your left to right fastening the straps through the waist buckle. Your kilt may also have a hip strap here, which should be fastened loosely (if you pull too tight, the kilt won’t sit as nicely)
  3. Tuck Your Shirt in: – If you are wearing a shirt with the kilt, we recommend you tuck this in before fastening your kilt for the neatest look.
  4. Should My Kilt Cover My Knees?  Adjust the straps using the buckles for a firm fit around your waist. Your kilt should fit snugly and sit splitting the knee as you look straight ahead. Our advice is to get someone to help you judge the length because when you look down the kilt naturally drops giving you a false impression!
  5. Pleat Time: Once the kilt is on, arrange the pleats at the back so they look nice and even and make sure you have centred the kilt, so the front panel sits evenly showcasing the tartan pattern.
  6. Should I wear Underwear with My Kilt? This is a personal choice whether to ‘go commando’ or not. Most people nowadays will wear underwear with their kilts from a purely hygienic point of view. It’s much simpler to wash your boxer shorts! For hire, we always recommend wearing underwear.

Adding the Finishing Touches

To complete your kilt look, you'll need some accessories:

  1. Kilt Pin: The kilt pin serves both functional and aesthetic purposes, providing a wee bit of weight to the kilt while also enhancing its appeal and allowing for some flair. Positioned at the lower corner of the kilt (right-hand side as worn in a men’s kilt), it plays a crucial role in preventing the garment from billowing open on a typically windy Scottish day. Traditionally, it's recommended to place the kilt pin two inches in from the fringe. The bottom of the pin should sit 1 ½ - 2 inches from the bottom of the kilt.
  2. Sporran: Wear it at the front to hold your stuff.
  3. Belt: Optional and something we only recommend when wearing the kilt without a waistcoat. It keeps your kilt in place and adds a smart touch. There is a great opportunity to choose a buckle that enhances the look of your outfit.
  4. Sgian Dubh: This is a traditional part of the kilt outfit and is secured in your sock. Which leg is determined by which hand you wield your sword? Secure the Sgian Dubh inside the sock on the outside of your leg and leave the top two inches to allow access.
  5. Socks and Garters: Get some socks that match your kilt and use either plain or matching tartan garters to keep them up.

Once you have your outfit on it's time for the final checks, make sure everything is sitting right. For this part, you will need either a mirror or someone you trust. Look over everything and make sure your socks and laces look correct. If you have a shirt and tie, make sure they are sitting as you would expect.

Feeling great in Your Kilt

Once you're all dressed up, take a moment to appreciate how awesome you look in your kilt. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or just proud of your Scottish heritage, wearing a kilt is a great way to show it off.

 We've made a video tutorial on the proper way to wear your kilt that you can see here.

 At Eight Yards, we're all about keeping Scottish tradition alive and helping you look your best. Whether you're renting a kilt for a wedding or buying one to keep, we've got everything you need.

For more info on our kilt hire service or to check out our range of kilts for sale, visit our website or get in touch with us today.