Selecting the right kilt is not about choosing a tartan that is appealing to the eyes alone. A Traditional Tartan Kilt should be appropriate for the event you intend to attend, comfortable, and able to enhance the look you would like to present. Depending on whether you are attending a formal event, cultural ceremony, a wedding or an informal occasion, selecting the right kilt may prove helpful to prevent common errors when making the choice.
Consider Your Occasion
Consider what occasion you will be attending while choosing your tartan pattern. The occasions which demand more formality will require a traditional look, while informal events will give you some liberty in choosing the tartan pattern. At weddings, you will be able to pair your outfit with a formal jacket, sporran, kilt hose, and even formal footwear, whereas your everyday outfit will not require that much.
In case the outfit is meant to be worn only sometimes, you can choose a flexible tartan which goes well with different shirt colours.
Choose Your Tartan
Tartan is one of the most obvious elements of the kilt. Take your time when choosing your tartan. There are many that are linked to certain Scottish clans or families, others to certain areas, institutions or Scottish people in general. If you have a connection with a specific tartan through your family history, then researching it may help you in making your choice.
Not everyone needs a family tartan. Those who have no Scottish heritage may choose any universal tartan or a tartan according to colour.
Pick Suitable Fabric
The fabric choice will determine the weight, look, comfort, and care required for the kilt. Wool is commonly linked with Highland attire and has a structured look, which makes it good for formal wear. Other fabrics such as wool blends and synthetic fabrics may be appropriate options for those who desire something lightweight.
One should also take into account the weather. The heaviest fabric would work best for cool weather, but it may be uncomfortable if the kilt is worn in warm outdoor settings. A lightweight fabric will be more comfortable to wear for a long period of time.
Check The Fit
Fit is of utmost importance since the kilt needs to stay secure while not inhibiting any movement. Make sure that you take your waist size correctly and not based on your usual trouser size, as this is where the kilt is supposed to sit. The required length is also important.
Adjustability is another thing to consider, since the ability to make small adjustments to the size of the kilt through things like leather straps and buckles is helpful.
Understand Pleat Styles
Pleating impacts how the kilt moves and looks. Knife pleating is one style that many people recognize in tartans, giving a tidier and more orderly appearance.
If you’re shopping for the first time, study pictures from all different sides. This will give you a better idea of what the pleating and shape will look like on someone wearing the kilt rather than just a frontal product picture.
Match Your Accessories
Accessories can help finish the look of a kilt suit, though care must be taken to make sure that accessories don’t overshadow the kilt itself. The sporran can add character and a place to store items, while a belt and buckle can provide some structure. The kilt hose, flashes, and shoes will further help the outfit resemble authentic Highland attire.
If it is a formal event, then a Prince Charlie or Argyll jacket would be more appropriate, otherwise a shirt with some accessories will do the trick. When selecting the accessories, the tartan colours must be kept in mind.
Review Construction Quality
The buyer should examine the construction features of the kilt supplied by the vendor. They need to ensure there is enough information about stitching, pleats, straps, buckles, materials, size, and customization options available. It is expected that a quality kilt will feature secure stitching and edge finishing and an easily adjustable fastener system.
Care instructions also matter, because certain materials require particular handling when washed and stored.
Think About Versatility
When purchasing your first kilt, versatility is much more important than opting for the most extravagant version. Think about whether or not the tartan will go well with the clothes that you already have, such as shirts, jackets, shoes, and any other accessories. Neutral colors will help you out a lot with your styling.
Versatility in the kilt can help you switch between parties, cultural festivals, dinners, and other occasions with some changes to your outfit.
Final Thoughts
Selecting a Traditional Tartan Kilt is made easy once you move away from the tartan and look at the whole outfit. The occasion, tartan background, fabric, measurements, pleats, construction, and accessories will all play their part in your choice. Take your measurements correctly, do a comparison of the fabrics, and select the tartan that suits your personality. By taking all these into consideration, you will find a kilt that suits you and is comfortable too. KiltsStore offers a range of tartan styles that can help you explore different options while making your choice.
READ ALSO: Fun Things to Do on a Family Getaway
