One of the most well-known pieces of traditional Scottish attire, the kilt is a celebrated icon of Scotland’s rich culture and history. Still, even though many people think of kilts when they think of Scottish tradition, most people outside of Scotland have never actually worn one. It’s not until they receive an invite to a traditional Scottish wedding or heritage event that they get around to researching the clothing article in question. If you’ve recently found yourself in need of a kilt, be aware that there are several tips that will make donning it considerably easier. In your quest to wear a kilt with all the confidence of a true Scotsman, the following pointers are sure to prove helpful.
Think Twice Before Going Commando
When discussing kilts, many people raise the prospect of going “true Scotsman” – i.e. wearing a kilt with no underwear. While it’s true that some people still practice this tradition, it’s no longer considered the norm amongst regular kilt-wearers. It’s important to remember that when kilts first rose to prominence, most people didn’t wear undergarments with any attire. That being the case, don’t allow yourself to be pressured into going commando, especially if there’s even the slightest chance of exposure.
Wear a Kilt Pin
In addition to wearing underwear with your kilt, there’s another precaution you should take to prevent exposure – namely, wearing a kilt pin. Not only are these pins stylish and eye-catching, they can assist your kilt in providing the appropriate amount of coverage. Whether it’s a men’s or women’s kilt pin, it should be securely placed on the lower right-hand side of your kilt. By adding some weight to the open end, the pin will effectively keep the front apron pushed down, thus preventing any embarrassing slips or wind-assisted blow-ups. Anyone worried about exposure would be wise to invest in a good pin when shopping around for the right kilt.
Don’t Forget the Rest of Your Outfit
Because it’s not something that’s commonly seen outside of Scotland, the kilt is frequently regarded as the defining piece of Scottish formalwear. It should be noted, however, that the kilt is just one of many pieces of clothing worn to traditional Scottish events. For example, when attending a wedding, most men will wear dress jackets, stockings, garter flashes and ghillie brogues with their kilts. In addition, these other items should complement both your kilt and one another, thus ensuring a stylish and balanced outfit. Luckily, these corresponding pieces of clothing can be found at any store that sells kilts, much to the delight of shoppers who wish to purchase every piece of their outfit from one retailer.
Wearing your first kilt can present a number of challenges, particularly if you don’t know what you’re doing. Fortunately, donning a kilt doesn’t have to be a difficult undertaking. Provided you’re armed with the previously discussed pointers, you should feel perfectly at ease in your new kilt. Refusing to go commando, buying a stylish kilt pin and regarding the other pieces of your outfit with the same importance as your kilt are sure to serve first-time kilt-wearers well.