Scottish attire and how to wear it

We feel it may be useful to make this section of the website a reference point to identify the many and varied pieces of Scottish attire but also to include how to wear tartan today. This Scottish Attire section will show not only how to wear certain pieces of clothing in a traditional manner but will explore contemporary uses of tartan that enables it to be worn comfortably in most social settings, enhancing our love of, respect for and pride in our Buchanan tartans.

For those who like to know the history of Scottish attire we have provided a section explaining the various garments and the origins of how they were originally worn and how these may have evolved over time.

Kilt selection

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Choosing & Wearing
a Kilt or Kilted Skirt

So, you’ve joined us at TheClanBuchanan and you need your first kilt (men) or first kilted skirt (women). 

So many decisions!  What type of kilt, what tartan, what weight, wool vs synthetic, and what length or style should I wear?

FAQ & Q&A

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Questions addressed by Stacy Harper (Georgia, USA) and Marie Gibson (Queensland, Australia) who have expansive knowledge and experience in the protocols of wearing tartan.

Both are open to questions from members on how to put together a new outfit based on what tartan and pieces of clothing a person already has or guidance on what to buy to establish a first or new outfit or an outfit for a very special occasion such as a wedding.

History of Kilts

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The history of the kilt stretches back to at least the end of the 16th century.

The kilt first appeared as a full-length garment whose upper half could be worn as a cloak draped over the shoulder, or brought up over the head as a hood.

The small kilt (similar to the 'modern' kilt) did not develop until the late 17th or early 18th century, and is essentially the bottom half of the great kilt.

The word kilt comes from the Scots word “kjalta” that means lap, fold of a gathered skirt.

Accessories

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Dress Codes

Proper wearing of Scottish Highland attire is essential. We must emphasize that we are wearing modern Scottish national dress not a costume.

A Kilt is effectively like a pair of pants, but unlike pants which change for the occasion, the kilt stays the same but it is how you dress it up that sets the tone as to whether its anything from casual/informal up to very very formal.